15 Cooking Team Building Activities

Traditionally, meals promote social interactions while strengthening our bonds with other people.

Now, it's time to embark on new culinary adventures in the workplace - these 15 cooking team building activities will give all team members a full belly and a happy heart.

3 Benefits of Culinary Team Building Cooking Activities

Purposely blending good and team bonding activities positively impacts teamwork and morale.

The most common benefits of team-building activities, cooking classes, and collaborative activities with food involved are the following:

• Cooking for yourself brings notable health benefits, such as supporting your immune system, reducing the risk of several illnesses, and providing you with more energy to manage health problems (Health Guide).
• A study conducted by Frontier in Psychology shows us how cooking behavior and well-being are highly related to each other. The academic journal demonstrated that cooking, as an essential human behavior rooted in evolution, engages cognitive, planning, perceptual, and mechanical skills, offering a unique avenue to foster psychosocial well-being.
• Cooking together enhances team spirit, boosts team morale, and creates a more creative team at work. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains how therapists use cooking to treat anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems, demonstrating how delicious experiences can be both fun and beneficial to the entire team.

10 Best Cooking Team Building Activities

It's time to explore a series of team building activities that involve cooking and food - these 10 fun, engaging, and creative team building activities are exactly what your team needs.

1. Around the World Cooking

 Let's start this list with an activity that promises to bring the flavors of different nations into the office: Around the World Cooking by Teamland.

Around the World Cooking consists of an expert-led cooking class that explores traditional meals from all over the world, fostering diversity and recipe exchange in the workplace.

Discovering the culinary traditions of your team members improves the company culture and creates stronger connections among team members, fostering respect and enhancing existing relationships.

• Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Group Type: Small and medium-sized hybrid teams (remote and in-office).

2. Gingerbread House Building Competition

Building gingerbread houses from scratch is one of the most fun activities to participate in during the month of December.

Gingerbread of Greatness is a highly energetic and fantastic cooking team building event that celebrates the joy of the holiday season. For extra motivation, the team that builds the most amazing gingerbread house will get a sweet prize.

If you are running a remote team, worry not - Teamland will send all team members a basket of ingredients they need to build the gingerbread houses by choosing the Virtual Gingerbread Builder activity.

An expert with extensive knowledge about building gingerbread structures will guide team members toward creating fun designs, ensuring an effective team building activity for everyone. 

Unleash your creativity, allow your team members to express their ideas, and have fun while cooking something sweet that everyone will enjoy.

• Activity Duration: From 1 to 2 hours.
• Group Type: Small and medium-sized hybrid teams (remote and in-office).

3. Healthy Eating Workshop

Foundations of Healthy Eating by Teamland is a workshop focused on discovering exciting options for healthy meals.

As mentioned before, eating healthy is the cornerstone of well-being and sustaining a vibrant, energetic lifestyle.

Teamland's experts will teach your team members practical nutrition tips, recipes, and dishes that will help them keep their hearts strong and brains sharp.

Increasing your team's culinary knowledge is a great way to not only enhance their cooking skills but also foster a shared appreciation for diverse cuisines, especially if some of them have dietary restrictions. 

• Activity Duration: 30 minutes.
• Group Type: All group sizes and types (remote and hybrid).

4. Sushi Making Class

Making sushi is not easy - following the ancient techniques of professional Itamaes is a challenge that not everyone is always suited for.

But that is about to change thanks to Teamland's Sushi Making 101 Class, an interactive workshop that provides team members with bamboo rolling mats, chopsticks, sushi knives, and all the knowledge they need to make their own sushi at home.

Teamland brings the Sushi Cooking School directly to the workplace, and with the help of an expert sushi maker,everyone will learn how to impress their guests with an unforgettable dining experience filled with Asian flavors.

• Activity Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Group Type: Small and medium-sized hybrid teams.

5. Edible Paint Night

Edible Paint Night is an artistic culinary experience that perfectly blends the marvels of art pieces with delicious food.

