Emilee Unterkoefler
Ready to hone your culinary skills or learn something new right in your own kitchen? Like any other discipline, there are tons of cooking courses online, but we’ve found some real gems! Taught by renowned experts in the field, these seven online schools have courses to suit any budget.
Of course, if you prefer in-person learning, brick-and-mortar schools offer cooking courses and degrees. However, online learning platforms have been steadily gaining popularity for years. The best part is learning online is usually far more affordable.
So if you’ve always wanted to take your cooking or baking skills to the next level, but don’t have the time or money to take college courses, give a few of these culinary arts courses a shot.
Best Overall: MasterClass
Masterclass is a huge online streaming platform filled with various courses on a plethora of topics. There are classes on cooking, photography, writing, leadership, and so much more. Plus, you can stream the videos anytime, anywhere on your tablet, laptop, or phone.
You’ll learn everything from kitchen setup to creating memorable meals, from none other than Michelin-starred chef, Gordon Ramsey. Or, take your passion for Texas-style barbecue to the next level with award-winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin.
If bread is more your thing, then be sure to check out the course on making it from scratch by Apollonia Poilane, CEO of the renowned Parisian bakery. She guides you through with a hands-on demonstration.
For only $15 per month (billed annually), you can get unlimited access to all the courses on all topics as well as any new ones as they launch. You can truly learn from the experts with this innovative take on learning.
Best for Professionals: RouxBe Culinary Courses
Rouxbe is one of the worlds leading online culinary schools. It has thousands of students across the globe. It offers various beginner, intermediate, and professional courses recognized by the American Culinary Federation, a worldwide professional organization for chefs and cooks.
If you’re looking to refine your skills through professional certification, check out the two expert courses. The six-month classes include 110 continuing education hours, premium videos, and chef instructor support with multiple units, lessons, and tasks.
You can also just dive into any of the shorter courses, if you prefer. Prices vary, but there’s also an option to join a free online community where you can get plenty of nutritious and yummy recipes.
Best for Refining Skills: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is a prestigious institute in the world of classical cuisine. Fortunately, the school has joined forces with America’s Test Kitchen, a trusted authority on recipe development, to offer exclusive culinary instruction.
The over 320 courses give you the opportunity to take your cooking to an entirely new and exciting level. The system is also geared toward all skill levels. You can learn and master techniques, and gain access to tips, tricks, and recipes.
For $19.99 per month, you can learn traditional cooking techniques, fundamentals, and new trends in the culinary world from the experts.
Best Free Course: Kitchn Cooking School
If you’re looking for a reliable free option with crash courses you can practice at home, this is it! The 20-day Kitchn Cooking School offers lessons, tips, and tricks you can easily fit into a schedule that works for you.
After you sign up, you’ll receive an email the following Monday, and 19 more emails will follow. You’ll also get access to the Facebook group, where you can chat with your classmates and ask questions.
Best for Bread: Online Baking Academy
The Online Baking Academy offers multiple courses, so you can select the program that appeals most to you. If you don’t like memberships, you can also pay to access all the classes and lessons forever.
You’ll finally learn how to create that Insta-worthy sourdough bread that swept the nation last year, or all the secrets necessary to create an enriched dough. The courses offer a plethora of information you can’t get from a free blog or YouTube video, however, there are free courses available on the site, as well.
Prices vary, depending on which class you select.
Best for Pastry: The Butter Book
Dive into a one-of-a-kind opportunity and learn the fundamentals of the art of pastry via The Butter Book. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice looking to master the basics, you’ll love the courses on offer here.
The lessons are all professionally designed and taught by experts, but you can learn at your own pace. All the recipes have also been professionally developed through vigorous tests beforehand. All of the fundamental techniques that are taught will guide you beyond the lessons themselves.
You can pay $24.99 per month or save over 30% by paying $199.99 for a year. You can select from classes on pastries, cake decorating, or bread baking. You’ll love crafting delicious loaves of bread, confections, cakes, candies, and more.
Best for Cakes: Avalon Cakes School of Sugar Art
Rather than spending thousands on college courses to learn how to decorate cakes, check out the Avalon Cakes School of Sugar Art. These video courses guide you through step-by-step tutorials and feature high-quality images, exclusive new content recipes, livestream Q&As, and so much more.
Avalon Yarnes, who’s been named one of the Top 10 Cake Artists of North America, is the woman behind all the sugary madness. You’ll get an incredible opportunity to learn from a decorator who has crafted stunning works of art on the sweeter side of the food industry.
The premium membership is $24.99 per month, and gives you an exclusive look at all the videos. You’ll also receive a special gift from Avalon every three months. The classic membership costs $14.99 per month and grants you access to the classic video tutorials, livestreams, and recipes.
We all have to eat, so you might as well learn the basics of cooking or baking. These virtual courses are a fantastic way to do that and more!
