COOK. EAT. LAUGH. LEARN.
Recreational Cooking Classes
The cooking classes offered by CSCA aim to provide a distinctive experience that combines education, enjoyment, and delectable cuisine. Under the guidance of our skilled Chef Instructors, you will have the opportunity to cook in our professional kitchens, acquiring valuable tips, tricks, and techniques. Collaborating with your fellow classmates, you will successfully prepare an exceptional menu. Finally, at the conclusion of the class, everyone will gather to savor the delicious meal that you have collectively crafted. In our baking-focused classes, rather than a sit down meal, you will leave carrying bundles of all the goodies you have created.
Techniques of Cooking
Break down the barriers of home cooking and baking from fridge to table. Novices and culinary wizards alike will benefit from hands-on instruction on cooking and baking basics like knife skills, cooking techniques, and creating bakery-worthy pastries.
Techniques of Baking
Novices and baking wizards alike will benefit from hands-on instruction on baking techniques. Learn the basic techniques of yeast breads and delicious, yet simple cakes. Impress friends and family with scrumptious cream puffs, breads, pie crusts, and cakes.
Cooking Couples
Introduce your significant other, best pal, or family member to different cuisines and techniques of cooking. Together, prepare compelling recipes that you’ll enjoy with a beverage pairing. the best of both worlds – fun and educational!
Regional Series
Each immersive six-week regional series is designed to bring the best of a region’s cuisine to our kitchens. Create entire meals utilizing regional ingredients, flavor profiles, and cooking methods. The locals would be proud!
Teen Classes
During the summer months and school vacations, CSCA hosts classes for teens, tweens, and in-betweens ages 8 – 17. Teens will learn basic kitchen concepts like food safety, knife skills, and proper cooking and baking techniques.
Advanced Pastry Classes
These CSCA pastry classes are designed for students with all levels of experiences. Join us for hands-on instruction on constructing elaborate cakes and desserts, molding chocolate, and perfecting the art of the French Macaron.
CSCA Workshops & Favorites
Tried and True! our most popular offerings are the best in Greater Boston. Each one focuses on a single concept for those wishing to master a specific skill or medium. Classes range from sweet to savory, encompassing regional techniques and recipes; the variety is limitless.
Seasonal Classes
From roasting the perfect turkey, to mastering holiday cookies, our chef instructors help you plan-ahead with seasonally appropriate recipes that can be easily produced at your next family gathering, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
With a Splash of Wine
For those who enjoy discovering new wines and are eager to increase their wine IQ, CSCA offers classes that emphasize pairings and wine education in addition to hands-on cooking. from production, to grape varietals, to tips for storing, tasting, and reading the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during a CSCA Cooking Class
The cooking classes offered by CSCA aim to provide a distinctive experience that combines education, enjoyment, and delectable cuisine. Under the guidance of our skilled Chef Instructors, you will have the opportunity to cook in our professional kitchens, acquiring valuable tips, tricks, and techniques. Collaborating with your fellow classmates, you will successfully prepare an exceptional menu in our commercial kitchens. Finally, at the conclusion of the class, everyone will gather to savor the delicious meal that you have collectively crafted*.
*Baking-focused classes will not have a sit-down meal at the conclusion of class. Rather, you will leave fully loaded with the goodies you have created!
How many students are in a class?
Our classes are typically capped at 12 participants.
How long are your classes?
Please plan to be in class an average of 3 to 4 hours. Due to subject matter, some classes may run shorter or longer than the designated time span.
Are Cooking Couples classes for romantic couples only?
Not at all. Grab your best pal, your son, daughter, sister or brother. Any duo will do!
What if I cannot attend a class that is in a series?
Classes cannot be made up, but you may always send a friend in your place if you are unable to attend.
Are the classes at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts suitable for children?
All classes are designed for adults (ages 18 and over). Younger students may attend some of our adult classes with permission from CSCA if attending with an adult. We offer teen classes throughout the summer months and during school vacations that denote the acceptable age range for attendees.
