258 teams are gathered in Memphis for one of the most prestigious barbeque contests in the world. Competitors will compete in three categories: shoulder, ribs and whole hog. If they can beat out the other competitors in their category they'll win $3,000 and have a shot at the Grand Prize of $22,000.
The challenge follows returning grand champions Red Hot Smokers in the Shoulder Category, two-time grand champion Myron Mixon in the Whole Hog Category and newcomers Killer Hogs in the Ribs Category.
It's the official summer kickoff as four of the nation's finest kid barbecuers grill up their best for hosts Eddie Jackson, Damaris Phillips and guest judge Shannon Ambrosio. The first elimination challenge is a super stacked barbecue sandwich, then the three that make it to the final round get the chance to show off their spectacular baby back ribs to win the $10,000 prize.
Michael Symon starts in Las Vegas, Nev., with a skillet full of pork belly chili and a mega-pancake that's the ultimate collision of apple pie and brunch. In Shreveport, La., decadent mac and cheese is studded with crawfish, alligator andouille sausage and shrimp. Finally, in Oklahoma City, an umami burger is built for every craving, and classic pork and beans are transformed into a modern-day favorite.
In Palm Springs, Calif., Michael Symon sinks his teeth into a meaty stacked sandwich and a beefy ballpark dog. In Oklahoma City, a gas station-turned-burger joint serves a fried apple and brie cheeseburger to fuel the soul, and in Little Rock, Ark., homemade deep-fried sausage and Cajun crawfish enchiladas have diners clawin' for more.
On this trip, Guy Fieri's diving into meaty, savory goodness. In Little Rock, Ark., a funky farm-to-table spot piling up a pimento cheese burger and cranking out homemade brats. In Napa, Calif., an amazing Asian joint cooking up kimchi fried rice and prime-time pork ramen. And in San Antonio, Texas, a smokin' stop for some bomb barbecue.
Ree Drummond is upping her potluck game with four fabulous portable ideas for barbecue season. Her 8-Layer Dip takes snacking to the next level with its grown-up flavors. Then there's an awesome salad duo -- BBQ Potato Salad that turns a classic into a buffet must-have and Blueberry Cornbread Panzanella that's certain to be the star of any spread. Ree has desserts covered, too, with a refreshing Lemon Icebox Pie that's a sweet ending for any get-together.
Mary Berg loves to cook outside and has recipes that take grill night to the next level. Brie and Pancetta Burgers are topped with chunky grilled red onion and gooey Brie cheese. For a vegetarian grill-friendly main, Mary's Grilled Soy Maple Mushrooms caramelize beautifully, and on the lighter side, Grilled Scallops with Minty Pea Salad are flavored with garlic, lemon and herbs on a peppery arugula base. Finally, Mary does some barbecue baking with decadent Cheese Stuffed Grilled Garlic Flatbreads.