Discover authentic New Orleans flavors through an engaging cooking class at The New Orleans School of Cooking. Learn, cook, and savor classic dishes guided by local culinary experts. Read on to find out what makes this experience a must-do in NOLA.
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The New Orleans School of Cooking
Discover authentic New Orleans flavors through an engaging cooking class at The New Orleans School of Cooking. Learn, cook, and savor classic dishes guided by local culinary experts. Read on to find out what makes this experience a must-do in NOLA.
The New Orleans School of Cooking is a culinary school in New Orleans, Louisiana that specializes in hands-on and demonstration classes teaching Cajun and Creole cuisine. Located in the heart of the city, the school offers intimate classes where participants learn classic regional recipes from experienced instructors. Classes include hands-on sessions—often limited to a maximum of 10 participants—so students can chop, season, and prepare dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, seafood gumbo, beef grillades, and chocolate or original pralines. Demonstration classes run approximately 2.5 hours and feature step-by-step preparation of regional favorites such as shrimp and artichoke soup, crawfish étouffée, corn and crab bisque, and pecan pie, with recipe cards to take home.
The curriculum covers techniques like blackening and cast-iron cooking, sauce preparation, and classic Creole seasoning. Offerings include themed experiences such as brunch and mixology events, holiday hands-on menus, and specialty classes like blackening 101 and Coolinary dinner and brunch sessions. Classes culminate with participants sharing the meals they prepare, including desserts like bananas foster, bread pudding, and beignets.
The New Orleans School of Cooking serves both locals and visitors seeking an authentic food-focused cultural experience. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, regional recipes, and a small-group setting that promotes personal instruction and a memorable tasting experience. Many demonstration classes last approximately 2.5 hours, and recipe cards give participants the instructions needed to recreate dishes at home, applying learned techniques in their own kitchens. Menus often feature regional staples such as gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, pralines, and bananas foster and desserts.
Small Groups
Max 10 Participants
Intimate, hands-on instruction
Demo Length
2.5 hours
Standard demonstration duration
Location
New Orleans, LA
Authentic local experience
Class Types
Hands-on & Demo
Brunch, dinner, holiday, mixology events
Reserve a hands-on class or demonstration to learn Cajun and Creole techniques, taste the results, and take recipes home.
Come hungry
Arrive ready to sample and enjoy each dish you prepare, as part of the fun is tasting your own creation.
Dress comfortably
Wear casual, stove-friendly clothing suitable for a busy kitchen environment.
Arrive early
Be punctual to maximize your hands-on time and enjoy a relaxed start.
Ask questions
Engage with the chefs to learn tips and culinary stories behind each dish.
Apron
Protect your clothing from culinary splatters while cooking.
Cooking utensils
Bring your own or use the provided tools to participate fully.
Notebook and pen
Jot down recipes and tips to recreate your favorite dishes at home.
Comfortable shoes
Stand comfortably for an extended period while cooking.