The Midwest region contestants begin their auditions, with Graham Elliot joining as the guest judge. Grant is the first contestant up and gets three yes votes and the first apron. Sarah is next and also gets three yes votes and an apron. Kevin gets two no votes to start with and does not advance. Yomira is next, and while it is not stated how many no votes she received, she does not earn an apron. Marquela is next and has the same negative result. Charles is next and gets four yes votes and the third apron of the night. Wayne is next and also gets four yes votes and an apron. Kyle and Trevor have their auditions shown intermingled with each other, in the end Trevor does not earn an apron but Kyle does.

The home chefs enter the kitchen for their first challenge: creating a state fair-inspired dish; whoever wins the challenge grants the rest of their region immunity from going home.

The remaining home chefs face their first mystery box challenge -- apples; with both sweet and savoury flavours on the table, the chef with immunity is tasked with assigning each region which kind of dish to cook.

The home chefs face their first team challenge when they're tasked with pairing up with another region and grilling a delicious meal for 101 firefighters and emergency personnel.

The top 17 home chef's return to the kitchen for their second mystery box challenge, but this time with a twist -- one region begins the challenge 10 minutes behind the rest.

The remaining home chefs face the hardest challenge yet in this celebration of "MasterChef's" 250th episode; the kitchen heats up when the chef with immunity is tasked to assign each contestant with an iconic cake to re-create.

The chefs split into two teams to prepare a lunch for over 100 kids at Dodger Stadium; the chef with immunity gets to choose one member from each team who must swap sides and work with the other regions.

The chefs must prepare a gourmet meal out of Army rations. Chef Andre Rush guest judges.

The remaining home chefs must tackle a classic MasterChef test -- the tag team challenge; the contestants take turn preparing a delicious three-course meal.

The chefs face their toughest mystery box challenge yet -- fish.

The Contestants must cater to the average sports fan while incorporating elements from their region to elevate their dish.