Gordon Ramsay returns as host, judge and mentor for season 8, joined once again by Aarón Sánchez, with wellness advocate and author Daphne Oz replacing Christina Tosi as the third judge who will oversee the young hopefuls. Season 8 will find the 16 home cooks whipping up a meal for diners at a historical renaissance fair, participating in a WWE-themed episode, competing to see how they size up to monster trucks at a motocross track, and welcoming Gordon’s daughter, Tilly Ramsay, into the kitchen for a donut challenge—and it all starts on night one with a mystery ingredients challenge. Here are the 16 MasterChef Junior competitors and their signature dishes:
MasterChef Junior Contestants
A’Dan
Hometown: AtlantaSignature Dish: Grilled Salmon with Steamed Broccoli & Mashed PotatoesCulinary Dream: Open a vegan restaurant
Abir
Hometown: San Ramon, CaliforniaSignature Dish: Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto & MeatballsCulinary Dream: Write a cookbook that teaches people how to add a punch of flavor
Andrew
Hometown: Superior Township, MichiganSignature Dish: Pan-seared Filet Mignon with Baked Potato & S’More BrowniesCulinary Dream: Open a hockey-themed establishment in Michigan, where he will serve all kinds of sweets
Blake
Hometown: Darien, IllinoisSignature Dish: Teriyaki Salmon with Steamed AsparagusCulinary Dream: Go to a famous culinary school in Italy or France & become a famous chef
Ciara
Hometown: Bakersfield, CaliforniaSignature Dish: Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Sauce & Cheesy Potatoes with ZucchiniCulinary Dream: Own a bakery that offers classes to kids with disabilities
Cruz
Hometown: Porter Ranch, CaliforniaSignature Dish: Papa La Huancaina, a Spicy Sauce Made from Peruvian Chili & Cheese over Boiled PotatoesCulinary Dream: Open a restaurant; become a famous food critic
Eva
Hometown: Sag Harbor, New YorkSignature Dish: Roasted Shrimp Salad with Roasted Yellow & Red PeppersCulinary Dream: Own a 3-Star Michelin Restaurant
Freddy
Hometown: Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaSignature Dish: Fried Chicken Sandwich with Pepper Jack Cheese & Spicy ColeslawCulinary Dream: Own a restaurant franchise in Philadelphia
Grayson
Hometown: Austin, TexasSignature Dish: Pan-seared Duck Breast with Duck Fat Potatoes, Asian Pears and Blackberry GastriqueCulinary Dream: Open a technique-driven, ingredient-focused restaurant in Los Angeles, serving Japanese French fusion cuisine
Ivy
Hometown: Darien, ConnecticutSignature Dish: Grilled Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Roasted VegetablesCulinary Dream: Write her own cookbook with recipes inspired by fashion icons
Jillian
Hometown: Yonkers, New YorkSignature Dish: Grilled Shrimp with Lemongrass Tomato Sauce over PastaCulinary Dream: Write a kids cookbook teaching healthy and tasty recipes
Liya
Hometown: Scarsdale, New YorkSignature Dish: Pork Dumpling with Spicy Garlic SauceCulinary Dream: Open a restaurant that serves hibachi & sushi
Maclain
Hometown: South Salem, New YorkSignature Dish: Linguini Carbonara in a Light Cream & Egg Sauce with BaconCulinary Dream: Open a patisserie in the Northeast
Molly
Hometown: Springfield, MissouriSignature Dish: The Molly Burger: Wagyu Beef topped with Cheese, Bacon & a Worcestershire-based Sauce with a side of Hand-Cut French FriesCulinary Dream: Open a restaurant in Springfield called “Molly Moos,” that serves southern comfort and Italian dishes
Starla
Hometown: Bay Minette, AlabamaSignature Dish: Doritos-crusted Chicken Breast with a side Caesar SaladCulinary Dream: Open a food truck serving mini pancakes and waffles with southern fried meats
Tegan
Hometown: Billings, MontanaSignature Dish: Pan-seared Chicken Breast with Sautéed Veggies & RiceCulinary Dream: Open a restaurant MasterChef Junior season 8 premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT on March 17 on FOX. Next, Cute Kids in the Kitchen! Everything We Know So Far About MasterChef Junior Season 8
