The Excitement of MasterChef Australia 2026
The MasterChef Australia kitchen is a vibrant space filled with talented home cooks who are all vying for the prize and the coveted title. However, only one contestant will be able to make it through all the mystery boxes and pressure tests to be crowned the MasterChef winner for 2026.
This season promises to be an exciting one, with judges Poh Ling Yeow, Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli returning to bring their signature blend of expertise, humor, and compassion. Additionally, the show features an impressive lineup of celebrity guests, including Meghan Markle, Jimmy Barnes, and Maggie Beer, among others. These appearances are expected to elevate the standard of excellence in the kitchen to new heights.
Who Has Been Eliminated So Far?
Episode 7 – Wednesday, April 29
In the season’s very first Pressure Test, national treasure Maggie Beer set a challenge for Jackie, Jeff, Pat, Luke, and Vinnie. Their task was to master her iconic sour cream pastry, with the added twist of being able to create their own filling, sauce, and side dish.
Luke faced difficulties when his pastry became overly wet due to adding too much liquid too quickly. Vinnie also encountered issues with his gremolata accompaniment for a ragù and béchamel pie, which led him to pivot by serving the béchamel as the sauce instead of inside the pie.
During the tasting, two dishes stood out: Luke impressed with a rich Boeuf Bourguignon pie served with mash and horseradish sauce, while Pat delivered a chicken curry pie with mango chutney, apple, cucumber, and coconut salad. Unfortunately, Jeff’s Hong Kong chicken pie with garlic chilli oil and Chinese broccoli missed the mark, leading to his elimination.
Episode 6 – Tuesday, April 28
The remaining 23 home cooks were greeted by a giant display of cereals in every shape, flavor, and color imaginable. For the first Invention Test of the season, they had to transform the humble pantry staple into something magical and delicious.
Dot showcased her creativity with a “Trio of Corn Flakes,” using the cereal in meatballs, creamy polenta-style grits, and a crunchy pangrattato topping. Casper created an inventive dish using Froot Loops, while Vinnie made a Coco Pops shell cannoli with Nutri-Grain ricotta filling.
The judges were impressed by the overall standard, especially Dot, Aaron, and Petro, who were named the top three performers of the day. However, Pat, Jackie, Jeff, Luke, and Vinnie were among the five contestants who did not meet the mark and now face a Maggie Beer pie Pressure Test.
Episode 5 – Monday, April 27
The first elimination of the season kicked off with a sweet, heartfelt theme. The teams walked into the kitchen to find screens showing glimpses into the judges’ own home kitchens. They were then asked to create a dish that would treat the judges to a taste of their own kitchens and homelife.
Casper won immunity and was safe from elimination, but Jackie and Megs were in the bottom two. Jackie cooked a shallot pancake but was unable to plate the duck she had initially planned. Megs plated up prawns with herb butter, crispy potatoes, and crostini, but her prawns were uncooked, leading to her elimination.
With the Top 40 contestants reduced to the Top 24, the competition is heating up as the contestants compete for the $250,000 AUD prize. Casper has become the first contestant to receive an immunity pin, marking a significant milestone in the season.
As the season progresses, more eliminations are expected, keeping the excitement high for fans of the beloved cooking competition.
