Two years as a private chef in NYC has taught me three things: (1) people will pay a small fortune for homemade pasta, (2) everyone wants to learn how to cook, but most people are terrified to start, and (3) online cooking classes are a chef’s kiss way to level up your act in the kitchen without the pressure of a live audience (or judgmental sous chef). So, I took it upon myself to scour the internet, whisk in hand, to find the absolute best classes out there — because no one should suffer through another dry chicken breast or soupy risotto.
RELATED: The best meal delivery kits and services of 2025, per years of testing
I spent weeks diving into all the major platforms I could find, experiencing four myself — Cozymeal, Sur La Table, YouTube, and MasterClass — evaluating their content, production, and whether their recipes could survive the chaotic whirlwind that is my home kitchen. From hands-on vegan classes to luxurious Italian cooking experiences, these platforms bring gourmet meals right to your counter. No commuting, no pressure, and some even allow you to pause the chef mid-sentence when you inevitably spill olive oil all over your notes.
Spoiler alert: not all classes are equal. Some are the culinary equivalent of a Netflix binge — entertaining but forgettable — while others will make you feel like you’re one béchamel sauce away from being the next Wolfgang. Ready to turn your kitchen into a five-star restaurant (or at least make fewer fire alarms go off)? Let’s break down the best online cooking classes that’ll turn you from “Pinterest fail” to “culinary god.”
Pros:
- Wide variety of cuisines and dietary options
- Live, interactive classes with global chefs
- Affordable pricing starting at $29 per device
Cons:
- Classes fill up quickly
- May require extra effort to source ingredients
Cozymeal offers live, interactive cooking classes led by world-class chefs from around the globe. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, spicy Thai curry, or vegan delights, there’s a class for every taste and skill level. With prices starting at $29 per device, it’s an affordable way to bring gourmet flavors into your kitchen. Bonus: They even help you source ingredients through local grocers.
I took the Vegan African Feast class with the (absolutely delightful) Chef Angela-Michelle on Cozymeal, and it was a treasure of an experience. We made Ye’abesha Gomen, a vibrant dish of collard greens and peppers, and Misir Wat, a spiced lentil stew with sweet potatoes that was so flavorful I wanted seconds before I finished the first bowl. The highlight, though, was learning to make injera — Chef Angela-Michelle provided great tips for working with teff flour and even creating a quick injera, and it turned out perfectly spongy and tangy. The class was interactive and well-paced, and it left me feeling confident enough to recreate these dishes on my own.
Pros:
- Personalized, one-on-one instruction
- Romantic and fun for date nights
- Global cuisine options
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to group classes
- Requires advance scheduling
Turn up the heat on your next date night with The Chef & The Dish. This personalized cooking experience pairs you with a professional chef to guide you and your partner through a live, one-on-one class featuring dishes from around the world. Perfect for anniversaries or cooking class date nights, it’s a romantic and delicious way to learn something new together.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly recipes and engaging lessons
- Affordable at $9.99 for the course
- Encourages creativity and confidence in the kitchen
Cons:
- Limited to a four-episode series
- Focused primarily on beginner-level skills
Craftsy’s Kitchen Invasion is a fun, engaging way to introduce kids to cooking with lessons led by cookbook author and “Food Network Star Kids” winner Amber Kelley. With easy-to-follow recipes and a focus on building confidence, this four-episode series makes cooking exciting for young chefs. At just $9.99, it’s an affordable way to spark creativity in the kitchen.
Pros:
- Taught by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay
- High production quality and in-depth lessons
- Covers advanced techniques and luxury cooking
MasterClass brings the world’s top chefs—like Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck—directly to your screen in beautifully produced, on-demand lessons. Learn high-end techniques, elevate your plating skills, and explore luxury gourmet cooking classes at your own pace. Subscriptions start at $15/month, offering access to not just cooking but a variety of other fascinating subjects.
Pros:
- Family-friendly and accessible for all skill levels
- Wide variety of vegetarian recipes
- Budget-friendly at $29 per household
Sur La Table’s vegetarian cooking classes make plant-based dining delicious and approachable. With options ranging from seasonal recipes to global cuisine, their family-friendly classes are perfect for home cooks of all ages. Priced at $29 per household, these virtual sessions offer a budget-friendly way to create flavorful, meat-free meals.
