1. Midnight Mun-Cheese

A late-night snack theme yields cheesy loaded potato bites, Philly cheesesteak wontons and creamy Tuscan salmon pasta. Guest judge: Kristen Kish.

2. No Time to Dine

Date night comes to the kitchen with an array of aphrodisiac appetizers and wildly reimagined beef Wellingtons. Guest judge: Derrell Smith.

3. Kids Eat the Darndest Things

It's a battle of the moms with kid-friendly eats, from a cat-shaped broccoli cheddar waffle to chocolatey cupcakes. Guest judge: Jacques Torres.

5. Breakfast to Impress Fast

The most important meal of the day gets all the love with waffle rancheros, breakfast pizza and a savory Dutch baby. Guest judge: Kat Kinsman.

6. Vacation Recreated

Contestants cook a flattened pork loin with a hotel iron and other on-the-go hacks in a series of vacation-themed battles. Guest judge: Alisa Reynolds.

7. Dinner, Dinner Chicken Winner!

A tricky two-round poultry challenge spawns homey dishes like Cajun pasta, pollo guisado and "hillbilly" chicken piccata. Guest judge: Monti Carlo.

8. Stuff, Skewer and a...Toast!

Creative cooks ring in the new year with decadent finger foods, then use luxurious ingredients to make an entree and a dessert. Guest judge: Ilan Hall.