How to Cook Louisiana Style

At a Glance 

• Enjoy hands-on Louisiana cooking classes throughout the state where you can learn authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine from local chefs.
• Find cooking schools across Louisiana, from New Orleans and Baton Rouge to Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, Natchitoches and Slidell.
• Learn to prepare iconic Louisiana dishes like gumbo, étouffée, roux, pralines, king cake and other regional favorites.

Sharpen your skills on the chopping block! There’s no shortage of master chefs in the state, since Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole cuisine is prized in the culinary world. Learn from experts at a cooking class and you’ll be rewarded in dividends. But first, read up on the state's distinct cuisine. 

Cajun Versus Creole 

While Cajun and Creole traditions may exist in the same dish, don’t be fooled: These two words describe completely different cultures. True Cajun food is resourceful. Creative by nature, it wastes nothing and amplifies everything. It’s well-seasoned — but not spicy — and represents early Acadian settlers’ marginalization from luxury. Its complexity comes from the holy trinity, a French vegetable medley, and seasonings, like meticulous blends of paprika, thyme, sassafras and parsley.

Creole food, on the other hand, is found in big cities like New Orleans. Its upper-class French and Spanish roots lend it a sense of indulgence that economically marginalized Cajuns couldn’t explore. Consider remoulade: This creamy dipping sauce demands nearly a dozen ingredients. Additionally, Creole cuisine typically contains tomatoes, a fruit once prized for its exoticness. 

Popular Cooking Classes for Classic Louisiana Foods

Now that you know the basics, put your cooking skills to the test! Louisiana’s cooking schools are found throughout the state, and here are a few to discover during your next trip to southeast Louisiana.

Casa Pelican B&B and Cooking School, New Orleans 

The quaint bed and breakfast, Casa Pelican B&B and Cooking School, has a number of classes for visitors to partake in. The sunshine-yellow raised center-hall cottage is distinctively New Orleans — but so is the food. Within a small group, learn how to make regional dishes like chicken and sausage gumbo or warm sweet bread with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As you cook, enjoy a glass of wine courtesy of the host.

Cane River Kitchenware, Natchitoches

Louisiana’s oldest city is home to Cane River Kitchenware, where classes pair together history and skill. Enjoy a cocktail showing complete with hors d'oeuvres, playful children’s classes and private classes upon request.

Langlois, New Orleans

This beloved institution, named as one of the “Best Cooking Schools Around the World” by Travel + Leisure, offers an unparalleled cooking experience. Whether you choose to learn virtually or in person, discover recipes like blackened shrimp pasta, Italian-Creole pasta and more. 

Louisiana Culinary Institute, Baton Rouge

Located in the capital city, the top-notch Louisiana Culinary Institute offers a selection of leisure classes for anyone honing their inner chef. Begin with Culinary Skills 101, an immersive four-hour learning experience that covers kitchen fundamentals. Other classes, which rotate throughout the year, enrich student palates through German, Thai and Korean cuisine. 

Maison Madeleine, Breaux Bridge

In the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, find a cozy bed and breakfast offering private cooking classes. At Maison Madeleine, Cajun chefs walk students through the making of a three-course meal with dishes like seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée and bourbon bread pudding. Upon request, chefs can teach the class in Cajun French. 

The Mardi Gras School of Cooking, New Orleans

This school in the famed French Quarter neighborhood offers several unique classes. Learn to make roux, the warm and nutty base of dishes like gumbo. If you're vegetarian, The Mardi Gras School of Cooking has produce-forward recipes like corn maque choux. Come Mardi Gras season, bake an authentic King Cake — and discover the history behind it. 

New Orleans School of Cooking, New Orleans

Find more cooking classes nearby at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Here, guests can enroll in quick courses like open-demonstration classes, where renowned chefs prepare classic Cajun and Creole meals for a crowd. Sample dishes like crab bisque, pralines, bananas foster, molasses-drizzled biscuits and more. If you're feeling extra adventurous, treat yourself to a hands-on class, where guests slice, season and prepare a complete Louisiana dinner. 

Passionate Platter Herb Kitchen, Slidell

Garden flavors sing at this verdant marketplace on the Northshore. In preparation for a cooking class at the Passionate Platter Herb Kitchen, children and adults can stroll through a private herb garden and select fresh greens for bright and zingy dishes like pesto pasta.

The Kitchenary, Lafayette

Located in the heart of Cajun country, The Kitchenary, a local culinary supply store, offers classes taught by local chefs. Classes range from tapas to tequila pairings. After sampling delicious new fare, students can take home personalized recipe cards.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What's the difference between Cajun and Creole cooking? 

Although both are iconic Louisiana cuisines, they come from different cultural traditions. Cajun cuisine developed among Acadian settlers and emphasizes resourcefulness, hearty ingredients and flavorful seasoning. Creole cuisine evolved in New Orleans and reflects French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and other cultural influences. 

Do I need cooking experience to take a Louisiana cooking class? 

No! Many Louisiana cooking schools welcome beginners as well as experienced home cooks. Introductory classes often teach essential kitchen techniques alongside traditional Louisiana recipes, while more advanced classes may focus on specific regional specialties or culinary skills. 

What Louisiana dishes are easiest for beginners to learn? 

Many first-time students start with recipes like gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, pralines, bread pudding, or red beans and rice. These dishes introduce foundational Louisiana cooking techniques while using ingredients that are widely available. 

What can I expect from a Louisiana cooking class? 

Most Louisiana cooking classes combine hands-on instruction with local culinary history. Depending on the class, you may learn how to prepare classic dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, pralines, or King Cake. 

Can I take a Louisiana cooking class while visiting? 

Yes! Many cooking schools throughout Louisiana welcome travelers and offer single-session classes that fit easily into a vacation itinerary. You'll find cooking experiences in destinations including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, Natchitoches, and Slidell. 

Are Louisiana cooking classes family-friendly? 

Some cooking schools offer classes designed specifically for families or children, while others focus on adult learners. Availability varies by location, so it's a good idea to check age requirements before booking.