New Orleans: Hands-On Cajun Cooking Class French Quarter

Summary

Cook classic Cajun dishes in a lively French Quarter kitchen

You’ll slip into a real French Quarter kitchen for hands-on Cajun cooking with local chefs—think barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding. Expect laughter over chopping boards, stories behind every recipe, drinks flowing easily, and that feeling you get when strangers start to feel like friends.

What’s the experience like?

I walked into the Mardi Gras School of Cooking still feeling the sticky New Orleans air clinging to my shirt. Chef Byron greeted us with this big, easy smile—like he’d known us forever. There was zydeco music humming somewhere in the background, and I remember the faint smell of coffee mixed with something buttery. We tied on aprons (mine was crooked, but no one cared) and got right into it. The class felt more like a group of friends than strangers—maybe it was the wine they poured or just how everyone loosened up once we started peeling shrimp together.

We made barbecue shrimp first, which isn’t barbecued at all—Byron laughed when I asked about it. He showed us how to swirl the pan just right so the sauce didn’t split, and I swear I can still taste that peppery kick. Jambalaya came next, all chicken and smoky andouille sausage. Chopping onions turned into a kind of group therapy session; someone teared up (not me, promise). Byron told stories about his grandma’s kitchen and why you never rush a roux in Louisiana—he watched our pots like a hawk but let us mess up just enough to learn.

Dessert was chocolate bread pudding with this boozy brandy mocha sauce—I dripped some on my sleeve but honestly didn’t care by then. The whole thing ended around a big table, everyone passing plates and trading bites. There was laughter echoing off those old brick walls, and for a second I forgot we were in a cooking class at all. Just felt like New Orleans had let us in on one of its secrets for an evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Cajun cooking class

• Arrive at Mardi Gras School of Cooking
• Meet classmates and chefs
• Put on aprons and start cooking
• Learn recipes and cooking techniques
• Prepare New Orleans tradition dishes
• Enjoy barbecue shrimp starter
• Cook chicken and andouille jambalaya
• Dessert with chocolate bread pudding
• Enjoy the meal together

Top questions

Is this New Orleans Cajun cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking are wheelchair accessible.

Are alcoholic beverages included in the Cajun cooking class?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included during your class experience.

Can solo travelers join the hands-on cooking class?

Solo travelers can join if there is already a scheduled class available.

What dishes will I cook during this New Orleans cooking class?

You’ll prepare barbecue shrimp New Orleans style, chicken & andouille sausage jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding with brandy mocha sauce.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the school’s location in the French Quarter.

What’s included

Your evening includes all ingredients for three classic dishes—barbecue shrimp, jambalaya with chicken & sausage, chocolate bread pudding—as well as alcoholic drinks during dinner. The experience is fully wheelchair accessible and located right in the French Quarter; just show up ready to cook (and eat).