In the season premiere episode, 40 of the best home cooks in America travel to Los Angeles to compete in the MASTERCHEF Battle of the Apron challenge, during which they will attempt the to earn a coveted white apron and move forward to compete for the MASTERCHEF title, a cookbook deal and the $250,000 grand prize. Judging the battle rounds will be Ramsay and Tosi, who will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation. In order to move to the next round of the competition, the home cooks must display culinary skills, as well as an immense passion for food, and be determined to out-cook their rivals.

After the Battle of the Apron concludes, the Top 20 home cooks in America meet the first guest judge of the season - culinary icon Wolfgang Puck, who will introduce the season's first Mystery Box Challenge. Each contestant will have 60 minutes to create a dish of their choice that features one of the world's most fundamental ingredients - potatoes! The winner of the Mystery Box Challenge is rewarded with a significant decision going into the season's first elimination challenge, during which they will have to replicate one of Chef Ramsay's signature dishes in less than 60 minutes.