Adventure Brief
Discover the authentic flavors of New Orleans with a hands-on cooking class that teaches you to craft iconic dishes like Gumbo and Bananas Foster, guided by expert chefs.
2.5 hours
easy
From $162.41
Family Friendly
Discover the authentic flavors of New Orleans with a hands-on cooking class that teaches you to craft iconic dishes like Gumbo and Bananas Foster, guided by expert chefs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; just be comfortable standing and working in the kitchen.
Wildlife
History
The French Quarter dates back to 1718 and has been the city’s cultural hub for centuries.
Conservation
The school promotes local ingredients and sustainable cooking practices to support the community.
The New Orleans School of Cooking
Discover the authentic flavors of New Orleans with a hands-on cooking class that teaches you to craft iconic dishes like Gumbo and Bananas Foster, guided by expert chefs.
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.
Pre-book your spot
Classes fill quickly, so reserve ahead to secure your preferred date.
Arrive a few minutes early
Arriving early ensures you settle in comfortably before the class begins.
Bring an apron
While aprons are provided, bringing your own allows for extra comfort.
Taste everything!
Sample each dish and learn how flavors develop during cooking.
Apron
Keep your clothes clean during the hands-on cooking class.
Kitchen utensils
All tools are provided, but familiarity with basic utensils can be helpful.
Notebook and pen
Jot down tips and recipes to recreate at home.
Comfortable shoes
Stand for extended periods comfortably during the class.