There seems to be recipe contests for every type of food imaginable. From chicken to barbecue to chili to breakfast foods, you name it and there is probably a contest for it! The important thing to know about recipe contests is that anyone can enter. Professional cooks and bakers are not always the ones winning and in fact, they are usually precluded from entering. The one true thing that you should really have is a love for cooking and baking.

Read the Rules for Recipe Contests

Many times, a manufacturer hosts recipe contests using their own line of products. So it stands to reason that the rules would say something about incorporating their food lines into the recipe. However, so many people get their recipe entries thrown out because they did not incorporate the manufacturer’s products.

In addition, pay close attention to rules in recipe contests that talk about how food should be prepared as well as the length of time it should take and even the availability of ingredients. Often times, contest winners get their recipe placed on the manufacturer’s food labels and if there is an exotic or hard to find ingredient in your recipe, chances are that you will not even be considered.

Let Creativity Reign in Recipe Contests

Once you understand the rules, look to a number of different recipes that would fall under different categories of the contest. The key is to create a winning recipe that has not been printed anywhere else and that has just enough originality to capture the eye of the judges. In addition, you want to appeal to a broad audience. Chances are that a dish that incorporates ingredients likes sweetbreads or brussel sprouts are not likely to win because the large majority of the population doesn’t like them.

Winners of Recipe Contests Often Focus on the Simple

Keep your recipe simple. The more steps and ingredients a recipe has, the less likely that someone is going to try it. Recipes that are short and simple will appeal to the general public so that translates into great interest and value for the sponsor that holds the recipe contests.

Another thing to think about in regards to recipe contests is how to make the appearance of your recipe entry more appealing. Just like shopping for homes with curb appeal, your recipe dish should look attractive and well, good enough to eat! Garnishes are great additions and can greatly enhance your recipe.

One final thought for recipe contests is to create an eye and ear catching name for your recipe. The name is what likely will catch the eye of the judges first and make them want to take a second look. Plus, if your recipe happens to win, a snappy name will capture the attention of shoppers when your recipe appears on the sponsor’s products.