Classes That Will Have You Saying Bon Appétit
Looking for a way to spice up your date nights? Planning a fun outing with friends? Local cooking classes just might be the perfect option. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, they offer a blend of fun, learning and adventure. And good eats, of course.
So, how do you decide which cooking class to take? Choosing one can feel a bit like browsing a menu—there’s typically something for everyone, from basic skills classes to exploring specialized cuisines. You can even find classes on brewing coffee, mixology and wine tasting.
Here are a few tips on finding the perfect cooking class:
- What are you interested in cooking? Are you drawn to a specific cuisine like Italian, Asian, or French? Interested in mastering baking skills, meat smoking, or exploring vegetarian/vegan options? Knowing your interests helps narrow down the choices.
- What’s your skill level? Are you a kitchen beginner, an intermediate cook comfortable with basics, or an advanced home chef seeking specialized knowledge? Picking a class that aligns with your skill level will help to ensure maximum benefit and enjoyment!
- What’s the class style and format? Review the detailed class description. Some are hands-on while others are demonstration style. Some classes are in big groups while others are more intimate, offering personalized attention. Find what works for you.
- What are the reviews like? Research the class, the instructor, and even the facilities. Check out photos of the food, and read what people have to say about their experiences. This is a great way to ensure that a class will meet your needs and expectations.
- What about the time and cost involved? Finally, see how long the class will run and if prices are reasonable for your budget. A fun night out might not involve a six-hour class on knife skills. With the options provided below, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
Menu of Local Cooking Classes
No matter what neighborhood you live in, there are plenty of cooking classes offered in Denver, Boulder and beyond. Just be sure to check out their calendars and reserve early. More popular and less frequently offered classes tend to be booked up well in advance.
And as you’ll see in both lists, there’s a newer option called Cozymeal that allows you to book a vetted and verified chef for a culinary experience either in your home or at their venue. You can search the website by cuisine, from Spanish small plates to the basics of French croissants.
Denver & Beyond
- Aurora Cooks, Aurora
- Cake Crafts, Englewood
- Cook Street, Golden Triangle
- Cozymeal, Varies
- Create Kitchen & Bar, Aurora
- Evergreen Cooking School, Evergreen
- The Seasoned Chef, Congress Park
- Stir Cooking School, Potter Highlands
- Sur La Table, Centennial
- Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar, Centennial
- AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, Rosedale
- Cattivella, Central Park
- Panzano, Downtown Denver
- Stoic & Genuine, LoDo
Top Picks:
Aurora Cooks—Don’t miss out on some incredibly affordable classes through the city of Aurora! From sushi workshops to cast iron cooking, Greek classics, and Chinese Hot Pot, some great options are coming up on the calendar! There are also cooking classes available for kids, teens, and families.
Stoic & Genuine—Don’t miss the chef-hosted, School of Fish cooking classes held in the Stoic & Genuine kitchen. During a 2-hour class, you’ll learn cooking techniques for a variety of seafood, from nose-to-tail salmon to octopus. If you’ve ever been intimidated about preparing fish, this is a great class!
Boulder & Beyond
- The Art of Cheese, Longmont
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder
- Bonjour Keto, Boulder
- The Cooking Studio, Fort Collins
- Cozymeal, Varies
- Farow Restaurant, Niwot
- Farm Fusion, Fort Collins
- Food Lab, Boulder
- Ginger and Baker, Fort Collins
- Journey Culinary, Longmont
- Olive & Herb, Loveland
- OZO Coffee Roastery, Boulder
- Piece, Love & Chocolate, Boulder
- Sur La Table, Boulder
- Williams-Sonoma, Broomfield
Top Picks:
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts—Try out their Basic Cooking Techniques class to learn knife skills, fundamentals of an emulsified sauce, pan searing, crafting a pan sauce, steaming, and sauteing techniques. The school also offers classes focused on the Flavors of Persia, bread making, winter soups, and much more.
Ginger and Baker—With names like Brunch in NOLA, Macaron Madness and Classic Pot Pie, you can’t go wrong with the classes available from this Fort Collins standout. If you can get a ticket, don’t miss their Asian Street Food class, featuring pot stickers, dan dan noodles, and smashed cucumber salad!
Ready to Get Cooking?
Attending cooking classes with a date or friends can be a unique and enjoyable experience. You'll work on recipes together, exchange tips, and enjoy the process of creating a meal from scratch. For beginners, it's a chance to learn kitchen basics, while seasoned cooks can refine their skills or explore new cuisines. It's like bringing a restaurant kitchen into your home!
