Cooking classes in Maine are one of the best ways to experience our state’s delicious culinary traditions while learning more about the local food community. At Maine Tasting Center, we love shining a spotlight on Maine’s incredible agricultural bounty and the hardworking producers who make it all happen. Our campus provides a space where visitors from all over the world can sample a wide variety of Maine products, learn the ins and outs of our state’s food systems, and become more informed consumers.
One of our favorite ways to introduce people to Maine’s food scene is through Flavors of Maine 101, a guided tasting experience that introduces you to mix of iconic and lesser-known Maine foods while sharing the stories and history behind them. After participating, many of our students feel inspired to dig a little deeper — to learn to cook with Maine seaweed, to try their hand at making traditional treats like Needhams, or to get hands-on with wild blueberries.
If you’re inspired, there are plenty of cooking classes in Maine—both at Maine Tasting Center and elsewhere throughout the state—that let you explore the best flavors Maine has to offer. Register for a cooking class to help you discover new ways to bring Maine’s unique and iconic flavors into your home kitchen, and how to do more with the high-quality ingredients available at your local farmer’s market, co-op, or farmstand.
Who Are Cooking Classes Good For?
Anyone who loves food and a good time! For most classes, registration is open to beginners and all supplies are provided.
Groups visiting Maine: For those seeking an authentic and immersive experience, cooking classes are a fantastic way to engage with locals, learn about Maine’s culture, and enjoy a meal together. Most classes are beginner-friendly, making them easy to fit into vacation plans. Many classes conclude with a shared meal, creating a memorable dining experience.
Aspiring foodies: Whether you’re new to the kitchen or already an avid home cook, cooking classes offer opportunities to expand your skills, understand where your food comes from, and diversify your culinary repertoire.
Local groups and celebrations: From meet-up groups to birthday parties, cooking classes provide a unique and engaging activity for friends and families. At Maine Tasting Center, we cater to all types of participants, offering both public and private hands-on workshops and deep dives into specific topics like Maine oysters, green crabs, or artisanal cheese.
Who Offers Cooking Classes in Maine?
Maine’s well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination means there’s no shortage of amazing cooking classes led by local chefs, food producers, and culinary instructors. Here are a few of our favorite options:
University of Maine Cooperative Extension: This program provides broad geographic coverage and offers classes on food preservation, baking, and more. Sign up for a class on “Using Unusual Maine Vegetables,” “Savory Harvest Pies,” or “Preserving Meat.” These are ideal for those seeking practical, food-safe, and well-researched techniques.
Adult Education Programs: With programs available across the state, Adult Education ensures communities throughout Maine have access to culinary learning opportunities. You don’t have to be a local to take advantage of their opportunities — you just need to know where to look!
Bravo Maine (Portland): Known for date-night-worthy classes on topics like sushi making and croissant baking, Bravo Maine focuses on global cuisine in an intimate setting.
Jillyanna’s Woodfired Cooking School (Kennebunkport): This popular choice offers classes on pizza and other wood-fired specialties.
Now You’re Cooking (Bath): This stunning kitchen supply store hosts hands-on cooking classes in a refined atmosphere.
Dragonfly Cove Farm (Dresden): With private group classes on cheese-making, cookie decorating, and much more, Dragonfly Cove Farm offers a warm, authentic, homestyle environment for private group. And no visit would be complete without an opportunity to say hi to their herd of goats!
Salt Water Farm Cooking School (Lincolnville): Known for high-end experiences focused on seasonal and regional delicacies.
And, of course, here at Maine Tasting Center, we specialize in classes that highlight the unique ingredients and products of Maine. From baking bagels with Maine Grains flour to cooking with local seaweed, our classes emphasize using Maine’s best ingredients while teaching you how to work with products that might initially seem intimidating or unfamiliar.
What to Expect from Cooking Classes at Maine Tasting Center
Our classes are led by chefs, culinary instructors, and food producers from across Maine. We collaborate with local experts to provide an array of experiences, including:
Food preservation: Learn how to preserve your farmers’ market finds by making jam, pickles, and more!
Hands-on workshops: Bake bagels from scratch with Maine Grains flour alongside Knead & Nosh, make cheese with Monroe Cheese Studio using farm-fresh raw milk, or ferment kimchi with Red Kettle Kimchi.
Specialized topics: Explore cooking with Maine seaweed, tackle the invasive green crab problem by turning them into delicious dishes, or prepare authentic Indian recipes using seasonal Maine produce. Feeling adventurous? Try our "Incredible Edible Insects" class to learn creative ways to incorporate sustainable protein from locally produced edible insects while supporting Maine’s innovative insect companies. New class topics are added every year!
At Maine Tasting Center, we believe there’s nothing better than getting to know the people behind your food. By connecting you directly with producers through our cooking classes, we create meaningful, hands-on experiences that give you a real appreciation for Maine’s unique ingredients and the hard work that goes into every bite.
After your class, you can unwind with a Maine-made beer, mead, or mocktail in our Tasting Room, or take a leisurely stroll through the exhibits in the Discovery Center. We’ve got everything covered—ingredients, recipes, supplies, and even the clean-up—so taking a cooking class is as effortless as it is enjoyable. Our classes are designed to fit right into your schedule, so you can join one of our classes whether you’re squeezing in some fun during a day of sightseeing or just looking for a unique way to spend the afternoon.
Why Take a Cooking Class in Maine?
Cooking classes in Maine give you a chance to:
Immerse yourself in local flavors: Whether you’re visiting or a lifelong resident, these classes deepen your connection to Maine’s food culture.
Try something new: From iconic Maine ingredients to innovative recipes, you’ll leave inspired to experiment in your own kitchen.
Create lasting memories: Shared experiences in cooking classes make for unique celebrations, memorable vacations, and fun family outings.
If you don’t know where to start, consider Maine Tasting Center’s Flavors of Maine 101 or one of our more advanced Flavors of Maine 201 classes. These 45-minute sessions are the perfect introduction to Maine’s culinary landscape. After that, continue your foodie adventure by registering for one of our many cooking classes. Whether you’re baking, preserving, or learning to cook with unique ingredients, you’ll leave with new skills, recipes, and flavors to share with family and friends.
Don’t wait—because cooking classes often have limited spots available, they tend to fill up fast. Reserve a spot today for a cooking class at Maine Tasting Center or elsewhere throughout the state and get ready to have some fun while exploring Maine’s vibrant food traditions!
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