40 junior home cooks come to Los Angeles, ready to compete. The junior home cooks are split up into two groups – girls and boys. All 20 girls are tasked with making a flawless medium-rare filet mignon dish, while the boys must prepare the perfect chicken breast dish. Only 12 winners from each group will earn an apron and a chance to move on. The competition is tougher than ever as the judges separate the best junior chef-testants from all the rest.

The Top 24 face their first mystery box challenge of the season, during which they must cook dishes using ingredients that start with each letter of the alphabet. The winner receives a huge advantage in the elimination challenge. Later in the MASTERCHEF kitchen, the contestants must prove their technical skills as they are tasked with crafting a French classic - fruit tart. Then, it is up to the judges to decide who stays and who goes home.