Nothe third episode of MasterChef 15 the competitors they found each other grappling with a special appetizer and gourmet polenta. In the first Skill Test of the season – homage to the great families of Italian cuisine – the guests were the chefs Antonio Dipino, Roberto Bottero and (surprise!) Giorgio Locatelli. Guest stars who have put themselves to the test the competitors, forced to cook in pairs. MasterChef 15 go broadcast every Thursday at 9.15pm on Sky Uno e streaming on NOW.
The episode started with the proof of the Golden Mystery Box. The 20 aspiring chefs chose some ingredients to prepare an appetizer for the holidays, something unforgettable for the 4 judges of the program. Among the best, the 3 competitors with the same name: Matteo. The winners of the Golden Pin were Matteo L and Dounia, forced to put two colleagues, Carlotta and Jonny, at a disadvantage.
The Skill Test was a really difficult timenot only for the complexity of the dishes to be prepared. Give her white lasagna with sponge sauce by chef Bottero, garlic Scialatielli with seafood of the chef Dipino up to Lavarello Luisa di Locatelli. The contestants were divided in two batteries of couples. The first ones eliminated a MasterChef 15 it was Katia and Giuliana.
MasterChef 15report cards, December 25th episode, eliminated
Franco (7/8) and Matteo L. (8 votes)
Franco won the‘Invention Test and has therefore had the advantage of forming pairs for the dreaded Skill Test. He wanted next to him together with Matthew L.one of the best prepared in the Masterclass. Despite their skill, the white lasagna did not completely conquer the patron Bottero but they managed to save themselves.
Matteo C/Teo (7) and Alessandro (7)
In the Golden Mystery Box, Alessandro paired the fried frogs with polenta and then a touch of mustard. His dish was much appreciated. The jury also liked Teo’s octopuswho underlined how he is the most feared competitor in the Masterclass. The test as a couple, however, was not as brilliant. Their lasagna did not convince the entire jury but they still managed to reach the balcony.
Locatelli, Cannavacciuolo and Barbieri with the guest Antonio Dipino (Sky)
Dorella (6/7) and Antonio (7)
Dorella is one of the most controversial contestants on the programparticularly with Iolanda, often criticized for being too boring and long-winded. He confessed that he felt a lot of pressure and comparison with his younger colleagues. He teamed up with the young and patient Antonio. A team that worked, despite a few too many outbursts of anger. Their lasagna dish convinced chef Bottero, winning the balcony.
Iolanda (7) and Gaetano (7)
Iolanda is cheerful, singing and forgetful: he doesn’t remember the names of the judges, he tells a lot about himself (too much) but He has cooking in his heart and always manages to get by. His cult phrase: «I am so simple that I become complex». Paired with Gaetano, the new Sandra and Raimondo as they were defined by Cannavacciuolo, they risk elimination because their lasagna was found to be raw and more similar to cannelloni. They managed to save themselves thanks to Katia and Giuliana’s mistake.
Katia (5) and Giuliana (5)
Franco defined them as the weakest of the couples and, unfortunately, he was right. They presented Bottero’s lasagna by adding tomato where it was not required and a practically raw pasta. To make the situation worse, Katia’s overly assertive way in praising their dish. In the final test, Giuliana panicked and knocked over chef Locatelli’s fish. A real disaster. Poor Katia followed her closely, who offered completely raw fish. Katia and Giuliana had to abandon the kitchen MasterChef 15.
Giorgio Locatelli explains the family recipe on “MasterChef 15” (Sky)
Niccolò (6/7) and Piponzio (6/7)
Together, they had fun and they really put their heart into cooking the Scialatielli. They convinced chef Dipino. Cheerful, humble and very happy, they ran to the balcony. The judges liked Niccolò’s dishes but invited him to be less shy and more assertive.
Jonny (7) and Matteo R. (7)
Crispy octopus on potato cream by Matteo Rinaldi thrilled the judges. Too bad that, paired with the cheerful Jonny, tomade mistakes penalizing their performance. They lost the first stage of the Skill Test against Dounia and Carlotta. In the end, Johnny created a good fish dish and he managed to save himself a few minutes from the end. The same happy fate for Matteo.
Dounia (7/8) and Carlotta (7)
Dounia confirms herself as one of the most fearsome competitors. It earned its place thanks to a truly surprising octopus appetizer. At the Skill Test, she was forced to pair up with Carlotta: It certainly cannot be said that feelings of esteem and friendship flow between them. Nevertheless, together, they managed not only not to slap each other but to cook in harmony a good plate of Scialatielli.
The 20 contestants of “MasterChef 15” (Sky)
Irene (7) and Vittoria (7)
Two competitors who made themselves little noticed but, Together, they have built some excellent Scialatielli. So good to receive compliments from the entire jury, including chef Dipino.
Georgina (5/6) and Eros (6)
Their polenta dishes were the worst and they ended up one step away from elimination. The judges gave them a chance: to challenge the worst of the Skill Testno holds barred. Georgina, not exactly a queen of sympathy, she managed to save herself at the last minute convincing Locatelli with his fish recipe. Eros also conquered Locatelli thanks to the perfect cooking of Lavarello.
MasterChef 15: previews of the fourth episode of January 1, 2026
In the next appointment with the cooking show, Thursday 1 January 2026 at 9.15pm on Sky Uno, Cheffa Chiara Pavan returns with an absolute novelty: the Green Mystery Box. In the first outdoor test, the 18 competitors will go to the land of Parmigiano Reggiano. Apparently, not without some unexpected events. The daily appointment is back at 7.35pm (on Sky and NOW) with MasterChef Magazinein which chefs and aspiring chefs talk about food and create recipes with a different theme each time.