A guide to the best places to take a cooking class in Orlando
As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” We couldn’t agree more, although people who love to cook are wonderful in our book too. No cooking skills to speak of? No worries. These Orlando cooking classes teach you the basics, while providing you with impressive recipes to add to your arsenal.
Treating yourself to an indulgent meal at one of our local restaurants is a must, but having a few go-to meals you can prepare at home from scratch is equally enjoyable. We’ve broken down local classes into four categories: ongoing (multiple classes per month), monthly/seasonal, couples, and workshops/private classes.
Prepare to unleash your inner chef and have a blast while learning something new. Bon appétit! You can also raise a glass at these mixology classes in town.
ONGOING COOKING CLASSES
Center for Health and Wellbeing
Located in Winter Park and servicing the surrounding area, the Center for Health and Wellbeing is an incredible resource. There are free fitness and wellness classes held throughout the month. And there are free 2-3 cooking classes offered each month. Enjoy a variety of recipes and subjects, each with wellness and health in mind. And it's FREE!
Registration is required, but there is no cost for these cooking classes.
Truffles & Trifles
Founded by avid cook Marci Arthur, Truffles & Trifles is a gourmet cooking school located in the College Park neighborhood. College Park has its fair share of eateries for foodies, but why not learn to make some of that foodie fare at home? Hands-on classes at Truffles & Trifles are offered multiple times per week and cover a variety of cuisines and techniques.
After working hard in the kitchen, sit down, relax, and enjoy the fruits (sometimes literally) of your labor.
Classes range in price depending on topic.
Orange County Library
Pssst, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: your Orange County Library card gives you access to check out way more than the latest best seller. If you’re in search of a budget friendly cooking class, all you need is your library card for FREE access to loads of cooking classes at various branches. A variety of class formats are available from the Cuisine Corner series to demonstrations and informative sessions.
Virtual options are available and classes are FREE with your library card.
MONTHLY and SEASONAL CLASSES
Bake Night at Phat Ash Cookies
Ring the doorbell and walk into the actual kitchen where the dreamy, decadent cookies of Phat Ash Bakes cookies are made. Put on the provided apron and step right up to your station. You're about to make your own creative cookies.
Our Editor, Dani Meyering experienced this cookie making class in Orlando alongside her husband, and they had a great time. The dough is ready-made all you have to do is decide what topping combinations you want to use, which fillings (if any), and any glaze. From 20 oz of dough, most participants will create 5-6 large cookies – and you get to take them all home with you.
Ash and her husband Izzy walk you through step by step, provide hands-on tips throughout the 90 minute experience. About halfway through your cookies are popped into the oven, and by the end of the class you're walking away with your own freshly baked cookies.
Music plays, soft drinks and mixers are provided, and you can bring your own bottle if you wish.
$65 per person includes all the supplies, the custom apron, and your finished cookies to take home.
Usually offered 1-2 times per month.
Edible Education Experience
Edible Education Experience’s primary purpose is to educate. With a dedicated team of passionate volunteers, including Chef Kevin Fonzo, this local non-profit connects with the local community (especially youth) through classes, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
The Chef Night series invites adults and kids (great for a family night out) to learn from a local volunteer chef during a farm-to-table class complete with a multi-course meal.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Over the years the amount of cooking classes in Orlando has reduced. If you know of any cooking classes that we should include, please contact Editor@orlandodatenightguide.com.
COUPLES COOKING
Date Night at Truffles & Trifles
Held several times per month, Date Night at Truffles & Trifles makes for a fun night of teamwork with your date. Date nights are typically themed around a certain region, featuring cuisines from Tuscany, Paris, and California among others.
The recipes aren’t overly complex or too easy, so expect to learn a few new tricks together.
Cheese Board 101 at Simply Cheese
It's not exactly cooking, but it's still a fun culinary class for couples. Cheese Board 101 at Simply Cheese in Winter Park takes place on select Thursdays and Saturdays each month. Enjoy a guided tutorial on how to creatively assemble a cheese and charcuterie board.
The food, wine, and instruction are all included.
$125 per couple
Call to reserve (321) 972-6186
WORKSHOPS & PRIVATE CLASSES
Top Hat Catering
Learn new culinary skills with an expert chef from the comfort of your own home or a professional kitchen. Chef Delano Lambertclare of Top Hat Catering (based in Sanford) offers private cooking classes held in your home or at a professional kitchen.
Check out these cooking classes in Tampa Bay for more ideas!
Feature image credit: FitLiving Eats