Instead of just cooking or painting, team members will express their feelings by creating their own unique work of art in a premium chocolate canvas. 

Although Edible Paint Night has no rules, it is possible to turn this event into a friendly competition that sparks joy inside the office.

Use cocoa butter-based paints to unleash your inner artist, celebrate new company goals, and enjoy a night like no other with unrepeatable flavors.

• Activity Duration: 1 hour.
• Group Type: All group types and sizes (remote and in-office).

6. Cooking Challenge

It's time to demonstrate your team member's cooking skills in a Cooking Challenge that will add a flavorful twist to your team-building experience.

The fastest team to prepare the dish wins, but besides focusing on the time limit, it is also necessary to consider dish quality.

There's a wide range of dishes that could be prepared by team members, which includes someone's favorite recipes or an innovative dish. 

You can act as the competition jury and guess the secret ingredient in the dish to add an extra layer of fun; the challenge can be as easy-going or complicated as you want.

Cooking Challenge promotes healthy competition among participants, teamwork, and workplace cohesiveness. 

• Activity Duration: From 2 to 3 hours.
• Group Type: All in-office group sizes.

7. Baking Class

Baking is a marvelous way to showcase the love we have for others through food.

Teamland's Baking Class teaches team members how to bake cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other pastries from their home comfort.

We'll provide all the materials you'll need, such as cake boards or a cake spatula, while an expert baker reveals their sweetest baking secrets. 

Team members will use the colorful ingredients in the cake decoration kits to bake pastries as desired, turning this baking class into an effective option to express your team's culinary creativity.

• Activity Duration: From 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Group Type: All group sizes and types (remote and in-office).

8. Cocktail Making Class

Cocktail classes are fun, vibrant, and highly energetic. Although making cocktails is not technically cooking, it's also a great way to enhance team bonding, encourage creativity, and add a refreshing twist to team-building events.

In Teamland's Cocktail-Making Class, all team members will learn how to make delicious cocktails for a cozy evening or a vibrant party night.

Of course, this DIY cocktail party includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage choices for all team members.

Including drinks into team bonding activities adds an extra layer of closeness and unity, fostering a more cohesive work environment and strengthening the relationships between all team members.

• Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Group Type: Small and medium-sized hybrid teams.

9. Charity Cooking Team Building Activity

Helping others in need is always a great way to fill our hearts with joy while contributing to positive changes in our community.

Find a local shelter, school, or nursing home that needs your team's help, and get ready to cook for those who don't have a warm, delicious dish at hand.

Choose the dish you'll cook by asking for feedback from team members, make a list of the basic ingredients needed to prepare the dish, and start cooking.

Prepare a delicious lunch, bring it to the charity organization, and witness how your team's actions are appreciated by those who have not been as fortunate as you.

• Activity Duration: From 2 to 3 hours.
• Group Type: All in-office group sizes.

10. Custom Cooking Team Building Challenge

Sometimes, it's impossible to find a predetermined activity that suits your team's needs. 

Luckily for everyone, Teamland's Custom Team Event has got you covered.

If you don't want to engage in a common team building activity, and, instead, are looking for more tailored culinary team building events, we'll help you turn your thoughts into reality.

Make your team members bring their iconic family dish, create a brand-new, exciting cooking competition, or foster the creativity skills of your team members with unique culinary classes - nothing is off-limits for Teamland's experts.

• Activity Duration: As required by your team.
• Group Type: All team sizes and types.

‍

11. Ayurvedic & Anti-inflammatory Cooking

When standard team building activities don't fit your needs, Teamland's OUT-OF-THE-BOX  event ideas have you covered. 

Our Ayurvedic Anti-Inflammatory Cooking Experience offers a unique opportunity to engage your team in cooking team building activities that promote wellness and creativity.

This experience is perfect for teams interested in health-focused culinary team building activities. Participants will explore Ayurvedic cooking techniques that reduce inflammation while enjoying fun team building activities with food.

