Top 10 Best Cooking Classes Online for 2025
Navigating the vast world of online culinary education can be daunting. From celebrity-led masterclasses to intimate, technique-focused workshops, finding the right fit for your specific goals, budget, and learning style is crucial. This guide cuts through the noise, offering a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the best cooking classes online to help you make an informed decision and elevate your skills in the kitchen. We provide a comprehensive breakdown of top platforms, analyzing their unique teaching methodologies, pricing structures, and ideal user profiles.
Whether you're a food content creator seeking to master complex techniques, a global cuisine explorer wanting authentic recipes, or a home cook looking to build foundational skills, this resource is for you. Each entry includes an honest assessment of its strengths and limitations, screenshots for a real-world preview, and direct links to get started. We've structured this analysis to be a practical tool, not just a list, so you can quickly identify the platform that aligns perfectly with your culinary ambitions.
As you explore new dishes and techniques, keeping track of your creations is key to refining your palate. Consider using an app like Savor to log your culinary experiments, note flavor profiles, and remember every successful bite. Download Savor here.
1. MasterClass
MasterClass positions itself as the "Netflix of online learning," offering an extensive library of courses taught by globally recognized experts. Its food category is a standout, featuring culinary legends like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, and Alice Waters. The platform excels in production quality, delivering cinematic, documentary-style lessons that are as inspiring as they are educational. This makes it one of the best cooking classes online for those seeking motivation and a high-level overview of a chef's philosophy.
Rather than providing step-by-step recipes for beginners, MasterClass focuses on the "why" behind techniques. You'll learn Thomas Keller’s approach to fundamental cooking methods or Gabriela Cámara's philosophy on masa. The bite-sized lessons are perfect for busy schedules, and each course includes a detailed downloadable workbook with recipes and summaries.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Inspiration & High-Level Technique |
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Pricing | Annual membership required (starts at $120/year) |
Standout Feature | Celebrity chefs and exceptional video production |
Limitation | No direct instructor interaction or personalized feedback |
Access requires an annual membership, which unlocks their entire catalog of 200+ classes across all subjects. While there are no live sessions or formal credentials, the value lies in gaining access to the wisdom of culinary masters.
Pro Tip: As you absorb these world-class techniques, use a food journaling app like Savor to document your own culinary experiments and track your skill progression. You can even note specific tips from a lesson that transformed your dish. Download Savor here.
2. America’s Test Kitchen Online Cooking School
America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) Online Cooking School takes a scientific, methodical approach to culinary education. Known for its rigorous recipe testing, ATK translates that precision into structured, skills-first courses perfect for home cooks who want to understand the fundamental science behind cooking. The platform is ideal for beginners and intermediate cooks seeking a curriculum-based path to mastering specific techniques, from knife skills to baking bread.
Unlike inspiration-focused platforms, ATK is a true school. It offers over 320 courses covering everything from cooking basics to advanced techniques, all built on a foundation of foolproof, tested recipes. The self-guided learning model is flexible, but a premium tier offers direct access to instructors for personalized feedback and answers to questions, making it one of the best cooking classes online for structured, supportive learning.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Foundational Skills & Methodical Learning |
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Pricing | Monthly subscription ($19.95/month) or with instructor access ($39.95/month) |
Standout Feature | Science-backed techniques and foolproof, tested recipes |
Limitation | Monthly cost is high for occasional users; premium for instructor access |
Access is granted via a monthly subscription, with a higher tier required for instructor-led guidance. This model suits dedicated learners committed to consistent practice and improvement. The platform’s extensive recipe catalog and technique modules provide a comprehensive and reliable culinary resource.
Pro Tip: ATK's methodical approach is perfect for building a solid foundation. Use the Savor app to log each ATK recipe you master, noting the specific scientific principles you learned, like why resting dough is crucial. This creates a personal digital cookbook of your proven successes. Download Savor here.
3. Sur La Table
Known for its high-end kitchenware, Sur La Table extends its culinary expertise into the digital realm with live, interactive cooking classes hosted on Zoom. This approach transforms your kitchen into a classroom, offering a hands-on, cook-along experience guided by professional chefs in real time. It's one of the best cooking classes online for couples, families, or roommates looking for a shared activity, as each class is priced per household.
