16 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Chopped'

Kayla Blanton,Fiona ClairJul 23, 2020, 20:04 IST

There are some secrets even true "Chopped" fans don't know about.David Lang/Food Network

"Chopped" has been airing on the Food Network for over 40 seasons, but there are still some secrets you might not know about how the show is made.
The original show concept included a mansion, a butler host, and a chihuahua who ate the losing chef's dish.
There are actually five chefs chosen for each episode in case someone gets sick, delayed, or has stage fright.
The contestants get to tour the pantry ahead of time, and they get instructions on how to operate the equipment in the kitchen.
Each ingredient in the mystery basket is carefully chosen with an intended meal in mind.

"Chopped" is a popular Food Network show that has aired for over 40 seasons. With the winning combination of drama and food, it's no wonder it's garnered such a strong fan base.

Here are some of the most surprising behind-the-scenes secrets about "Chopped."

There are actually five chefs on each episode.

There's a standby chef. Food Network

Yes, the mystery basket is actually a mystery to the contestants.

Contestants can only see the pantry ahead of time. Food Network

Contestants can bring their own set of knives to the "Chopped" kitchen, and they also receive instructions for the on-set appliances.

Each contestant gets to bring seven knives. Food Network

The rounds of the competition are completed in real-time.

The rounds on the show are 20 and 30 minutes long. Food Network

That fourth plate has a purpose.

The fourth plate is used in the big reveal. Food Network

The chefs get a little bit of help to beat the clock.

The ovens are preheated for the contestants. Food Network

The mystery baskets are strategically planned, and they're actually made with a meal in mind.

It's not easy. Food Network

One 40-minute episode can take up to 14 hours to film.

Each episode is a full day's worth of work. Food Network

There will probably never be more than one ice-cream machine.

The single ice-cream machine has caused a lot of drama. Food Network

The chefs can shoo Allen away whenever they want.

Ted Allen asks the chefs questions throughout the rounds. Food Network

Allen said he isn't allowed to sit at all while filming.

Ted Allen is the host of "Chopped." Food Network

The producers are looking for chefs with a good backstory.

The audition process includes a long section about the chefs' backstories. Food Network

The judges are sick of bread pudding.

Bread pudding is a popular dessert-course choice on "Chopped." Business Insider

The judging takes way longer than in real life than it does on TV.

There are three judges on every episode. Food Network

The "leftover" ingredients in the mystery baskets are actual leftovers from local restaurants.

Sometimes there are mystery ingredients like leftover pizza in the baskets. Food Network

The show's original pilot episode was shot in a mansion and featured a chihuahua.

The chihuahua (not pictured) didn't make it onto the version of the show the Food Network aired. Tom Jacobs/Reuters

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