The heat is on! Who will be the next K12 National Cook-Off Champion?

From your kitchen to the national stage, the 2026 K12 National Cook-Off is firing up—and your student could be the next culinary star!

Is your K12-powered 6–12th grader a budding chef who loves to cook? Encourage them to enter the K12 National Cook-Off for a chance to win a trip to an in-person cooking competition in Arlington, Virginia.

Create an original dish that includes all of the following
– A protein like chicken, quinoa, or cottage cheese
– Something naturally red such as red bell pepper, tomato, paprika, or strawberry
– Something creamy such as peanut butter, yogurt, or sour cream
– A round-shaped ingredient like an orange, peach, or baby potato
– A spice or herb that is not salt or pepper (like basil, cinnamon, or garlic)
– Any other ingredients you want to add

Each submission must include
– A comprehensive list of all ingredients, specifying which ones meet the requirements outlined above.
– A description of why you chose to make the dish
– Preparation time, from set up to plating (no more than 1 hour)
– Three (3) photos of the dish
Mise en place (showing the ingredients and tools used to prepare the recipe)
In process (the dish as it is being prepared)
Completed dish (the final plated dish)
– Students will also have the option to submit a video of their completed dish.

A panel of judges will select five finalists, evaluating each entry based on
– How appealing and polished the final creation looks. (30%)
– How well the entry meets the guidelines. (30%)
– The originality and inventive use of ingredients. (40%)