Gordon Houston

In the first mystery box challenge of the season, the Top Finalists will have 90 minutes to prep and cook a unique and impressive dish, using mainly dessert ingredients. The winner of the mystery box will have a significant advantage in the next round, deciding which classic American dish the remaining contestants will have to prepare in the elimination round. Find out who will rise to the occasion and whose dream of becoming America’s next MASTERCHEF will come to an end.

It’s the ultimate culinary war when the remaining 20 home cooks compete in the biggest field challenge in MASTERCHEF history: feeding an army of 500 servicemen and women on a desert army base. In their first team challenge, the contestants will split into two teams – the red team and the blue team – to create a hearty meal including one protein and two side dishes. Tempers flare as both teams struggle with consistency, and every dish counts as the troops will vote for their favorite dish and determine the winning team. Later, the losing team will face an intense pressure test featuring the all-American classic, blueberry pie. Find out whose dessert will prove to be a victory and who will be sent home.

In their second mystery box challenge this season, the competition livens up when the Top 18 contestants take on an intimidating seafood challenge. The winner of the mystery box will have a significant advantage in the next round and determine which classic dessert the remaining contestants will have to prepare in the elimination round. Find out whose dessert will lead them to a sweet success and who will be sent home.

In the next team challenge, contestants must prepare an upscale seafood menu for a beachfront wedding. After an emotional challenge, tensions are high, but both teams complete their dinner for the wedding guests. The team who most successfully finishes the dinner is safe from elimination, while the losing team faces the pressure test featuring a traditional American meal with steak and fries. Find out who will stay and who will be sent home.

In the next challenge, the remaining 14 home cooks will split into two teams and take command of the kitchen at Dinah’s, one of the busiest and most iconic diners in Los Angeles. The stakes are high as the contestants will prepare classic American fare for the restaurant’s regular diners. The team that receives the most customer tips will be safe from elimination, while the losing team members will face an intense pressure test, during which they must make an elegant and delicious three-layer red velvet cake. Find out which contestant will rise to the challenge and whose efforts will fall flat.

In the next mystery box challenge, contestants must prepare a unique dish using various canned foods. The winner will have a significant advantage in the next round and, with the help of MASTERCHEF winner Luca Manfe and MASTERCHEF JUNIOR winner Alexander Weiss, determine which former MASTERCHEF champion’s specialty dish each contestant will prepare in the elimination round. Find out who will stay and who will be sent home.