The N.C. State Fair is inviting home cooks from across North Carolina to participate in the 2025 Home Chef Challenge. The event, held annually, encourages residents to showcase their culinary skills through a series of themed cooking competitions.
“We love seeing all of our home chefs come out each year with their recipes. The Home Chef Challenge has become an important part of the fair and a fan favorite,” said Kent Yelverton, fair director. “We are excited about this year’s competitions, featuring food categories such as the ‘EGG-stravagant Quiche challenge’ and ‘Not Your Classic BLT Sandwich.’”
The contests are open only to amateur cooks who reside in North Carolina. Professional chefs are not eligible to enter. Competitions will take place daily during the fair in the Dorton Arena North Side Lobby, with prizes of $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.
This year’s schedule includes several distinct challenges:
– “Keep Your Eye on the PIEze” No Bake Pie Challenge presented by N.C. State Athletics/Primetime with the Pack (Oct. 16)
– Sheetz Street Taco Challenge presented by SHEETZ (Oct. 17)
– Savory with Some Spirit Challenge presented by Distillers Association of North Carolina (Oct. 18)
– “Smoke Em Up” Smoked Turkey Breast Challenge presented by Kindled Provisions (Oct. 19)
– “Sugar Showdown” Candy Challenge presented by N.C. State Fair (Oct. 20)
– “EGG-stravagant Quiche” Challenge presented by Wegmans (Oct. 21)
– America 250th– Celebrating the Great American State Fair Food Challenge presented by Mike and Amanda, Your Q Morning Crew, 94.7 QDR (Oct. 22)
– Pig On A Stick Challenge presented by Smithfield Foods (Oct. 23)
– “Soups On” Chicken Soup Challenge presented by N.C. State Fair (Oct. 24)
– “Salsa Showdown” Salsa Challenge presented by North Carolina PTA (Oct. 25)
– “Not Your Classic BLT Sandwich” BLT Challenge presented by N.C. State Fair (Oct. 26)
Participants must bring two printed copies of their recipe along with their entry dish on competition day; mailed or emailed recipes will not be accepted and all submitted recipes become property of both the N.C. State Fair and contest sponsors.
Each contestant will receive two gate tickets and a parking pass for Lot C at Carter-Finley Stadium but must transport their entry themselves.
Further details about competition rules and required forms can be found on the Home Chef Challenge tab at www.ncstatefair.org.
The fair runs from October 16 through October 26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh and features free entertainment, rides, games, animal exhibits, family activities, vendors, competitions and a variety of food options unique to North Carolina.
