“Amazing home cook” — Alejandra Ramos shares how Al Roker’s surprise visit spiced up The Great American Recipe season 4

The Great American Recipe returned with its fourth season on July 11, 2025, on PBS, bringing a new batch of home cooks and a few surprises to the kitchen. Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, the cooking competition continues to focus on personal stories and cultural traditions behind every dish. But this time, the format includes a twist, guest judges.

The first guest to appear this season was TV personality and cookbook author Al Roker. To keep his appearance a surprise for the contestants, production listed him under the code name “Billy Blessing,” a reference to the fictional chef and detective from Roker’s own mystery novels and Hallmark films.

“Al is an amazing home cook, and he was so generous and encouraging with his advice…and jokes,” Ramos shared.

Roker joined returning judges Tiffany Derry, Timothy Hollingsworth, and Francis Lam to evaluate the diverse lineup of dishes.

The season includes cooks with culinary roots in Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, Belize, Jamaica, and more.

Each episode features challenges centered around personal food stories, as contestants share how their heritage influences their recipes — with the top three moving on to the finale after weeks of competition.

Al Roker’s surprise appearance and guest judge twist in The Great American Recipe

One of the biggest changes in The Great American Recipe season 4 is the introduction of guest judges.

Al Roker was the first celebrity guest to join the show, and his presence was kept secret from the home cooks until the moment he arrived on set.

“It was such a joy to have him on set. I know it meant so much to the home cooks to have him there tasting their food and rooting for them,” Ramos said.

Roker, who has been featured on The Today Show alongside Ramos and co-authored Today Loves Food, brought a familiar presence to the kitchen. His background as an avid home cook gave him insight that resonated with the contestants.

Ramos noted that his advice and humor added a special touch to the episode.

The judging panel this season includes regulars Tiffany Derry, Timothy Hollingsworth, and Francis Lam. Roker’s role didn’t replace any of them but added another layer of feedback for the cooks.

While Roker’s appearance was a highlight, the show continues to focus on food with personal meaning.

Contestants were seen sharing emotional stories behind their dishes, including one firefighter and Cajun cook who moved Ramos to say,

“The tears: just a little extra seasoning.”

Each week, The Great American Recipe judges select a standout dish, and the top performers will eventually face off in the finale.

Roker’s participation brought an extra level of energy to the early part of the competition, and future episodes are expected to include more guest judges along the way.

Diverse contestants bring heritage to the plate in The Great American Recipe

Season 4 of The Great American Recipe brings together a new group of home cooks with backgrounds that span a wide cultural spectrum.

From Bangladeshi comfort food to Southern-style stews, each dish reflects personal stories and culinary traditions that define the contestants’ roots.

One contestant is a U.S. Army sergeant from Texas with Puerto Rican heritage who specializes in chicken stew with white rice. Another cook from Montana draws on Belizean and Jamaican influences to prepare oxtail with rice and peas.

A third, a project manager living in Manhattan, shares recipes inspired by her upbringing in Bangladesh — including prawns in coconut milk.

These dishes are more than recipes; they are tied to memories, family, and identity. Ramos acknowledged the moments on The Great American Recipe set, saying,

“There was one dessert I loved so much I brought extras back to my dressing room!”

Judges and guest mentors evaluate dishes based on both taste and story, reinforcing the show’s mission to celebrate home cooking as a reflection of heritage.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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