New Orleans isn’t just about jazz, beads, and Mardi Gras—its culinary scene is a vibrant mix of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. It’s a city where food isn’t just fuel; it’s a way of storytelling. That’s why taking a cooking class here feels like unlocking a secret recipe to the city’s soul. We especially love the New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, which offers a friendly, laid-back introduction to classic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, complete with recipes and local brews. For a more immersive, hands-on experience, the Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans is perfect if you want to get your hands dirty making gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster from scratch. Both offer an authentic taste of local flavors and techniques, and you’ll leave with skills to recreate these dishes at home.
If you’re after a deep dive into Cajun traditions, the Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class delivers a full meal of barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and bread pudding, plus insights into Louisiana’s culinary roots. Meanwhile, for those who want a full day of food and culture, the New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class combines tasting, walking, and cooking into a memorable experience. Or, if you prefer learning in a more personal setting, the Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland gives you a chance to cook in a local’s home and discover Cajun secrets away from tourist crowds. Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty of delicious options here.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of cooking class experiences in New Orleans, from demonstration-style classes and small-group hands-on sessions to private lessons and combined food walking tours. You’ll find options that focus on Cajun and Creole cuisine, with some emphasizing traditional techniques, others blending history and food, and a few offering a full day of eating and exploration. Whether you want to learn from professional chefs, do it yourself in an intimate setting, or explore the city’s culinary scene via walking tours, this guide has you covered.
1. New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class
This demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking is a fantastic way to get a taste of local cuisine without the pressure of cooking yourself. For around $38, you will watch a chef prepare a 3 or 4-course Creole and Cajun meal, with recipes provided so you can try making these dishes at home. The class lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable morning or afternoon activity.
What makes this class stand out is its relaxed demo format, where you sit back and observe the chef’s techniques while enjoying your finished dishes with local drinks. The experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a taste of authenticity without the chaos of hands-on cooking. Reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and the chance to learn about the region’s culinary folklore. It’s especially good for those on a budget or seeking a quick, informative experience. The bottom line: a friendly, efficient way to learn classic New Orleans flavors with a touch of local storytelling.
2. Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
For around $164, this small-group class in the French Quarter offers a fully hands-on approach to Cajun cooking, focusing on making roux, the foundation of many Cajun dishes. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll learn to craft gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster from scratch, guided by a local chef.
Guests rave about the intimate setting and the personal attention they receive, often mentioning the chef’s storytelling skills and the chance to learn professional techniques. During the class, wine or soda is included, enhancing the convivial atmosphere. Afterward, you’ll enjoy the meal you prepared—a real highlight of the experience. This class is ideal for foodies interested in cooking techniques and authentic recipes, and it’s especially suited for families or groups of friends who want to bond over a shared culinary project. The bottom line: a comprehensive, fun, and educational experience that leaves you with new skills and a full stomach.
3. Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class
Focused on deepening your understanding of Cajun cuisine, this 3-hour class emphasizes tradition and technique. Guided by a chef, you’ll prepare three classic dishes—barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and bread pudding—while learning about Louisiana’s culinary roots along the way.
Reviews speak highly of the engaging instructor and the delicious meal that results. Participants appreciate the opportunity to develop cooking skills they can replicate at home, and many comment on the lively, social environment. The class is a good fit for travelers wanting a genuine cultural experience combined with hands-on cooking. With a price of $164, it offers value through the depth of instruction and the memorable meal. The bottom line: a fantastic way to connect with Cajun traditions and bring home some authentic recipes.
4. New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class
This 5.5-hour combo experience at about $109 per person lets you enjoy a walking food tour of the French Quarter followed by a cooking demonstration. You’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic eateries, tasting everything from pralines to po’ boys, and then learn to prepare Louisiana favorites at the New Orleans Cooking School.
What elevates this experience is its combination of sightseeing, tasting, and learning—a full immersion into the city’s culinary scene. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the generous portions of food. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive day of culture and cuisine, especially if you enjoy walking and sampling along the way. Keep in mind, the class is a demonstration, so if you prefer to cook yourself, check out more hands-on options below. The bottom line: an excellent choice for travelers seeking a full day of food, culture, and a taste of the city’s historic streets.
5. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
If you’re looking for a full-day culinary adventure, this 5.5-hour experience blends a food tour with a cooking demo for about $127. You’ll walk through the French Quarter tasting regional specialties, then learn to prepare dishes like gumbo and jambalaya with expert guidance.
Guests love the diverse tastings and the insight into local food culture, making this a highly immersive experience. The class is more demonstration-oriented, so it’s ideal if you want to see and learn rather than cook hands-on. It’s suitable for those who want a rundown of New Orleans cuisine in a relaxed setting. The bottom line: a well-rounded, flavorful way to experience the city’s culinary heritage.
6. Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland
For a personalized experience, this private class at $64 per person lets you learn Cajun cooking in a local’s home. Hosted by Courtland, who comes from a strong Cajun French background, you’ll explore techniques and secrets passed down through generations.
Guests praise the authentic atmosphere and the personal touch of learning in a residential neighborhood. The class lasts about 3 hours, and you can choose to do it during lunch or dinner. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, cultural experience away from touristy spots. The reviews highlight the warm hospitality and the delicious meal that results. The bottom line: a unique opportunity to connect with Cajun culture and cook with a local in a relaxed setting.
7. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
This 8-taste tour combined with a cooking class over 5.5 hours offers a multi-sensory way to experience New Orleans. You’ll explore historic restaurants and bakeries, tasting iconic dishes, then get a demonstration of how to cook classics like gumbo.
Reviews commend the guide’s storytelling and generous food samples, making it a favorite for those wanting both sightseeing and cooking. The class isn’t hands-on but provides valuable recipe insights. It’s best for food lovers who want to learn while exploring. The bottom line: a flavorful, engaging, and educational journey through New Orleans’ culinary landscape.
8. New Orleans: Traditions Cooking Class
Focused on Cajun and Creole cuisine, this 3-hour class introduces you to professional cooking techniques and the history behind dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Led by expert chefs, you’ll learn how to prepare and savor your creations, making it a great choice for serious food students.
Guests appreciate the focus on authentic flavors and the opportunity to learn techniques that can be used at home. The class offers good value at $158, especially for those wanting a solid, hands-on experience. The bottom line: educational and practical, ideal for travelers eager to improve their cooking skills.
9. New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour
This 4-hour experience combines a cooking demo with a French Quarter cocktail tour. Starting with a Louisiana cooking demonstration, you’ll learn to make classic dishes while enjoying samples, then explore historic bars while tasting three iconic cocktails.
Guests say it’s a fun, lively way to experience food and drinks together. It’s best suited for travelers who want a mix of culinary arts and nightlife. The tour isn’t hands-on, but the interactive demonstration coupled with bar-hopping makes it memorable. The bottom line: a lively, social way to learn about New Orleans’ spirited cuisine scene.
10. New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal
This popular class at the New Orleans School of Cooking costs just $42 and lasts about 2 hours. You’ll watch a local chef prepare classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then, you’ll sample the meal along with local beer or iced tea.
Reviewers love the generous samples and the entertaining, informative style. It’s a great choice for those short on time or on a budget, yet still wanting a taste of authentic New Orleans cuisine. The bottom line: a lively, affordable way to learn and eat in a short amount of time.
11. New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal
This full 3-hour class costs $162 per person and includes preparing and eating a meal of classic Louisiana dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. You’ll also receive a recipe packet, a souvenir apron, and drinks.
Guests rave about the personalized attention, the delicious meal, and the fun atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hands-on experience and a memorable cooking session. The class suits those looking for an immersive, educational experience with a delicious payoff. The bottom line: a comprehensive, engaging experience that leaves you with skills and a full belly.
$162.00 per person
12. New Orleans: Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class
This small, 3-hour class for about $158 offers a hands-on focus on making roux, the base of many Cajun dishes. Guided by a professional, you’ll learn secrets for perfect roux, then cook gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster.
Reviews highlight the professional technique and local secrets shared, as well as the complimentary drinks. It’s ideal for those wanting a focused, culinary technique class in a lively setting. The bottom line: a specialized, skill-enhancing experience for serious food lovers.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in New Orleans
Start by considering your budget—demonstration classes like New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class are affordable and perfect for quick insights, while hands-on classes like Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class offer richer skills. Think about your interest level—if you want to cook yourself, opt for full hands-on experiences, but if you prefer watching and tasting, demo classes are ideal.
Time and location also matter—the private class in a local’s home offers intimacy, while combo experiences like the walking tour plus cooking class give a broader cultural perspective.
Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure a spot in these popular classes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want a quick, affordable introduction, a deep dive into Cajun techniques, or a private lesson in a local’s home, New Orleans offers a diverse range of cooking experiences. The best choice depends on your interests: are you seeking practical skills to recreate authentic flavors, or do you prefer culture with tasting and storytelling? Our top picks include the New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class for a relaxed demonstration, and the Hands-on Cajun Roux Class for serious cooks wanting techniques. For a truly personal experience, the private class offers unmatched authenticity. Whatever you choose, these classes are a great way to connect with the city’s culinary soul, and booking early is advisable to secure your spot in these popular experiences.