Home Chef Challenge

Welcome to the Home Chef Challenge Competition Department!

Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
Registration Closes: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
Competition Location: Dorton Arena - North Lobby
Entry Check-In & Judging: Please view the Premium Book for specific Check-In and Judging schedule for each day.
The N.C. State Fair General Fair Rules & Regulations apply.
Open to both Amateur and Professional cooks residing in North Carolina.
Exhibitors are allowed one entry per Class.
Participants will prepare their entry at home and bring it to the Fair on the day of the challenge to be assessed by a panel of judges.
Exhibitors must be present to win.
A different challenge category will be held each day of the Fair. Please enter the Division(s) that correspond with the day and challenge you intend to enter.
Check-In windows and Judging times are listed under each Division. Any entry not received during the Check-In window is at risk of refusal for acceptance and judging.
Exhibitors are required to submit two copies of the recipe for each entry.
- Recipes must be typed and on a 8½” x 11” sheet of paper.
- Mailed or emailed recipes will not be accepted.
- All recipes submitted become the property of the North Carolina State Fair and the sponsor of the contest.

Please review the Premium Book for full competition details, rules, and regulations prior to registering entries.

Thursday, October 15, 2025 at 4 PM - Blue Ribbon Brunch Board Challenge

Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11 AM - Holy Guacamole! Challenge

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 AM - Boo-zy Sweet Treat Challenge - Presented by Distillers Association of North Carolina

Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11 AM - Delightful Dips Challenge

Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11 AM - Sweetpotato Showdown Challenge

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11 AM - "Cheez-y Does It!" Cheez-It Challenge

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11 AM - Bless Your Tart! Challenge

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11 AM - "East to West" Pork BBQ Challenge - Presented by Smithfield Foods

Friday, October 23, 2026 at 11 AM - "Nutty By Nature" Peanut Candy Challenge

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11 AM - "Stew-pendous" Brunswick Stew Challenge

Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 11 AM - "Layer It Up" Lasagna Challenge