Dutch Oven Cook Off

Coming May 30, 2026

Participant Rules

  1. Participants will register the day of the event by providing their name and the name of their dish/es. There is no entry fee, but participants are expected to share their dishes with dinner attendees.

  2. Members and guests can make entries into the cook-off.

  3. Food must be prepared on-site. Participants must cook with coals of wood heat. Gas and/or propane cannot be used for cooking purposes. 

  4. You may use canned items and bottled sauces. Marinating in advance is allowed. Some preparation may be done in advance, such as cutting up meat and vegetables, or cooking rice/pasta that will be added to the dish. All other preparation must take place during the competition.

  5. Participants are expected to furnish their own recipe ingredients, cooking utensils, ovens, coals, etc.

  6. Participants are required to keep their site clean and if any food is cooked in the ground, they must refill any holes when done.

  7. Participants are welcome to cook as many dishes as they like.

  8. Dishes will be presented to dinner attendees for judging and must be on the serving table by 5:15pm.

  9. SPECIAL CHALLENGE (2026): Interested participants may draw a special “challenge card” determining a theme for their dish/es. Some examples include Cajun/Creole, Tex Mex, Asian, etc. The chef has the option to play it up as much as they like as far as dish prep, presentation (tablecloth, decor, etc.) and signage. Prize for dish that best represents their theme.

Dinner & Judging

1.      Dinner is $20 per attendee. There is no dinner charge for Cook Off participants.

2.      Dinner attendees will act as judges for the contest. Winners will be selected by “people’s choice” in three categories: Main Dish, Side Dish and Dessert. Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st place Dessert, 1st place Main Dish, 1st place Side Dish. The 1st place winner for the Main Dish will be the name placed on the plaque.

3.      Take out orders are not allowed because: 1) this is a social event and an opportunity to support the club through drink purchases; and 2) attendees act as judges for the contest and food must be available for judging.

4.      Each attendee may vote by secret ballot one time for each category.