Ep 6. Bacon Boys

In Chopped season 28 episode 6, the theme Bacon Boys puts four chefs head-to-head in a pork-filled competition. The contestants include a self-taught chef from Charleston, a chef and restaurateur from New York, a culinary professor from Illinois, and a freelance chef from Nevada.

The first round begins with a basket of pink peppercorns, baby octopus, bacon jam, and cranberry sauce. The chefs have 20 minutes to create an appetizer that incorporates all the ingredients while highlighting the bacon flavor. The chefs use different techniques to cook the octopus, some frying while others braising, and the results are mixed. The judges appreciate the creativity, but one chef falls short with their overpowering use of the peppercorns.

The second round has the remaining chefs tackle a basket of duck breast, black garlic, fennel, and, of course, bacon. The chefs must create an entree in just 30 minutes, and they get creative in their interpretations of the challenge. One chef creates a fennel purée and incorporates the black garlic for a flavorful sauce while another grills the duck to perfection. One chef struggles with the bacon, overcooking it so that it becomes too chewy, while another adds too much fennel to the dish.

Finally, the remaining two chefs go head-to-head in the dessert round with a basket of mascarpone, hazelnuts, pineapple, and, once again, bacon. The chefs have 30 minutes to create a sweet treat that showcases the bacon and balances the flavors of the other ingredients. One chef creates a deconstructed pineapple upside-down cake, while the other makes a bacon ice cream. The judges praise both chefs for their creativity and the use of the bacon, making it a tough decision to determine the winner.

Throughout the episode, the judges provide insight into the different flavor combinations and techniques used by the chefs. They also critique the dishes on presentation and how well the chefs were able to incorporate all the required ingredients. In the end, only one chef will walk away with the $10,000 prize and the title of Chopped champion.