Contact the Recreational department with any questions regarding class policies and procedures: or 617.354.2020, ext 143.
Our office hours are: Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
How does the waitlist work?
When you join a waitlist, your name will be added to a notification list. You will only be notified if an opening arises for the specific class, date, and time associated with the waitlist you have joined*. Should an opening arise, ALL customers on the waitlist will be emailed a notification alerting them to the opening. Only the first individual who completes registration will secure the open seat.
*If you do not receive any notifications, no openings have occured.
I am trying to join a waitlist, but am having technical issues.
If the system won’t allow you to join a waitlist, please provide us your name, email address, phone number and the specific waitlist you would like to be added to.
You can email that information to or call us at 617.354.2020 during business hours.
What do I need to bring to class?
CSCA will supply everything for the class. If you would like to bring a notebook, you may. If you are taking one of our series classes, such as Techniques of Cooking I or II, you may bring your knife set if you would like. We do have knives, and all other tools here for Recreational students to use during their classes. Students taking our pastry-focused classes will often go home with a box of treats. You are welcome to bring a reusable tote bag to bring your goodies home, but we also have CSCA totes available for $2.
What should I wear to class?
CSCA recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment. Shorts, tank tops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed to be worn during class.
An apron will be provided for use during your cooking class.
Can I bring in alcohol?
CSCA does not allow students to bring in alcohol during ANY class. The instructor has the right to ask a student to leave if alcohol is brought in to the school.
Should I tip my Chef Instructor?
Tipping is always appreciated. Our talented instructors work hard to create a fun and educational experience for our guests. If you’d like to show some additional appreciation to your Chef Instructor, you may do so by providing optional gratuity and feedback. Click here to send gratuity.
Do you have parking?
There is on-street metered parking available. Meters are free after 8:00 pm and are free all day Sunday. Students are responsible for adhering to all posted parking signs and city regulations. Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is not responsible for parking tickets or violations assessed to the student. We suggest that you use public transportation whenever possible. The closest MBTA stop is Porter Square (Red Line). We do not have a parking lot or parking garage near the school.
You may also Click Here to learn more about parking in Cambridge.
What is your cancellation policy?
CSCA does not offer refunds on any reservation or purchase. If CSCA cancels or postpones any class due to state or city mandate, inclement weather, or other unavoidable reason, a 100% account credit will be issued, or classes will be rescheduled.
Cancellation for Account Credit Guidelines:
Attendees may cancel up to 7 days prior to the class start date, by calling the office at 617.354.2020 (Office hours are M-F 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM) or by emailing . An account credit will be emailed to you for future use.
Cancellations are not allowed less than 7 days prior to the start of a class. Therefore, no credits or refunds will be issued. Your seat has been reserved, the Instructor scheduled, and the ingredients purchased and packed for your class. You may, however, send someone else in your place by simply notifying CSCA of the change in participant.
All gift certificate sales are final. Gift certificates may be redeemed toward any class experience. Gift certificates that have not been redeemed will expire 7 years from the time of purchase. No cash back.
If you can’t make it to a class in a multi-session series, you are welcome to send a friend in your place. Due to the small size of our classes, we do not offer make-up classes for missed sessions in a series.
What if a class is cancelled by CSCA?
If CSCA cancels or postpones any class due to inclement weather or other unavoidable reason, a 100% account credit will be issued, or classes will be rescheduled.
CONSIDERATIONS
Class prices vary, but consider these average costs:
- Single Day Workshop: $95.00
- Cooking Couples Class: $165 -$195 per couple
- Techniques of Baking 4-week Series: $395
- Techniques of Cooking 6-week Series: $549
- Regional Cuisine 6-Week Series: $649
GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
- Gift Certificates are valid for 7 Years from the date of purchase per Massachusetts State Law.
- Gift Certificates can be redeemed online and are valid toward class registrations only.
- Gift Certificates are transferable.
- Gift Certificates are non-refundable and have no cash value.
- Gift Certificates are not valid on CSCA Online Academy, CSCA Cafe, Private Events, or CSCA Swag.