Pros:
- Authentic Italian recipes taught by real grandmothers
- Live classes with personal interaction
- Fun and culturally immersive experience
Cons:
- Limited availability of class times
- Recipes may require hard-to-find ingredients
Experience the charm of authentic Italian cooking with Nonna Live, where real Italian grandmothers teach you their family recipes via live-streamed classes. Learn to make pasta, pizza, and more, all while enjoying stories and tips from your new favorite Nonna. It’s an unforgettable culinary adventure straight from Italy to your kitchen.
Pros:
- Wide variety of baking topics, from beginner to advanced
- Self-paced lessons with lifetime access
- Affordable subscription at $19/month
Cons:
- Not baking-specific; part of a larger e-learning platform
- No live interaction or feedback
Skillshare’s baking classes cater to everyone from novice bakers to pastry enthusiasts, offering step-by-step lessons on everything from chocolate chip cookies to delicate French macarons. Their subscription-based platform lets you explore multiple baking topics at your own pace. At $19/month, it’s a sweet deal for anyone with a love for desserts.
Best with wine pairing/mixology: ClassPop!
Pros:
- Combines cooking with wine or cocktail pairings
- Interactive and fun for 21+ gatherings
- Budget-friendly starting at $25 per device
Cons:
- Limited class availability in some locations
- Alcohol not included; must be sourced separately
ClassPop! combines cooking and cocktails for a unique, interactive experience perfect for foodies who love a good drink. Learn to pair meals with wine or mix up the perfect cocktail while perfecting your culinary skills. Starting at $25 per device, these classes are fun, flavorful, and ideal for 21+ gatherings or date nights.
Pros:
- Unique and customizable gift options
- Wide variety of cuisines and dishes
- Affordable starting at $25
Cons:
- Not all classes are live
- Limited class availability for specific cuisines
UncommonGoods offers giftable cooking classes that are as unique as the cuisines they feature. Choose from options like Caribbean, Swedish, or even dog-friendly treats, with prices starting at $25. Perfect for food (and cocktail!) lovers, these classes are a creative and memorable way to share the joy of cooking.
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Huge variety of recipes and techniques
- Covers beginner to advanced levels
Cons:
- No live interaction or feedback
- Ads may interrupt the experience
ChefSteps on YouTube is a treasure trove of free, high-quality cooking content perfect for any level of home chef. From beginner-friendly tips to advanced techniques, their library covers it all, including vegan, vegetarian, and gourmet options. With zero cost and endless inspiration, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to up their cooking game.
How we tested
Testing online cooking classes was equal parts appetizing and chaotic. I sat in on different platforms, participated in one, blocked out my evenings, and transformed my Brooklyn kitchen into a culinary laboratory (read: chaos zone). Between whisking, chopping, and occasionally setting off the smoke alarm, I dove into classes like a curious (and hungry) scientist. From live, interactive lessons to binge-worthy pre-recorded videos, I evaluated everything — teaching style, recipe quality, ease of ingredient sourcing, and whether I actually felt like a better cook by the end. Spoiler: not all classes passed the vibe check, but you don’t need to worry about those.
Also, yes, I ate all the food. Someone had to do it.
FAQs
Is it possible to learn cooking online?
Absolutely! Online cooking classes are a fantastic way to build your skills, whether you’re a beginner struggling to boil water or a seasoned home chef looking to perfect your soufflé. Platforms like Cozymeal and MasterClass offer live and pre-recorded classes that cover everything from basic knife skills to luxury gourmet meals. The best part? You can learn at your own pace, in your own kitchen, and hit pause if things get overwhelming (or if your dog steals your mise en place).
How can I learn cooking online for free?
Learning to cook online for free is totally doable, thanks to platforms like YouTube, where channels like ChefSteps and Tasty offer thousands of recipes and tutorials for no cost. For Amazon users, check out the Amazon Freevee streaming platform, which sometimes features free cooking shows and series. Plus, if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can access cooking-related content like instructional videos and food documentaries at no extra cost. With a little digging, you can turn your kitchen into a free culinary school — just BYO ingredients.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
