The 5 Best Cooking Classes in the USA

1.New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,000 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43Our pick

At the New Orleans School of Cooking, a local chef prepares Creole classics while explaining roux, spices, and Louisiana food traditions. You will sample gumbo, jambalaya, seafood dishes, and desserts with beer, iced tea, or coffee. This is demonstration-only, with no hands-on cooking.

“Very good cooking demonstration with a lot of detail. The history of Louisiana and the Cajun and Creole styles of cooking was quite fabulous. The food was absolutely delicious. It was also nice to be able to have some local beer. We really learned a lot about the Louisiana culture surrounding the food and the people. I would highly recommend the class to anyone who is interested in learning more about the food and the people.”

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2.New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,183 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $162

At the New Orleans School of Cooking, you’ll spend about three hours preparing a full Louisiana meal in a group of no more than 10. Chefs such as Ricardo, Eric, Austin, Cindy, and Vivian teach the class, with wine, Abita Amber, recipes, and an apron included.

“This was an incredible experience. This was hands-on cooking, and I am not a cook by trade or even by interest, but I love to eat. Where do I start? The food was amazing. There was plenty to eat and drink and it was an outstanding meal, but definitely the best experience. Chef Austin is certainly a new friend. I felt like I went to his house to have dinner and met some of his other friends and we sat around the table and shared what’s best in life good people, good food and fellowship. I mean, who doesn’t love an experience. Where so much is done for you that…”

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3.Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Chef Forrest Parker leads a 90-minute walk from the Pineapple Fountain through Charleston’s historic district, linking food, architecture, and difficult history. Then watch him prepare three Lowcountry recipes at Bistro Au Vin, enjoy wine-paired lunch, and take the recipes home.

“Six of us met in Charleston for a girls weekend. From the very beginning, Chef Forrest ("Gump") set the tone with his warm, engaging personality—he is not only entertaining but also deeply knowledgeable about Charleston’s history, food, and culture. The walking portion of the tour was truly special. We explored lesser-known streets filled with stories that brought the city’s past to life. Chef wove together Charleston’s layered history with vivid detail, helping us appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship. This historical context gave us a much deeper understanding of how the city has evolved and why its culture is so unique today. The tour culminated in a beautifully prepared meal that...”

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4.New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 730 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $40Best value

In a renovated early-1800s molasses warehouse in the French Quarter, an English-speaking chef demonstrates dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and pralines. You eat the finished meal with local drinks, hear New Orleans food stories, receive recipes, and get a store coupon. This is demonstration-based, not hands-on.

“I thought it was truly fantastic. we had fun great food and learned a lot. the Gumbo was great.”

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5.Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 356 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $163

At the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, you’ll spend about three hours making Cajun Holy Trinity, dark and light roux, chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas Foster. Chefs including Raymond, Mark, Jason, Cam, and Connor lead small groups of up to 10, with wine or soda and dinner included.

“We had a great class, chef Connor is one of the best coaches, very patient, professional, and knowledgeable. During the class, we learned a lot from him. He served our dinner and offered us a take home.”

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