Before your session, you receive a detailed prep packet with an ingredient and equipment list, allowing you to prepare everything in advance. During the 90 to 120-minute class, you can ask questions and get immediate answers from the chef instructor via a dedicated Q&A moderator. This direct engagement provides a level of personalized support not found in pre-recorded platforms.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Interactive Cook-Along Experience & Families |
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Pricing | Per class (typically $29-$49 per household) |
Standout Feature | Live Q&A with professional chef instructors |
Limitation | Classes are at fixed times; recordings aren't guaranteed |
While the schedule-based format requires planning, the value is excellent, especially when splitting the cost. Participants often receive a discount for in-store or online purchases post-class, making it a great way to build your kitchen toolkit while honing new skills.
Pro Tip: Your finished dish from a Sur La Table class is the perfect photo opportunity. Capture your creation at its best with these expert tips on how to photograph food, then log the recipe, photo, and class notes in the Savor app to build a visual record of your culinary journey. Download Savor here.
4. Cozymeal
Cozymeal operates as a marketplace for live, interactive culinary experiences, bringing professional chefs directly to your kitchen via Zoom. It specializes in small-group and private classes, fostering a hands-on learning environment that is difficult to find elsewhere. With a diverse catalog spanning global cuisines from handmade pasta to Thai street food, Cozymeal provides some of the best cooking classes online for those seeking direct engagement and real-time guidance from an instructor.
The platform’s strength lies in its variety and interactivity. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback as you cook alongside the chef. Many classes offer the option to have a curated ingredient kit shipped to your home, removing the hassle of grocery shopping. This makes it an excellent choice for special occasions, date nights, or team-building events where a shared, live experience is key.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Interactive Live Classes & Group Events |
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Pricing | Pay-per-class (starts around $29/person) |
Standout Feature | Live chef interaction and optional ingredient kits |
Limitation | Class availability is schedule-dependent and can be limited |
The per-class pricing model offers flexibility without a subscription commitment, though costs can add up, especially with ingredient kits. Since classes are live, availability fluctuates based on the chefs' schedules, requiring you to book in advance.
Pro Tip: After an interactive session, use the Savor app to make notes on the chef’s specific feedback and the nuances you learned. Documenting these personalized tips is crucial for retaining them. Download Savor here.
5. Rouxbe
Rouxbe positions itself as a true online culinary school, shifting the focus from individual recipes to a foundational, technique-driven curriculum. It is designed for serious home cooks and aspiring professionals who want a structured learning path with assessments and instructor support. The platform offers comprehensive courses that mirror a traditional culinary education, covering everything from knife skills to complex sauce-making, making it one of the best cooking classes online for those seeking professional-grade training.
Unlike entertainment-focused platforms, Rouxbe emphasizes hands-on practice, with video-based lessons followed by graded assignments that receive personalized feedback from professional chefs. This interactive model helps students master core concepts, such as understanding the five basic tastes and how they interact. The platform even offers certification programs recognized by the American Culinary Federation and Worldchefs, providing a clear path for career advancement.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Structured, Professional-Level Training |
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Pricing | Individual courses (from $99.99), Memberships (from $99.99/year), or certification programs ($799.99+) |
Standout Feature | Graded assessments with personalized chef feedback |
Limitation | Significant time commitment and higher cost than casual platforms |
Access can be purchased per course or through a membership, with some professional programs following specific cohort start dates. The lifetime access to purchased courses is a significant benefit, allowing you to revisit foundational lessons as you advance.
Pro Tip: As you complete Rouxbe's rigorous assignments, use the Savor app to take detailed notes on the instructor feedback. Documenting your graded results and the specific critiques will create an invaluable log of your professional development. Download Savor here.
6. YesChef
YesChef offers a cinematic, story-driven approach to culinary education, positioning itself as a documentary-style platform for the passionate home cook. Each class is an immersive journey into the life and kitchen of a world-renowned chef, like Nancy Silverton or Erez Komarovsky, blending cultural storytelling with practical, technique-focused lessons. The platform excels at creating an emotional connection to food, making it one of the best cooking classes online for those who want to understand the soul behind a recipe.
Unlike platforms that focus solely on recipes, YesChef provides a balanced experience, delving into the philosophies and signature techniques of its instructors. The 4K-quality videos are paired with downloadable PDF cookbooks that include detailed recipes and ingredient lists, allowing you to easily replicate the dishes at home. It’s an ideal choice for cooks who appreciate high production value and are inspired by the rich narratives of global cuisine.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Narrative-Driven Learning & Cultural Context |
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Pricing | Annual membership ($180/year) or lifetime access option |
Standout Feature | Cinematic storytelling and immersive chef documentaries |
Limitation | Smaller library of chefs compared to larger platforms |
An annual membership grants you access to their entire catalog of classes, which you can stream on up to five devices. While it lacks direct interaction with instructors, the platform's focus on storytelling provides a unique and deeply engaging educational experience that goes beyond simple step-by-step instructions.
