Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE is a cooking competition series that celebrates the multiculturalism that makes American food unique and iconic. Ten talented home cooks from different regions of America have the opportunity to showcase their beloved signature dishes and compete to win the national search for "The Great American Recipe." From family favorites passed down through generations, to internationally influenced recipes that are quickly becoming mainstays of American cuisine, the series mixes camaraderie with competition, revealing rich personal stories and the inspiration behind the contestants' favorite recipes. Judges Leah Cohen, Tiffany Derry and Graham Elliot will bring their professional insights and deep culinary knowledge to encourage and support the contestants along the way. THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE premieres Friday, June 24, 2022 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings), culminating in the finale on Friday August 12, which features the finalists preparing an entire meal for the judges to make their ultimate decision. The winning dish will grace the cover of "The Great American Cookbook," which will also feature recipes from all of the contestants and the show's host and judges. The 10 competitors include: Bambi (age: 53; from: Winston-Salem, NC); Brian (42; Bowling Green, KY); Christina (42; Portland, OR); Dan (52; Providence, RI); Foo (48; Los Angeles, CA); Irma (45; Rochester, NY); Nikki (44; Boise, ID); Robin (68; Annapolis, MD); Silvia (49; San Luis Obispo, CA); and Tony (30; Minneapolis, MN).

The sophomore season of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE debuted on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings), with host Alejandra Ramos and judges Leah Cohen, Tiffany Derry and Graham Elliot returning for a second helping. THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE blends food, family and fun, highlighting the amazing variety of tastes and traditions from across the U.S. while capturing the roots of America's diverse cuisine. From family favorites passed down through generations to internationally influenced recipes that are becoming mainstays of American cuisine, the series mixes camaraderie with competition, revealing rich personal stories and the inspiration behind the contestants' favorite recipes. As with the first season, one of the winner's dishes will grace the cover of The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2, an official series cookbook, which feature recipes from the contestants, the host and the judges. Season 2 competitors are: Khela Brewer (Overland Park, Kansas); Maria Givens (Seattle, WA); Salmah Hack (Orlando, FL); Relle Lum (Maui, HI); Brad Mahlof (New York, NY); Abbe Odenwalder (Denver, CO); Ted Pappas (Western Springs, IL); Leanna Pierre (Norcross, GA); and Mike Thomas (Cleveland, OH).

Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE debuted on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings), with eight new home cooks, two new judges and one new location. Returning host Alejandra Ramos and judge Tiffany Derry are joined by Los Angeles restaurateur Tim Hollingsworth and Francis Lam at a new filming location in Nashville, Tennessee at Green Door Gourmet. Each week the judges determine which home cook has the winning dish and, in the final week, the top three compete for a chance to win this year's competition. With a wide-ranging variety of cooking styles influenced by their varied backgrounds -- from Alaskan to African, Chinese to Sicilian, Southern, German, Mexican and more -- Season 3's contestants represent the unique diversity of American home cooking. The chefs this season are: Mae Chandran (Malibu, CA); Marcella DiChiara (Franklin, MA); Tim Harris (Fort Mill, SC); Doug Heilman (Pittsburgh, PA); Jon Hinojosa (San Antonio, TX); Adjo Honsou (St. Louis, MO); Ingrid Portillo (Charlotte, NC); and Kim Sherry (Anchorage, AK).
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On Monday, August 12, 2024 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS premiered "The Grand Finale," the Season 3 finale of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, where the top three home cooks -- Marcella DiChiara, Jon Hinojosa, and Adjo Honsou -- share their most treasured dishes in an unforgettable final round. After eight weeks of sharing their most cherished family recipe and heartfelt stories one home cook will be crowned the winner of The Great American Recipe.