Courtney’s menu was a rollercoaster of indulgence. She kicked off with a crispy pig’s ear appetizer that stunned the judges with its texture and flavor. For the main course, she went all in on richness: a duck breast with a cherry sauce, toasted farro, and fried brussels sprouts. It was a dish that screamed comfort but was executed with fine-dining technique.

Season 5 taught us that while technical skill is vital, there is room in the culinary world for charisma. Courtney Lapresi remains the ultimate example of cooking with heart, soul, and perhaps, just a little too much butter.

Lapresi didn’t just cook her way to the title; she danced, laughed, and unapologetically beamed her way to the trophy, proving that in a world of screaming chefs and furrowed brows, a little bit of joy—and a lot of butter—can go a long way.

In the end, Season 5’s winner reminds us that in the world of MasterChef , sometimes the dancer outshines the chef—and that a little controversy makes the victory all the more memorable.

She is currently a regular contributor to Eat Well Magazine . MasterChef Canada (Season 5, 2018)

From the very beginning, Courtney was a polarizing figure. Hailing from Philadelphia, she entered the competition as an aerial dancer—a background that set her apart from the line cooks, corporate drones, and soccer moms that populated the rest of the top 18.