Pro Tip: As you learn the stories behind each chef's signature dishes, use the Savor app to capture your own notes on the cultural context and inspiration. Documenting these details can deepen your appreciation for the food you create. Download Savor here.
7. Milk Street Cooking School
Milk Street Cooking School, led by Christopher Kimball, takes a practical and almost scientific approach to home cooking. Its curriculum is built on reinventing classic dishes with bolder flavors and simpler, more intelligent techniques sourced from around the globe. Unlike platforms offering broad culinary overviews, Milk Street focuses on specific, topic-driven live and self-paced digital classes, making it one of the best cooking classes online for those who want to master a particular dish or skill in a single session.
The platform’s strength lies in its à la carte model, where you can purchase individual live-streamed classes like "A Trip to Thailand" or "Secrets of the Israeli Kitchen." Attendees receive class recordings, recipes, and a discount to the Milk Street store. This format is ideal for learners who want targeted knowledge without committing to a subscription, providing direct access to expert instructors in a focused, workshop-style environment.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Practical, Recipe-Specific Workshops |
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Pricing | Pay-per-class (typically $29.95 – $49.95) |
Standout Feature | Live-streamed classes with instructor Q&A and recordings |
Limitation | The pay-per-class model can become costly for frequent learners |
The classes are highly interactive, and the focus is always on understanding the "how" and "why" behind each step to make you a more intuitive cook. While there are no formal certificates, the tangible skill improvement from even one class is a significant takeaway.
Pro Tip: After mastering a specific technique from a Milk Street class, like their method for perfect weeknight chicken, log the recipe and your notes in a digital food journal like Savor. You can track variations you try and pinpoint the exact steps that elevate your results. Download Savor here.
8. The Chef & The Dish
The Chef & The Dish offers a truly unique, premium experience by connecting you with professional chefs for private, live cooking classes via Zoom, streamed directly from their home countries. Instead of a pre-recorded video, you get a personalized, one-on-one session focused on authentic global cuisines, from making fresh pasta with a chef in Italy to mastering paella with an expert in Spain. This model makes it one of the best cooking classes online for immersive cultural and culinary learning.
The service is designed to be highly interactive and tailored to your skill level. Before your class, a kitchen assistant helps you with ingredient sourcing and prep, ensuring you're ready to go. During the two-to-three-hour session, the chef guides you step-by-step, offering real-time feedback and adjusting the pace to your needs, creating a deeply personal and effective learning environment.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Immersive Cultural Cooking & Personalized Coaching |
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Pricing | Starts at $299 per kitchen for two people |
Standout Feature | Private, live 1:1 classes with chefs in their native countries |
Limitation | Premium price point and requires scheduling across time zones |
Classes are booked individually, with pricing set per kitchen for up to two people. While significantly more expensive than subscription platforms, the value lies in its exclusivity and direct access to authentic culinary experts. It’s an ideal choice for a special occasion, a unique date night, or for anyone serious about mastering a specific regional cuisine with undivided attention.
Pro Tip: After your private session, use the Savor app to capture the authentic recipe, notes on the chef’s specific techniques, and photos of your final dish. This creates a lasting record of your unique global cooking experience. Download Savor here.
9. Udemy
Udemy functions as a massive open marketplace for online courses, and its culinary section is a treasure trove for niche interests and specific skills. Unlike subscription models, you purchase individual courses, giving you lifetime access to the material. This makes it one of the best cooking classes online for learners on a budget who want to own their educational content permanently. The platform covers everything from sourdough bread baking to Indian curries, with courses taught by a wide range of instructors.
The primary advantage of Udemy is its sheer variety and affordability, with frequent deep discounts making courses incredibly accessible. However, the quality can be inconsistent, as anyone can create and upload a course. It's crucial to read reviews and watch preview videos before purchasing. Many courses offer direct Q&A with the instructor, providing a level of support not found on all platforms.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Niche Topics & Budget-Friendly Learning |
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Pricing | Individual course purchases (often $10-$30 during sales) |
Standout Feature | Lifetime access to courses and a vast, diverse library |
Limitation | Course quality and production value can vary significantly |
The "pay-per-course" model is ideal for those who want to master a specific cuisine or technique without committing to a recurring subscription. The platform’s flexibility allows you to build a personalized library of cooking knowledge at your own pace.
Pro Tip: As you master specific recipes from your Udemy courses, track them in a digital food journal. Learning how to keep a food journal helps you remember instructor tips and your own variations. The Savor app is perfect for this, letting you add notes and photos to your culinary creations. Download Savor here.
