The N.C. State Fair will once again host its Home Chef Challenge, inviting North Carolina residents to participate in a series of cooking competitions during the 2025 event. The fair, known for promoting local commodities and agricultural products, features these contests as a central attraction for amateur cooks.
“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 Home Chef Challenge is open exclusively to non-professional chefs who live in North Carolina. Each day from October 16 to October 26, a different competition will take place in the Dorton Arena North Side Lobby at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Winners can earn $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.
This year’s schedule includes challenges such as “Keep Your Eye on the PIEze” No Bake Pie Challenge on October 16, Sheetz Street Taco Challenge on October 17, Savory with Some Spirit Challenge on October 18, and several others including smoked turkey breast, candy making, quiche, state fair food creations, pig on a stick, chicken soup, salsa, and BLT sandwiches.
Participants must bring two printed copies of their recipe along with their dish on the day of their chosen contest. Entry tags provided by organizers must be attached to each recipe copy. Recipes submitted become property of both the N.C. State Fair and contest sponsors.
Contestants will receive two gate tickets and a parking pass for Lot C at Carter-Finley Stadium but are responsible for transporting their entries to the contest location themselves.
More information about rules and entry forms is available under the “Home Chef Challenge” tab at www.ncstatefair.org.
The N.C. State Fair runs from October 16-26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The event features free entertainment options alongside rides, games, animal exhibits, family activities, vendor booths and food offerings unique to North Carolina. Additional details can be found at www.ncstatefair.org.
