Basic cooking skills courses are designed to help you feel confident and capable in your own kitchen. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up on essential techniques, these classes offer hands-on instruction that makes learning approachable and enjoyable. Discover how simple it can be to master the fundamentals, from knife skills to everyday meal prep, and build a solid foundation for all your future cooking adventures.

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  • (192)

    Knife Skills store 161 Jacksonville...The guest was relearning knife skills which helps her remain in the Food industry. ...I ask my wife for this class as a birthday present. I had some knife skills but needed to know a little bit more. It's not a full...

    fun, effective teaching, good instructor

  • (4)

    Cooking Class Description: Learn how to turn simple ingredients into a delicious, comfort-food classic. Join us in preparing chicken and dumplings from scratch while also honing your knife skills, practicing proper sautéing and perfecting that homemade...

    easy to understand, easy to follow

  • Well worth the time and money--I went home and immediately started cooking!

  • (53)

    Fun & Flavorful Thai Cooking Class...A good intro class to basic Thai...
    I enjoyed my first Thai cooking class ever, and make the Panang dish every few weeks for my family.

    delicious food, enjoyable class, fun

  • (53)

    It was fun meeting other individuals at my station who had different cooking backgrounds than me. Also, splitting up the different courses among the stations made the process efficient. ...I look forward to more cooking sessions....cooking class

    fun experience, fun, educational

  • (19)

    Our cooking class was so much fun and a great learning experience! ...Family fun at this Italian cooking class!...This class was wonderful! We enjoyed cooking as a family and with other families. Would have been great to have a little more direction...

    enjoyable experience, clear instructions, fun

  • (13)

    Cooking Class Description: What’s more fun than eating sushi? Learning to make it with your special someone! You and your partner will work alongside other couples as you brush up on knife skills and get plenty of practice with rolling techniques. Plus,...

    educational, excellent instruction, enjoyable

  • (4)

    It was an excellent course that taught me the techniques needed to make these delicious pastries.

  • Excellent course. We?ll organized and appropriately timed. ...First time taking cooking class at Sur La Table and it was the best!

  • Cooking Class Description: Making fresh ravioli at home is a lot easier and even more delicious than you might think. In this class, our chef instructor will first show you how to make fresh pasta dough that you’ll use to make two delicious ravioli recipes....

  • Cooking Class Description: Gather the family for a delicious Italian feast, made together! In this fun, family-friendly class, our chef instructor will show you how to make spaghetti paired with mini meatballs and tomato sauce. Then, you’ll practice...

  • Cooking Class Description: Join us for a romantic evening exploring the five major flavors of Thai cuisine—sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy. In this class, you will practice knife skills and building balanced flavors as we put together an elegant...

  • Cooking Class Description: Classic French techniques are the building blocks of masterful home cooking. Learn these essentials and take on quintessential French cuisine in this hands-on class. From gently steaming salmon to braising leeks to perfection,...

  • A delightful evening of cooking and learning together!...The only downfall is if you are expecting to have a large hand in preparing the meal, this class was more of a group effort in preparation than you as an individual learning how to learn all of...

  • Fun Cooking session...My boyfriend and I went to our first cooking class together and tried this Homemade Pasta Workshop, and we both enjoyed it!

  • Cooking Class Description: Get comfortable in the kitchen preparing a French-inspired steak dinner. We’ll cover essential French techniques—from emulsifying vinaigrette and reducing pan sauce to searing beef and cooking starches. Then, we’ll put a fresh...

  • Cooking Class Description: Enjoy a taste of the ultimate comfort foods in this class! Our chef instructor will guide you through cooking up a classic: Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy. Then, you'll learn to crisp flavorful broccoli to perfection and finish...

  • Cooking Class Description: For more information on Private Events, or to schedule your own, please contact your local Sur La Table store, or visit our Private Events page.



    What To Expect: In our classes you'll work together with other students (in groups...


Basic Cooking Skills Courses

Learning to cook is one of those skills that stays with you for life, making every meal more enjoyable and every gathering more meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up on the basics, basic cooking courses offer a foundation that can transform the way you approach your kitchen. These classes are designed for anyone who wants to feel more confident at the stove, from college students setting up their first apartments to busy parents aiming to streamline weeknight dinners. Even seasoned home cooks find value in returning to the essentials, discovering new techniques or shortcuts that make everyday meals easier and more flavorful. With late summer’s bounty of fresh produce, there’s no better time to learn how to chop, sauté, and simmer your way through seasonal recipes. Taking a basic culinary skills course can help you unlock the potential of simple ingredients, turning a basket of tomatoes or a handful of herbs into memorable dishes that celebrate the season.

Basic cooking lessons aren’t just practical—they’re also a thoughtful gift for anyone starting a new chapter, like recent graduates, newlyweds, or friends settling into a new home. Gifting the experience of learning to cook is a way to offer both encouragement and empowerment, giving someone the tools they need to nourish themselves and others. These courses typically cover essential techniques such as knife skills, proper seasoning, and fundamental cooking methods like roasting, steaming, and braising. They’re structured to give you hands-on experience, so you leave class with the confidence to replicate what you’ve learned in your own kitchen. Imagine the satisfaction of preparing a perfectly seared chicken breast or mastering a silky vinaigrette—skills that make everyday meals feel special and achievable. And as the days begin to cool and schedules fill up, knowing how to prepare simple, satisfying meals at home becomes even more valuable.

Choosing the right basic cooking course is about finding a class that matches your current comfort level and culinary goals. Look for lessons that emphasize approachability and real-world application, so you can practice what you learn with the ingredients and tools you already have. Many classes are designed to fit into busy lives, offering flexible schedules and a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and mistakes are simply part of the process. As you build your foundation, you might find yourself eager to explore new cuisines or tackle more advanced techniques. When you’re ready to take the next step, our Intermediate Cooking Lessons are the perfect way to deepen your skills and expand your repertoire. No matter where you start, building your confidence in the kitchen opens up a world of possibilities—making every meal an opportunity to learn, share, and savor.