Season 12 begins with Gordon Ramsay dividing the 20 new chefs into two male-female teams. In the first challenge, the teams must prepare their signature dish. The winners are treated to an exclusive dinner with Ramsay, while the losers are left to scrub down the kitchen.

The 19 remaining chefs are challenged to a tricycle relay race, in which they must work in pairs to complete basic culinary tasks. The winners earn a trip to San Francisco, while the losers go carrot picking at a farm.

The remaining 18 chefs compete in a physical challenge involving pigs and potatoes. The winners earn a luxurious day on a yacht, while the losers must bathe the livestock from the challenge.

The remaining 17 chefs are challenged to a competition involving lobster ravioli. The winning team gets a relaxing day by the pool, while the losers must clean the kitchen. Also: Steak dinners are prepared.

The 16 remaining chefs are challenged to match side dishes with four different types of protein. The winners earn a trip to Laguna Beach, while the losers prepare honey taffy from scratch.

The 15 remaining chefs work as teams to serve VIP guests. During the meal, one chef serves a dish before it's finished cooking.

Pairs from each team are tasked to create a unique pizza dish. The winners earn a day trip to a hotel while the losers prepare for dinner service. Later, the teams must impress Chef Ramsay's family.

The teams prepare Southern dishes for the Phi Mu sorority social committee. The winners receive a trip to Las Vegas, while the losers must prepare the restaurant for the Phi Mu 160th anniversary party.

The Top 12 chefs participate in a team challenge, in which they are given 30 minutes to create a meal with surprise ingredients. The winners receive a beachside lunch and volleyball lessons, and the losers are assigned to kitchen duty. Later, the lowest-ranking chefs from each team are pitted against each other.

The teams are brought to a Gordon Ramsay eatery and must prepare the restaurant's inspired meals. The members of one team struggle to communicate, forcing them out of the kitchen and putting several of their chefs up for elimination.