Excitement is in the air as four champions return to the Chopped kitchen on a mission to become a sous-chef for a Chopped judge and start a new chapter in their career. Expectations and tensions are high as the candidates open the appetizer baskets and find a fusion pasta and a delicacy from the sea. A specialty of Naples is the curveball ingredient of a difficult entree basket, and, in the dessert round, a stinky fruit and a spicy ice cream are a part of the challenge. After the final elimination, one chef will win the title of Chopped Grand Champion and the opportunity of a lifetime. Judges Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant and Chris Santos will spell out their respective job offers, and the victorious chef gets to choose which enticing path to take. There has never been a moment like this in Chopped history.

Small plates, big flavor! The chefs are challenged to take dainty, delicious basket items and churn out petite dishes that don't skimp on taste, presentation or creativity. Tiny sausages and an adorable breakfast item make for a fun and inspiring appetizer basket. There are more miniature surprises in the second basket, but can they add up to mighty main plates? Finally, an unusual berry and a baby vegetable ensure that the small plates in the dessert round will be both daring and darling.