Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Ted Allen, CHOPPED BATTLE ITALIANO is a five-episode CHOPPED tournament judged by chefs who specialize in Italian cuisine, including Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Gabe Bertaccini. Each battle highlight one of four regions, as the nation's best Italian chefs battle for domination of their own territory. In the fifth and final battle, only one chef brings home the win. Episodes include:

"Emilia-Romagna" (Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 8pm): Four chefs get to the heart of Italian cuisine as they explore the incredible influence that the robust Emilia-Romagna region has on the culinary world. A slithery surprise and a frozen favorite challenge the chefs in the appetizer round, and those who make it to the entree round have very different ideas for their veal and mushroom dishes. Then, the two competitors who remain for the dessert round endeavor to represent themselves and their region!

"Veneto" (Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8pm): In a celebration of foods from the Veneto region of Italy, famous for its hearty yet elegant cuisine, the chefs showcase what they know about making amazing Venetian dishes. A strikingly strange ingredient in the first basket threatens to throw them off their game, while using polenta to best effect in a half-hour entree round is a tremendous task. After two ambitious chefs set out to leave an impression with their pear and cheese desserts, the judges will have to decide who has secured a spot in the Battle Italiano finale!

"Puglia" (Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 8pm): Four chefs get inspired by Italy's "olive oil capital" as they create coastal cuisine from Puglia. In the appetizer round, a chef's mistake causes a big stink in the kitchen -- literally, and an imposing protein takes up a lot of space in the entree basket. In the dessert round, a tough basket that includes cactus creates a prickly situation for the final two chefs.

"Tuscany" (Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8pm): Four chefs focus on the fabulous food of Tuscany in all its fresh, humble, sensational glory. In the appetizer round, the judges wonder whether the chefs will manage to make good choices while dealing with a super-lean meat in the basket. Then, issues of confidence and competence plague the chefs in round two, and two chefs inspired by an Italian cookie tray -- and their desire to score a spot in the finale -- race to make amazing final plates!

"Finale" (Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 8pm): The four winning chefs return for the Battle Italiano finale, where they'll represent their regions and fight to take home the Grande Campione's $25,000 prize! The baskets are anything but standard issue, and the appetizer round features pizza in a tube! Emotions run high in a dramatic entree round with just three chefs left in the epic tournament. Then, unfamiliar ingredients in the dessert basket promise to keep the two finalists on their toes!