What To Expect From PBS's New Show The Great American Recipe

Over the years, PBS has secured its place in food media history with classic culinary programs like Julia Child's "The French Chef," Martin Yan's "Yan Can Cook," and "Lidia's Kitchen" with Lidia Bastianich. Now, the network is hoping to repeat this broadcasting magic with a competition show highlighting the American culinary melting pot. 

In a press release shared with Tasting Table, the public broadcaster unveiled a brand-new cooking competition series designed to celebrate "the multiculturalism that makes American food unique and iconic." Each week, a pool of 10 contestants from across the U.S. will face off in competitions that will give the skilled home cooks the opportunity to show off their cooking prowess while showcasing "beloved signature dishes" from different regions. The series aims to highlight the diversity of American dishes, ranging from multi-generational family recipes to Americanized twists on international dishes.

The eight-part series, which will premiere on June 24, follows contestants as they share personal insights into their culinary and familial roots as well as the stories behind their recipes. The competition will conclude with the finalists preparing a whole meal inspired by their unique background for the judges.

The winning dish will be featured on the cover of the forthcoming "The Great American Cookbook," which will be filled with recipes from the series' contestants, judges, and hosts.

"The Great American Recipe" is hosted by chef and television personality Alejandra Ramos, who will be joined by a judging panel made up of chef and Pig & Khao restaurateur Leah Cohen, restaurateur and "Top Chef" contestant Tiffany Derry, and "MasterChef" judge Graham Elliot (via PBS).

"This is a joyful competition series that's all about celebrating the delicious and diverse stories, flavors and people who make up the rich culinary tale of our beautiful nation," Ramos said in the press release. "As a Latina woman born and raised in New York and New Jersey, I have always understood American food to be an ever-evolving conversation between the flavors and recipes of our ancestors — wherever they may be from, the influence of our geography and neighbors, and the unique ideas and creativity each of us brings to the kitchen."

"Having dedicated my career to the pursuit of wider representation in the culinary world, I feel truly lucky to be taking part in 'The Great American Recipe,'" said Derry.

The network's latest culinary program will be available to watch on local PBS networks, the PBS Video app, and the PBS website. While the premiere is still over a month away, eager fans can catch a sneak peek of the show on "The Great American Recipe" site now.