10. Skillshare
Skillshare is a vast creative learning community where members can explore thousands of classes in short, project-based formats. While not exclusively a culinary platform, its cooking section is robust, particularly for bakers and those looking to acquire specific skills quickly. Classes are taught by industry professionals and passionate creators, offering a more accessible, peer-to-peer learning environment compared to platforms led by celebrity chefs. This makes it an excellent choice for targeted skill development, like mastering sourdough or perfecting French macarons.
The platform's strength lies in its project-centric model. Each class encourages you to create something tangible, and you can share your results with the community for feedback. Lessons are broken down into short, digestible videos, ideal for mobile learning. This approach makes Skillshare one of the best cooking classes online for learners who prefer hands-on, practical application over theoretical lectures and want to build a portfolio of their culinary creations.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Project-Based Learning & Baking Skills |
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Pricing | Annual subscription required (starts around $165/year, varies by region) |
Standout Feature | Community project galleries and short, skill-specific classes |
Limitation | Class quality can vary; no live interaction with instructors |
An annual subscription grants unlimited access to the entire Skillshare library, not just cooking classes. While it lacks formal certifications, the value is in the sheer breadth of creative topics available at a reasonable price point.
Pro Tip: As you complete Skillshare projects, from cake decorating to pasta making, use the Savor app to create a visual diary of your work. Document your process with photos and note the specific techniques you learned in each class to build a personal culinary portfolio. Download Savor here.
11. Nonna Live
Nonna Live offers an unparalleled culinary journey, bringing authentic Italian grandmothers directly into your kitchen via live and on-demand classes. Instead of polished studio kitchens, you are virtually welcomed into a real Nonna’s home in Italy to learn generational recipes like handmade pasta and regional sauces. This platform provides one of the best cooking classes online for anyone seeking cultural immersion and a heartwarming, personal connection to food.
The experience is less about precise culinary science and more about tradition, intuition, and love. Classes are designed to be interactive cook-alongs, making them incredibly beginner-friendly. You receive a shopping list in advance and follow along as Nonna Chiara or her family guide you through each step, sharing stories and techniques passed down through generations.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Authentic Cultural Immersion & Pasta Making |
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Pricing | Individual classes from $59; On-demand library subscription at $14.99/month |
Standout Feature | Live instruction from real Italian grandmothers in their home kitchens |
Limitation | Narrow focus on Italian cuisine; live classes are scheduled in Central European Time |
Classes can be purchased individually, making it a great giftable option, or accessed through a subscription to their on-demand library. The main consideration is the time zone difference for live sessions, which may require some planning for international participants.
Pro Tip: As you learn these cherished family recipes, capture the details and your personal variations in a food journaling app like Savor. You can record the Nonna’s specific tip for rolling pasta or how you adapted the sauce, creating your own digital family cookbook. Download Savor here.
12. Classpop!
Classpop! offers a dynamic and social approach to culinary education through its marketplace of live, interactive virtual cooking classes. The platform connects users with vetted professional chefs for sessions covering a broad spectrum of cuisines, from handmade pasta to Thai street food. Each class is a scheduled, real-time event hosted via Zoom, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive on direct interaction and a communal learning atmosphere. It’s one of the best cooking classes online for a fun, date-night-in or a virtual get-together with friends.
The primary appeal is its event-based model, where you can browse an active calendar and book a specific class that fits your schedule and culinary interests. This contrasts with subscription services, offering a pay-per-class structure that provides flexibility without a long-term commitment.
Platform Breakdown
Best For | Live Interactive Group Classes & Social Cooking |
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Pricing | Pay-per-class (typically $39-$75 per person) |
Standout Feature | Active calendar of diverse, themed virtual events |
Limitation | Class quality can vary depending on the instructor |
Classes are priced per person, making it easy to plan for couples or groups. While the group setting is a major draw, it may offer less personalized attention than a one-on-one session. The quality of the experience can also be instructor-dependent, so it's wise to check reviews for specific chefs.
Pro Tip: After a fun live class, use a food journaling app like Savor to log the recipe, your final dish, and any specific tips the chef gave your group. It’s a great way to build your personal cookbook from these interactive experiences. Download Savor here.
