Learning to cook can be incredibly rewarding, whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills. Online cooking courses are a fantastic way to learn from top chefs, experiment with new recipes, and understand the intricacies of different cuisines—all from the comfort of your kitchen.
With various online programs catering to all skill levels, you can find one that suits your tastes and schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the best online cooking courses available today.
1. MasterClass: Cooking with Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and More
MasterClass offers high-quality cooking courses taught by world-renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and Thomas Keller. Each course covers not just techniques but also the chef’s unique philosophy, providing a well-rounded culinary education.
Popular Courses: Gordon Ramsay’s “Cooking I & II,” Alice Waters’ “The Art of Home Cooking,” Thomas Keller’s “Techniques.”
Course Style: Video-based classes with chapters, available on-demand.
Cost: $180 annually for an all-access pass to all MasterClass courses.
Best For: Food enthusiasts who want insights and techniques from celebrity chefs while learning in a highly polished, professional format.
2. America’s Test Kitchen Online Cooking School
Known for its rigorous recipe testing and clear instructions, America’s Test Kitchen is perfect for home cooks who want practical, foolproof methods. Their online cooking school features structured courses in various cuisines and cooking techniques, making it easy to follow along and master recipes at your own pace.
Popular Courses: Essentials of Cooking, Advanced Cooking Techniques, Regional Italian Cuisine.
Course Style: Video lessons with additional readings, recipes, and quizzes.
Cost: $19.95 per month or $180 per year.
Best For: Cooks of all levels who appreciate a thorough, science-based approach to cooking that guarantees reliable results.
3. Rouxbe Online Culinary School
Rouxbe is a professional-grade culinary school offering comprehensive courses in cooking fundamentals and advanced techniques. Their courses cover essential cooking skills, plant-based cooking, and specialized topics like knife skills and sauce making. With a focus on technique, Rouxbe’s courses cater to serious cooks aiming to hone their skills.
Popular Courses: Culinary Foundations, Plant-Based Cooking, and Essential Techniques.
Course Style: Interactive lessons with videos, quizzes, and a supportive online community.
Cost: $59.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
Best For: Aspiring chefs or home cooks looking for an in-depth, professional cooking course with certifications.
4. The Chef & The Dish
The Chef & The Dish offers live, private cooking classes where you can cook along with chefs from around the world. These classes focus on specific cuisines, providing an immersive experience in which chefs share not only techniques but also stories and cultural insights. It’s an ideal choice if you’re interested in learning authentic international recipes.
Popular Courses: Japanese Ramen, Thai Street Food, Italian Pasta Making.
Course Style: One-on-one live, virtual cooking classes.
Cost: Classes range from $99 to $299, depending on the dish and class size.
Best For: Cooks looking for a cultural experience and personalized instruction from international chefs.
5. Udemy: Online Cooking Courses
Udemy offers a broad selection of cooking courses, ranging from beginner tutorials to specialized classes like cake decorating and vegan cooking. Udemy courses are affordable, accessible, and can be purchased individually, so you can pick and choose topics that interest you most.
- Popular Courses: “Easy and Quick Indian Cooking,” “Baking Fundamentals,” “Sushi for Beginners.”
- Course Style: Pre-recorded video lessons.
- Cost: Prices range from $10 to $50, depending on sales and promotions.
- Best For: Budget-conscious learners who want flexibility and a variety of courses to choose from.
6. Bluprint (formerly Craftsy)
Bluprint offers courses in cooking and baking that are designed for beginners and hobbyists. With a focus on hands-on skills, Bluprint courses cover a range of techniques and are perfect for those interested in baking, grilling, and cooking basics.
- Popular Courses: “Italian Cooking Classics,” “Sourdough Bread Basics,” “Essential Knife Skills.”
- Course Style: Video-based, available on-demand.
- Cost: Subscription-based, with options for monthly or annual memberships.
- Best For: Hobbyists and home bakers who want beginner-friendly lessons and a supportive community.
7. Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) Online Classes
ICE, one of the top culinary schools in the U.S., now offers a selection of online cooking classes led by their professional chefs. These classes cover techniques and cuisines and are designed to replicate the feel of a live class as closely as possible, with options for one-on-one feedback.
- Popular Courses: “The Art of French Cooking,” “Professional Knife Skills,” “Healthy Cooking Techniques.”
- Course Style: Live virtual classes with chef instruction.
- Cost: Around $100 per class.
- Best For: Learners who want expert guidance and feedback, and an authentic culinary school experience.
8. BBC Good Food: Online Cookery Courses
BBC Good Food offers a selection of accessible and affordable cooking courses. While these courses are not as in-depth as others, they cover practical techniques and basic recipes, making them perfect for beginners. The courses are taught by experienced chefs and focus on essential cooking techniques.
Popular Courses: “Beginner’s Guide to Cooking,” “Healthy Eating Essentials,” “Vegetarian Cooking.”
Course Style: Video tutorials with printable recipes and tips.
Cost: Typically around $30 per course.
Best For: Beginners and hobby cooks interested in basic skills and practical cooking tips.
Tips for Choosing the Right Online Cooking Course
- Skill Level: Be realistic about your current skills. If you’re new to cooking, start with beginner courses, whereas experienced cooks might benefit more from specialized or advanced classes.
- Type of Instruction: Decide if you prefer pre-recorded lessons that you can revisit or live classes where you can ask questions in real-time. Some learners prefer structured guidance, while others enjoy the flexibility of on-demand content.
- Budget: Online courses range widely in price. If you’re unsure about committing to an expensive course, try a free or low-cost option first.
- Course Format: Courses with downloadable recipes, interactive assignments, and quizzes can help reinforce learning. Live courses or those offering personalized feedback can also make a big difference in skill acquisition.
- Cultural Insight: If you’re passionate about learning specific cuisines, look for courses taught by chefs native to that region or those that emphasize authentic ingredients and methods.
The Bottom Line
The best online cooking courses provide a mix of convenience, quality instruction, and flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace while refining your skills. Whether you’re aiming to become a home chef, start a food-related career, or simply want to impress your friends and family, these top-rated programs offer the tools and expertise to help you achieve your culinary goals. With a bit of practice and the right course, you can make restaurant-quality dishes from your own kitchen.
