Seven seasons of MasterChef Junior have proven just how talented children can be in the kitchen, often putting adults to shame with the creative culinary skills they display. It’s just a few weeks until Season 8 will begin, when once again, under the tutelage of host/judge Gordon Ramsay, a new cadre of cooks will get their chance to shine in the MasterChef Junior kitchen. Following is everything we know about Masterchef Season 8 to date.
When will MasterChef Junior return?
MasterChef Junior Season 8 will premiere on Thursday, March 17 on FOX.
What time is MasterChef Junior Season 8 on?
MasterChef Junior will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Who are the MasterChef Junior Season 8 judges?
Gordon Ramsay
The MasterChef veteran will return this season.
Aarón Sánchez
As will Sánchez, the award-winning chef, TV personality, cookbook author, and philanthropist.
Daphne Oz
They will be welcoming a new judge this season, Daphne Oz.
What is new for MasterChef Junior Season 8?
The switch in judges is the biggest change for Season 8 with former The Chew co-host Daphne Oz replacing departing judge Christina Tosi.
Also, this season, the contestants will take the show on the road, cooking at both a renaissance fair and motocross track. In addition, Ramsay’s daughter Tilly will make another guest appearance. This time for a special donut contest.
Who is the new Masterchef Junior judge Daphne Oz?
Oz, who is the daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz, has carved out her own niche as a TV personality, chef, and best-selling author. She was one of the cohosts of ABC’s The Chew for six seasons and she currently co-hosts “The Dish on Oz” on The Doctor Oz Show. Her other frequent TV appearances include TODAY, Rachael Ray, and Beat Bobby Flay. In addition, Oz is the New York Times best-selling author of Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun and mother of four.
Who are the MasterChef Junior contestants for Season 8?
A’Dan
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Signature Dish: Grilled Salmon with Steamed Broccoli & Mashed Potatoes
Culinary Dream: Open a vegan restaurant
Abir
Hometown: San Ramon, CA
Signature Dish: Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto & Meatballs
Culinary Dream: Write a cookbook that teaches people how to add a punch of flavor
Andrew
Hometown: Superior Township, MI
Signature Dish: Pan-seared Filet Mignon with Baked Potato & S’More Brownies
Culinary Dream: Open a hockey-themed establishment in Michigan, where he will serve all kinds of sweets
Blake
Hometown: Darien, IL
Signature Dish: Teriyaki Salmon with Steamed Asparagus
Culinary Dream: Go to a famous culinary school in Italy or France & become a famous chef
Ciara
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Signature Dish: Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Sauce & Cheesy Potatoes with Zucchini
Culinary Dream: Own a bakery that offers classes to kids with disabilities
Cruz
Hometown: Porter Ranch, CA
Signature Dish: Papa La Huancaina, a Spicy Sauce Made from Peruvian Chili & Cheese over Boiled Potatoes
Culinary Dream: Open a restaurant; become a famous food critic
Eva
Hometown: Sag Harbor, NY
Signature Dish: Roasted Shrimp Salad with Roasted Yellow & Red Peppers
Culinary Dream: Own a 3-Star Michelin Restaurant
Freddy
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Signature Dish: Fried Chicken Sandwich with Pepper Jack Cheese & Spicy Coleslaw
Culinary Dream: Own a restaurant franchise in Philadelphia
Grayson
Hometown: Austin, TX
Signature Dish: Pan-seared Duck Breast with Duck Fat Potatoes, Asian Pears and Blackberry Gastrique
Culinary Dream: Open a technique-driven, ingredient-focused restaurant in Los Angeles, serving Japanese French fusion cuisine
Ivy
Hometown: Darien, CT
Signature Dish: Grilled Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables
Culinary Dream: Write her own cookbook with recipes inspired by fashion icons
Jillian
Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Signature Dish: Grilled Shrimp with Lemongrass Tomato Sauce over Pasta
Culinary Dream: Write a kids cookbook teaching healthy and tasty recipes
Liya
Hometown: Scarsdale, NY
Signature Dish: Pork Dumpling with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Culinary Dream: Open a restaurant that serves hibachi & sushi
Maclain
Hometown: South Salem, NY
Signature Dish: Linguini Carbonara in a Light Cream & Egg Sauce with Bacon
Culinary Dream: Open a patisserie in the Northeast
Molly
Hometown: Springfield, MO
Signature Dish: The Molly Burger: Wagyu Beef topped with Cheese, Bacon & a Worcestershire-based Sauce with a side of Hand-Cut French Fries
Culinary Dream: Open a restaurant in Springfield called “Molly Moos,” that serves southern comfort and Italian dishes
Starla
Hometown: Bay Minette, AL
Signature Dish: Doritos-crusted Chicken Breast with a side Caesar Salad
Culinary Dream: Open a food truck serving mini pancakes and waffles with southern fried meats
Tegan
Hometown: Billings, MT
Signature Dish: Pan-seared Chicken Breast with Sautéed Veggies & Rice
Culinary Dream: Open a restaurant
What does the MasterChef Junior winner get for Season 8?
The prize for MasterChef Junior Season 8 is the MasterChef Junior trophy and $100,000 grand prize. But because of the contestants’ young ages, the money is normally put into a trust account and they don’t have access to the funds until they turn 18.
Where is MasterChef Junior filmed?
The kitchen set for MasterChef Junior is located in a studio facility in the San Fernando Valley in California.
Is there a MasterChef Junior Season 8 trailer?
Here is a first look at what to expect this season:
Can the home cooks on MasterChef Junior use recipes?
No, they may not. If there is the food they are unfamiliar with, they are allowed to ask questions before cooking begins, but no recipes are allowed in the kitchen.
Where can I watch or stream MasterChef Junior Season 8 on TV or online?
Until MasterChef Junior returns for Season 8 to FOX, the first seven seasons are all available on Hulu.
Who won MasterChef Junior Season 7?
The victor was 13-year-old Che Spiotta from Boiceville, N.Y., who began cooking when he was three or four years old. His interest was sparked by the fact that he needed to be gluten-free, so there weren’t a lot of things he could eat. With help from his dad, Spiotta learned how to cook new and different foods and has since developed a passion for cooking.
His winning menu consisted of an appetizer of pan-seared Santa Barbara prawns and cuttlefish on a bed of polenta with Calabrian chili powder; a veal saltimbocca with fingerling potatoes and a spring pea ragout with mushroom jus entrée; and a flourless chocolate, olive oil cake with an orange glaze, fresh ricotta cream and pistachio tuile for dessert.
