CONTESTS

The California Milk Advisory Board sponsors various culinary events, contests, and competitions that challenge some of America’s most innovative chefs to craft winning, dairy-centric recipes.

Explore our CONTESTS

Now Accepting Entries in the 2026 Real California Pizza Contest

Our eighth annual contest is open to professional chefs and culinary students across the United States and includes two categories: On the Menu & California Freestyle.

The online entry submission period is now open and closes April 24, 2026.

Eight selected finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to compete head-to-head at a live bake-off event on July 13-15, 2026.

The Nation's Most Innovative Grilled Cheese Recipes for Foodservice are Here

The California Milk Advisory Board has announced the winners of the Real California Milk Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest, a national online foodservice competition challenging professional chefs and culinary students to develop innovative dishes using California dairy products.

Winners Named in 2024 Great Mozzarella Showdown

Explore the winning recipes in the first cook off contest featuring Mozzarella cheese in global handhelds and appetizers. The contest showcased both Fresh Mozzarella and Low Moisture Mozzarella in innovative dishes for foodservice.

Tournament of Champions Pizza Contest Winners NameD

Pizza champions from the past five years, competed in the 2023 Tournament of Champions. Winner Chef Leah Scurto received a trip to compete at the 2024 Caputo Cup in Naples, Italy. Check out the pizzas that showcased Real California Mozzarella and Artisan Cheeses.

Innovative Recipes for a Classic Comfort Food

Professional chefs from across the country developed creative Cheese & Mac recipes highlighting Real California cheese and dairy products. Six finalist recipes, offered new takes on this traditional favorite,, ideal for any restaurant menu.

California’s Hispanic-Style Cheeses Shine in Mexican Cuisine Cook-Off

The Cal-Mex Invitational is a culinary competition for foodservice that celebrates the fusion of Real California cheeses and Mexican cuisine with exciting new appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Check out these award-winning recipes.

California Cheeses Bring Out the Best in this Italian Cuisine Cook Off

The Global Flavors Culinary Competition featured Real California cheeses and dairy products in Italian dishes. The Winners included appetizer, entrée, and dessert recipes. All showcased the best of California, .

Foodservice Innovation on the Go

The California Dairy-to-Go competition challenged professional chefs to create new, creative “to-go” or delivery-focused dishes highlighting Real California cheeses and dairy products. Discover creative entrées, hand-helds, and more.

DISCOVER SIGNATURE RECIPES

Our culinary competitions highlight some of the most creative, interesting and on-trend uses for cheese and dairy. Each recipe book features award winners and finalist submissions, providing inspiration for your menus – powered by Real California dairy.

2025 REAL CALIFORNIA PIZZA CONTEST

2024 REAL CALIFORNIA PIZZA CONTEST

2023 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

THE GREAT MOZZARELLA SHOWDOWN

2023 REAL CALIFORNIA PIZZA CONTEST

2023 CHEESE AND MAC CHALLENGE

2022 CAL-MEX INVITATIONAL

2022 GLOBAL FLAVORS CULINARY COMPETITION

2022 REAL CALIFORNIA PIZZA CONTEST

Contests