Is previous cooking experience required?

No, the class is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to cooking enthusiasts.

Are drinks included in the class?

Yes, local drinks such as Abita beer, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and house wines are served with the meal.

Can children participate in this cooking class?

No, participants must be at least 18 years old due to liability restrictions.

How many people are in each class?

Classes are small and intimate, with a maximum of 10 participants to ensure personal attention.

Is the class wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility information is not specified, so please contact the New Orleans School of Cooking directly for details.

Will I receive recipes to take home?

Yes, participants receive recipes and a New Orleans School of Cooking apron to continue cooking at home.

Experience Authentic New Orleans Flavors: Hands-On Cooking Class in the Big Easy | Food Tour | Workshop

Step into the vibrant culinary heart of New Orleans with the "Hands-On: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, BBQ Shrimp & Grits, and Bananas Foster Crepes" cooking class. Located in the lively city of New Orleans, Louisiana, this intimate class offers an immersive experience where food lovers can roll up their sleeves and prepare some of the Crescent City's most iconic dishes alongside expert local chefs. Beyond just learning recipes, participants become part of a rich tradition that brings together history, culture, and flavor all under one roof.

Set at the New Orleans School of Cooking, this hands-on class welcomes a maximum of 10 participants, creating a close-knit environment that fosters interaction, expert guidance, and plenty of delicious samples. Over approximately two and a half hours, you'll engage in the full culinary process—chopping fresh ingredients, seasoning with bold Cajun spices, and mastering the techniques behind classic meals like gumbo, BBQ shrimp & grits, and finishing with the decadent Bananas Foster crepes. Once cooking wraps, you’ll get to savor the fruits of your labor by sitting down in the vibrant atmosphere to enjoy the authentic meal you helped craft.

This experience isn’t just about food; it’s a cultural deep dive into New Orleans itself. The city, known for its jazz, colorful architecture, and flavorful Creole and Cajun fare, comes alive in this kitchen classroom. From the rich stock in the gumbo to the locally brewed Abita beer offered alongside the meal, this class is a celebration of New Orleans’ culinary identity. Whether you’re a solo traveler or an eager foodie couple, the expert chefs guide you with easy-to-follow instructions, making this accessible for all skill levels.

Located minutes from the iconic French Quarter, the cooking school also serves as a unique gateway to the city’s bustling culinary scene. Guests leave not only full but equipped with recipes and skills to recreate these dishes at home. This blend of local flavor, educational depth, and genuine hands-on fun makes it an outstanding destination activity for visitors wanting to deepen their connection with New Orleans beyond sightseeing.

For travelers staying in or near New Orleans, this class is a standout way to experience the city’s renowned food culture firsthand. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an authentic, hands-on culinary adventure with the chance to taste the city’s signature dishes in a welcoming, expert-led setting.

About The New Orleans School of Cooking

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.