After a nationwide search, only the best amateur cooks – including a stock broker, a professional opera singer, a plastic surgeon, as well as the first blind cook to enter the competition - were flown to Los Angeles for a chance to prepare their signature dishes and present them to the judges. The judges will taste for flavor, originality, creativity and presentation. But most importantly, the amateur cooks must demonstrate a genuine passion for food and a drive to win in order to earn a coveted white apron and move on to the next round.

Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich et Graham Elliot jugent les préparations culinaires de cuisiniers amateurs. Au terme de la compétition, le gagnant remporte le titre Masterchef, 250 000 dollars et un contrat pour éditer son livre de cuisine.