Social media star Steph has millions of fans cheering her on

Steph de Sousa in the MasterChef kitchen

Steph de Sousa didn’t just survive her time in the MasterChef Australia kitchen – she built an empire from it.

The self-titled “Frugal Foodie” now boasts nearly three million social media followers and a best-selling cookbook series.

Now Steph’s back on our screens in MasterChef Australia: Back To Win – and she’s determined to cook with joy, rather than stress.

“This time coming in, my whole philosophy was, ‘I’m just going to enjoy this,’” grins Steph, 52. “I put so much pressure on myself last time. I was absolutely gutted and devastated when I left.”
Steph de Sousa cooking in the MasterChef kitchen
Steph placed 12th in the competition and though it was a dark experience, it sparked a new life path. She left her job in HR, launched a catering company, started hosting her show Frugal Foodie and became a voice for every-day ordinary home cooks.

But just weeks before hitting the exciting milestone of one million followers, Steph was hospitalised.

“I had a virus lodged in my middle ear,” reveals Steph. She lives in Lake Macquarie, two hours north of Sydney. “I couldn’t walk.”
Steph de Sousa on Sunrise Kitchen Goodies from Steph’s new book went down a treat on Aussie TV!
That wake-up call reminded her to slow down, especially for her husband Neville and their four grown-up kids, who all call her “mad” for going back into the kitchen after her last MasterChef experience.

“I really did crash and burn,” tells Steph sadly. “I wasn’t myself for three months. But this time, I just want to cook some good food, meet some new friends and have a bit of fun.”