Famed chef Gordon Ramsay conducted a nationwide search for the best home cooks in America, and through a series of exciting elimination rounds, will turn one of them into a culinary master. Joining Ramsay on the judging panel are restaurateur and wine maker Joe Bastianich, owner of some of the most-celebrated Italian restaurants across the country; and Graham Elliot, the youngest four-star chef in the U.S. and mastermind behind Chicago's first "bistronomic" restaurant. In the series premiere episode, home cooks from all over the country present their signature dishes to the three judges in the hopes of being awarded the coveted MASTERCHEF apron, which guarantees them a spot in the next round of competition.