Tag: MasterChef US Junior Season 08

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. With season 8 underway, we’re once again, under the tutelage of host/judge Gordon Ramsay, seeing a new cadre of cooks getting their chance to shine in the MasterChef Junior kitchen. Following is everything we know about MasterChef Junior season 8.

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.

MasterChef US All Seasons
MasterChef US Season 11
MasterChef US Junior Season 08

Episode 01 | Episode 02 | Episode 03 | Episode 04 | Episode 05 | Episode 06 | Episode 07 | Episode 08 | Episode 09 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15 | Episode 16

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 cohost Daphne Oz replacing departing judge Christina Tosi.

Also, this season, the cheftestants 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 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 cohosts “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.

When was MasterChef Junior filmed?

Season 8 of MasterChef Junior was filmed in 2019, while host Daphne Oz was pregnant with her fourth child. Giovanna “Gigi” Ines Jovanovic was born August 14, 2019.

Can the home cooks on MasterChef Junior use recipes?

No, they may not. If there is a food they are unfamiliar with, they are allowed to ask questions before cooking begins, but no recipes are allowed in the kitchen.