CAST IRON COOK OFF

Presenting Sponsor

Operation Cast Iron Cook-Off Event Information

Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Historic Olde Towne Slidell | Noon to 4 p.m.

About the Event

The Cast-Iron Cook-Off, happening May 23, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. in Historic Olde Towne Slidell, is a community celebration of food, music, and local culture benefiting the Friends of the Slidell Police Foundation. This exciting event will bring together chefs, home cooks, artisans, and families for a day filled with flavor and fun in support of the Slidell Police Department. The Cast-Iron Cook-Off is more than just a food festival. It is a chance for the community to come together in the heart of Slidell, celebrate Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions, and support the mission of the Friends of the Slidell Police Foundation in assisting the Slidell Police Department and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community.

Cast-Iron Cooking Competition

At the heart of the event is the Cast-Iron Cooking Competition, where talented cooks will prepare authentic Cajun and Creole dishes using cast-iron skillets. Proudly sponsored by Lodge Cast Iron, competitors will showcase traditional Southern cooking techniques while battling for top honors and crowd recognition.

Event Attractions

Beyond the competition, attendees can explore Boutique Alley, Artist Alley, and Kids Zone, featuring local makers, artisans, and unique handmade goods throughout the streets of Olde Towne. The Food Court will offer a variety of delicious options, while a live band keeps the energy going throughout the day with great music and entertainment.

Ticket Prices

• Adult: $20 Presale | $25 Gate
• Child (6-12): $5 Presale | $10 Gate
• Family of 4: $75 Presale | $80 Gate
• Children 5 and under are free

COOKERS MEETING INFO >

SET-UP TIME: COOKING TEAMS will be allowed to set up in Olde Towne Slidell beginning at 4 a.m., Saturday, May 23. (Large teams may set up as early as 2 p.m. Friday, May 22 with preauthorized permission).

PRE-EVENT MEETING: Each Team must send at least one representative to the COOKERS MEETING at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, reporting to the Judging Tent.

• • Your team will receive 4” Cast Iron Skillets which will be used to supply samples of your cook off judging dish.
  • Each skillet will have a laminated tag with a team number and category identification. These tags are attached to the 4” Cast Iron Skillets for judging.

CLEAN SURFACES: COOKING TEAMS must furnish a covering to put under cookers to prevent spills from staining the street.

SAFETY: Per the Fire Marshal ALL TEAMS MUST HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER at their site.

JUDGING: Operation Cast Iron Cookoff follows a blind judging system. The laminated tags on your dish is the only identifier which is not known to the judges.

SCORING: Each dish will be tasted by each judge. Each dish is scored by the judges as follows:

• • Flavor and Satisfaction – 40%
  • Cast Iron Skill – 20%
  • Creativity and Theme – 20%
  • Presentation – 20%

JUDGING TIMES: A Volunteer will come to your cooking team to pick up your dish at the specified times below. The volunteer will arrive at your team 5-minutes prior to the time for the dish category.  Your team has a window of 5-minutes after the turn-in time below or not be able to be judged.

ENTRY TIMES per Dish Category:

• • Rice/Pasta 11:00AM
  • Lagniappe 11:30AM
  • Roux Noon
  • Sweet/Savory 12:30PM
  • Grillades 1:00PM

QUANTITY of DISHES: Teams are to supply 6 servings minimum – more if possible so that the table captains and other volunteers can have a taste.

ENTRIES: Only 1 dish entry per team per dish category will be judged.