Top 12 Online Cooking Classes Comparison
Platform | Core Features | User Experience | Value Proposition | Target Audience | Price Points |
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MasterClass | Celebrity chef courses, bite-size lessons | High production, storytelling | Signature methods, polished learning | Aspiring cooks, inspiration seekers | Subscription, 30-day refund |
America’s Test Kitchen | Technique modules, instructor Q&A | Methodical, supportive | Tested recipes, beginner-friendly | Beginners to intermediate cooks | Monthly subscription (+ premium) |
Sur La Table | Live Zoom classes, prep packets | Interactive, hands-on | Practical cook-along, family friendly | Families, home cooks | Per class fee |
Cozymeal | Live small-group/private classes, ingredient kits | Flexible, varied | Wide cuisines, transparent pricing | Foodies wanting interaction | Per class, kits extra |
Rouxbe | Professional courses, graded assessments | Deep curriculum, personalized | Industry certification, serious learners | Home cooks & professional chefs | High cost, time commitment |
YesChef | Cinematic 4K classes, downloadable cookbooks | Inspiring storytelling, immersive | Balanced technique & culture | Home cooks appreciating quality | Subscription, money-back |
Milk Street Cooking School | Live & self-paced classes, store discounts | Practical, focused | Affordable, topic-focused | Practical cooks, budget conscious | Per class pricing |
The Chef & The Dish | Private 1:1 live Zoom, concierge help | Highly interactive, tailored | Authentic, personalized global cuisine | Serious home cooks, gift buyers | Premium pricing per person |
Udemy | Thousands of courses, instructor Q&A | Diverse quality, self-paced | Affordable, lifetime access | Casual to advanced cooks | Individual purchase, often discounted |
Skillshare | Subscription, short practical lessons | Quick skill bursts, mobile access | Good value for broad exploration | Hobbyists, skill builders | Annual subscription |
Nonna Live | Live & on-demand Italian classes | Authentic, beginner-friendly | Cultural immersion, pasta focused | Italian cuisine lovers | Per class or packages |
Classpop! | Scheduled interactive Zoom group classes | Group focused, clear pricing | Variety of cuisines, transparent fees | Casual home cooks, groups | Per class pricing |
Your Culinary Education Awaits
The digital kitchen has thrown its doors wide open, offering an unprecedented array of opportunities to learn from the world's most accomplished chefs and culinary institutions. As we've explored, the landscape of the best cooking classes online is vast and varied, catering to every imaginable skill level, culinary interest, and learning preference. From the celebrity-driven, high-production lessons of MasterClass to the rigorous, technique-focused curriculum of Rouxbe, the perfect educational experience is no longer confined to a physical classroom.
Your journey began with a search for a way to elevate your cooking, and now you are equipped with a detailed roadmap. The key takeaway is that the "best" platform is entirely subjective and hinges on your personal culinary goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; instead, there is a perfect fit for you.
How to Choose Your Ideal Online Cooking Class
To distill our comprehensive analysis into actionable steps, consider this framework when making your final decision. Your choice should be a strategic one, aligning the platform's strengths with your specific ambitions.
- For the Aspiring Professional or Serious Home Cook: If your goal is to master foundational techniques with scientific precision, platforms like America’s Test Kitchen and Rouxbe offer structured, in-depth curriculums that build skills systematically. These are investments in a true culinary education, not just a single recipe.
- For the Global Cuisine Explorer: To experience authentic, culturally rich cooking, look to specialized services. The Chef & The Dish provides unparalleled private, live instruction from international chefs, while Nonna Live offers a uniquely heartwarming connection to Italian family traditions.
- For the Experience-Seeker and Social Butterfly: If you crave interaction and a fun, event-style class, Sur La Table, Cozymeal, and Classpop! excel. They effectively replicate the energy of an in-person workshop, making them ideal for date nights, team-building events, or simply a lively evening of learning.
- For the Casual Learner and Skill-Builder: Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer incredible value and flexibility. They are perfect for diving into niche topics, from sourdough baking to Thai street food, without the commitment of a long-term subscription.
Final Considerations Before You Enroll
Before committing your time and money, remember to assess the practical implementation of any class. Review the required equipment and ingredient lists beforehand to ensure you are prepared. For live classes, double-check time zones and cancellation policies. Most importantly, choose a platform whose teaching style resonates with you. Watch introductory videos and read student reviews to get a feel for the instructor's energy and approach.
Ultimately, the best online cooking classes are the ones that ignite your passion and empower you to create with confidence. Whether you’re a food critic seeking to deepen your technical understanding or a content creator looking for fresh inspiration, the perfect instructor and curriculum are just a click away. Embrace the opportunity, sharpen your knives, and prepare to transform your kitchen into a classroom without limits.
As you embark on this culinary journey, mastering new recipes and techniques, don't let those memorable meals fade away. Document your creations, track your progress, and remember every flavor with Savor. Download the app to create a personal digital cookbook of your successes from the best cooking classes online. Download Savor on the App Store.
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