Culinary Classes in Montana’s Yellowstone Country

It’s officially cozy season here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country — the time of year when we spend more time in the kitchen making favorite family recipes and trying new ones. We’re fortunate to have a stellar food scene in our region, with innovative restaurants, local foods available year-round, and many experienced chefs and bakers sharing their knowledge. You can find cooking classes around the region, with a variety of menus, including a Junior Chef Cooking and Baking Class!

Where to Find Cooking Classes

In Bozeman, Bridger Kulinary Center offers weekly classes, featuring essential culinary techniques and menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, including French, Italian, Thai and even Puerto Rican fare. Bring a friend or make it a date night and enjoy a full-course meal at the end! Olivelle’s classes focus on seasonal, health-conscious dishes such as anti-inflammatory Indian cooking and seasonal sides. You’ll want to schedule in some time to browse the store while you're there. Their signature olive oils and vinegars are delightful (and you can order online!)

Livingston and Paradise Valley are culinary hot spots. Check the schedule at Front Porch Chocolate, a micro-factory making small-batch, sustainably sourced chocolate. Their classes cover every step of the bean-to-bar process — roasting, cracking, grinding, tempering and making your own chocolate bars. Down the road at Sage Lodge, learn to cook wild game, explore cast-iron cooking methods, and make classics like soups, pasta and cocktails!



The Wild Table in Red Lodge hosts cooking classes by owner Chef Sheen Ernst, who studied at the Tante Marie Culinary Academy in England. Her classes are hands-on, with demonstrations focused on teaching skills like knife handling and food prep. Participants enjoy a sit-down meal together at the end (feel free to bring your own bottle of wine!)

In Four Corners, Orders UP offers a locally sourced, scratch-made meal service, plus cooking classes for kids! Participants learn recipes and practical cooking techniques to use at home, while making new friends and developing an important life skill. (They also host birthday parties centered around their classes!)

Study in Montana to Become a Chef

For those interested in a culinary career, Gallatin College offers a Two-Year Culinary Arts associate’s degree. The coursework includes unique offerings that align with Montana’s food culture and strong tourism industry. Students also get hands-on experience running a restaurant through Thyme Bistro, the student-led restaurant that hosts public lunches each spring.

Unique Dining Experiences

If cooking isn’t your thing but you still appreciate good food, you’re in the right place. Yellowstone Country offers fantastic culinary experiences, including the Winter Dinner Yurt at Big Sky Resort. You’ll arrive by snowcoach to enjoy hearty baked French onion soup and warm bread, followed by a tender filet mignon with peppercorn sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh sautéed vegetables. The meal concludes with a delightful Toblerone chocolate fondue, served with fruit and pound cake. (Vegetarian and fish options are available.)

Or enjoy a sleigh ride dinner at 320 Guest Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, or Cache Creek Outfitters, where a horse-drawn sleigh takes you to a hearty, delicious, and unique dining experience. At Lone Mountain Ranch, cowboy singers and storytellers serenade diners, while at the 320 guests can gather around a bonfire and enjoy an appetizer ride with wild game chili, cheese and crackers, popcorn, hot beverages, adult beverages and ranch stories.

Explore more restaurants and culinary experiences throughout the region here.

Bon appétit!