Eight home cooks and Julia Child superfans enter Julia's kitchen to kick off the competition; head judge Antonia Lofaso challenges the cooks to take inspiration from the meal that changed Julia's life, then make the dish that changed their own lives.

Head judge Antonia Lofaso challenges the competitors to honor Julia Child's love for her husband, Paul, by putting their own spin on one of his favorite dishes, coq au vin. Then they must create a dish inspired by a great love in their own lives. Antonia and guest judges Molly Baz and Susan Feniger decide which cook's dishes fall short, sending them home.

The competitors learn about Julia Child's time in France at culinary school. Head judge Antonia Lofaso challenges them to make a souffle using only their hands. Then they must make a two-course French meal, and they're able to use any kitchen tool or gadget. Antonia and guest judges Cliff Crooks and Melissa King choose the winner.

The home cooks learn about Julia Child's early life through challenges inspired by her time working as a spy for the United States during World War II and traveling around the world. First, head judge Antonia Lofaso challenges them to cook with a mother sauce. Then they must make a dish inspired by a country Julia was stationed in overseas. Antonia and guest judges Alvin Cailan and Nilou Motamed send one competitor home.

The final three home cooks face their last challenge in Julia Child's kitchen: preparing a four-course meal of Julia's classics; head judge Antonia Lofaso asks them to make a croque monsieur, duck a la orange, boeuf bourguignon and a croquembouche.