Cooking & Culinary

Cooking & Culinary

Explore Culinary Arts at Iowa Western Community College!

Our hands-on cooking and culinary classes are designed for beginners, home cooks, and aspiring chefs who want to further develop their kitchen skills or to learn more about the culinary arts. Learn essential cooking techniques, baking fundamentals, food safety, and international cuisine in a professional kitchen environment. Whether you’re interested in professional culinary training or personal enrichment, Iowa Western offers flexible, affordable culinary programs that bring your passion for food to life! 

Available Courses

   04/10/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, April 10th, 2026 | 6 pm – 8:30 pm Council Bluffs Campus
The plant-forward movement is huge, and it all starts with you! Learn some awesome plant-based recipes and make veggies the star of your plate. Menu • Avocado Toast with Grilled Asparagus and Tomato • Grilled Zucchini Kebob w/ Chamula • Honey and Cumin Roasted Carrots with Farro and Ricotta    
 

Start Date: 04/10/2026
End Date: 04/10/2026
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $35
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 7:48 am
   04/17/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, April 17, 2026  6:00PM-9:00PM  Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center
Ever wanted to master the art of sourdough? Come hang out with us for a hands-on workshop in Council Bluffs! Regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced baker, we will guide you through the process of consistently achieving the ideal combination of tangy flavor, crisp crust, and chewy center. This is an enjoyable way to engage with a classic tradition and elevate your bread-making abilities to new heights!

What to bring: 
3 qt/9in bowl or larger (any material is fine)

What is provided:
A round 9” banneton proofing basket
All of the ingredients for bread baking
A lot of fun

What you will take home:
Knowledge and Confidence
A Tummy full of Sampled Breads
Sourdough Starter
Recipes from Class
Your Own Loaf to Bake at Home
 

Start Date: 04/17/2026
End Date: 04/17/2026
Seats Available: 0
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Sorry, Registration Full
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   04/24/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, April 24, 2026  6:00pm – 8:30pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center
Risotto Milanese is a total Italian classic, packed with saffron and parmesan flavors. You'll learn how to nail a great risotto every time. And then there's Tiramisu – Italy's signature dessert with that delicate combo of cream, chocolate, and coffee that always hits the spot.
Menu • Risotto Milanese • Seared Chicken with Fresh Herbs • Tiramisu
 

Start Date: 04/24/2026
End Date: 04/24/2026
Seats Available: 0
Cost: $40
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Sorry, Registration Full
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   05/01/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, May 1, 2026  6:00PM-9:00PM  Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center

In this interactive and engaging session, you will get hands-on experience with the fundamentals of Italian cuisine. Participants will learn to knead smooth semolina dough, as well as roll, shape, and prepare fresh pasta from scratch. Chef Tasos will guide you through the process, offering professional insights, culinary techniques, and a hint of Italian charm to ensure you leave the kitchen feeling both skilled and inspired.

Menu
•    Pappardelle with Creamy Sausage & Wild Mushroom Alfredo – Experience the ultimate Italian comfort food with this rich and velvety handmade pasta dish.
•    Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze – A classic starter featuring crisp bread topped with fresh ingredients and a tangy balsamic reduction.
•    Strawberry Tiramisu – A fresh, fruity twist on the legendary Italian dessert.
 

Start Date: 05/01/2026
End Date: 05/01/2026
Seats Available: 17
Cost: $45
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 12:22 pm
   05/08/2026 - Council Bluffs

Friday, May 8, 2026, 6:00PM-9:00PM – Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs

Ready to bring the steakhouse experience home? Join us for a fun date night cooking class where you and your partner will pick up the skills to cook a pro-level meal, right down to the dessert! We'll walk you through searing a perfect medium-rare steak, roasting garlic for a creamy kale side, and getting those potatoes just right—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To wrap things up, you'll learn how to whip up a rich chocolate pot de crème.

Menu
•    Seared Steak topped with Gorgonzola-Shallot Butter
    
•    Creamed Kale with a hint of Roasted Garlic
    
•    Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Herbed Brown Butter
    
•    Decadent Chocolate Pot de Crème with Sea Salt

Start Date: 05/08/2026
End Date: 05/08/2026
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   05/22/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, May 22, 2026, 6:00PM-9:00PM Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center Room 1024
Embark on a culinary adventure to the breathtaking Mediterranean coasts without leaving Council Bluffs! Join Chef Tasos for a vibrant, hands-on cooking class that will transport you to the heart of Greece, Tuscany, and Morocco. You'll create dishes bursting with the bold, sun-drenched flavors of this iconic region. Get ready for a feast of flaming cheese, flaky pastries, and succulent meats – Each bite is a dance for your taste buds!
Menu    
•   Fresh Homemade Naan Bread •  Saganaki – Flaming Greek cheese: OPA!!! • Spanakopita – Buttery, golden pastries stuffed with spinach and tangy
     feta • Soutzoukakia: Greek baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce • Scratch-Made Baklava – Delicate layers of pastry, honey, and nuts for the perfect sweet finish
 

Start Date: 05/22/2026
End Date: 05/22/2026
Seats Available: 16
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   06/05/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, June 5, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center

Get ready for some hands-on fun! You'll pick up all the tips and tricks for choosing and pairing the best meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts to build a crowd-pleasing spread. Whether you're planning a grand gathering, a cozy evening in, or simply want to up your hosting game, this class will teach you how to craft a board that's as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Start Date: 06/05/2026
End Date: 06/05/2026
Seats Available: 13
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   06/12/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Ever wanted to master the art of sourdough? Come hang out with us for a hands-on workshop in Council Bluffs! Regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced baker, we will guide you through the process of consistently achieving the ideal combination of tangy flavor, crisp crust, and chewy center. This is an enjoyable way to engage with a classic tradition and elevate your bread-making abilities to new heights!

What to bring: 
3 qt/9in bowl or larger (any material is fine)

What is provided:
A round 9” banneton proofing basket, All of the ingredients for bread baking, A lot of fun

What you will take home: Knowledge and Confidence, A Tummy full of Sampled Breads, Sourdough Starter, Recipes from Class, Your Own Loaf to Bake at Home
 

Start Date: 06/12/2026
End Date: 06/12/2026
Seats Available: 17
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am
   06/26/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, June 26, 2026   6:00PM-9:00PM  Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center

In this course you will learn, first hand, how to prepare a Neapolitan pizza. The secret of this world known Pizza Style is in the dough. You will learn how to prepare a perfect dough that is crunchy and airy. You will make homemade Pizza Sauce, and taste different pizzas. By the end of the class, you'll take home pizza dough ready for a second rise, along with your leftover pizza and calzone (if there are any!) and recipes to impress your family and friends.

Menu
•    Pepperoni Pizza
    
•    Caprese Pizza
    
•    Calzone with Ricotta filling

 

Start Date: 06/26/2026
End Date: 06/26/2026
Seats Available: 17
Cost: $40
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 03/25/2026 8:08 am