Do I need to have prior cooking experience?

No prior cooking experience is required. The chefs guide you step-by-step to ensure a successful and enjoyable class.

Are the classes suitable for children?

The classes are primarily designed for adults, and participants must meet any age restrictions communicated by the school.

What happens if I have dietary restrictions?

You should inform the school ahead of time so they can accommodate allergies or special diets as best as possible.

How large are the classes?

Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to maintain an intimate and hands-on experience.

Is the meal included after cooking?

Yes, after preparing the dishes, you will sit down and enjoy the full meal you helped create.

Can I bring my own wine or beer?

Local beverages including Abita Beer, house wine, and classic cocktails are provided and included in the class price.

Hands-On New Orleans Cooking with The New Orleans School of Cooking | Events | Food Tour

Situated in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, The New Orleans School of Cooking offers an immersive culinary adventure that provides an authentic taste of the city’s rich food culture. This intimate hands-on class accommodates just 10 participants, creating a focused and engaging environment where guests don aprons and prepare iconic regional dishes side-by-side with expert chefs. Over approximately two and a half hours, participants will craft a signature three-course menu featuring Corn & Crab Bisque, Crab Cake Benedict, and the famously decadent Bananas Foster.

New Orleans remains a unique outdoor-adjacent destination, where history, culture, and natural surroundings influence the culinary landscape. The city’s proximity to the Mississippi River and local seafood sources enriches the dishes taught here, emphasizing fresh, locally inspired ingredients. The New Orleans School of Cooking stands out as a culinary gateway for travelers who want to deepen their connection with the city beyond standard sightseeing.

This class invites novices and food lovers alike to engage tactilely with Creole flavors, learning fundamental techniques for seasoning and preparation, then settling down to dine on the meals they’ve created. The experience pairs perfectly with carefully selected local beverages including Abita Beer and classic brunch cocktails like Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

Beyond cooking, the school provides a glimpse into Louisiana’s vibrant culinary heritage and traditions that have shaped its distinct food identity. The group’s small size fosters camaraderie, encouraging conversation about the city’s culture, cooking philosophy, and the role food plays in New Orleans’ social fabric. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the Crescent City, this experience offers a genuine, hands-on pulse of New Orleans through its unforgettable tastes and textures.

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.