Whether your goal is to foster creativity, build stronger bonds, or simply enjoy fun team building activities, we tailor the experience to meet your needs.

• Activity Duration: Flexible to fit your team’s schedule.
• ‍Group Type: Suitable for all group sizes, making it ideal for group cooking activities and team building activities with food.

‍

12. Mediterranean Cooking Challenge

Looking to spice up your team’s experience with something different? 

The Mediterranean Cooking Challenge offers an exciting way to engage in culinary team building activities that are both fun and educational. Explore the rich flavors of the Mediterranean while bonding through cooking group activities for adults.

This hands-on team building cooking activity will take your team on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. 

Together, you'll learn to prepare dishes from Italy, Greece, Spain, and more, using fresh, healthy ingredients that are as delicious as they are nutritious. 

Perfect for teams wanting to bond over fun team building activities with food, this experience brings creativity and teamwork to the forefront.

• Activity Duration: Fully customizable to fit your team’s schedule, whether you prefer a short session or a more in-depth workshop.
• ‍Group Type: Suitable for teams of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for group cooking activities.

‍

13. Tea Tasting Experience

Discover the art of tea with our Tea Tasting Experience.

A sophisticated and relaxing way to engage in culinary team building activities. 

Teamland invites your team to explore a variety of teas from around the world, offering a unique opportunity for team building activities with food and drink that are both educational and enjoyable.

The Tea Tasting Experience is perfect for teams looking to unwind while learning something new. Guided by a tea expert, your team will sample a selection of fine teas, from delicate white teas to robust black teas, along with aromatic herbal blends. 

This experience is ideal for cooking group activities for adults who appreciate the finer things in life or simply want to try something different.

• Activity Duration: Flexible to meet your team’s needs
• ‍Group Type: Suitable for teams of all sizes, making it an ideal option for group cooking activities and fun team building activities with food.

‍

14. Coffee Masterclass

Looking to brew up some team spirit? Our Coffee Masterclass is just the thing! 

This experience is perfect for teams who love a good cuppa and want to bond over something everyone enjoys. 

Explore our culinary team building activities that are fun, interactive, and, of course, absolutely bean-tastic.

In our Coffee Masterclass, your team will get hands-on with everything coffee. Guided by a top-notch barista, you'll explore the journey from bean to brew, learning about different coffee beans, roasting techniques, and how to craft the perfect cup. 

Whether you're all about a strong espresso or a frothy cappuccino, this class is a great way to connect over your favorite brew.

• Activity Duration: We’ll tailor the masterclass to fit your team’s schedule

• Group Type: Perfect for teams of all sizes

‍

‍

15. DIY Candy Making Session

Get ready to satisfy your team’s sweet tooth with our DIY Candy Making Session! 

Whether your team members are candy lovers or just enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, this activity is one of the most delightful culinary team building activities you can imagine.

You’ll learn how to craft a variety of candies from scratch—think chocolate truffles, gummies, or even old-fashioned hard candies. This hands-on experience is not only about creating sweet treats but also about fostering collaboration and creativity, making it a standout among team building activities with food.

Whether it’s rolling truffles or molding gummies, everyone gets to play a role in creating something delicious. 

This makes for a sweet and interactive cooking group activity for adults.

• Activity Duration: We can customize the session to fit your team’s schedule
• ‍Group Type: Ideal for teams of all sizes, making it a great option

‍

Summary: Top 15 Team Building Activities Cooking Classes & Events

Cooking together not only creates delicious meals but also creates stronger bonds, enhances communication, and boosts creativity within your team.

Remember to change the activities over time and explore new events - integrate a virtual wine-tasting event to try delicious wines (Sommelier Wine Tasting) or break the routine by letting Teamland send you a basket of mystery ingredients to cook together.

Whether you’re looking to explore global cuisines, engage in a friendly competition, or simply enjoy a fun and tasty experience, these activities will leave your team with full bellies and happy hearts. Ready to take your team on a culinary adventure? Let Teamland guide you to the perfect experience!

This is a quick summary of the 10 best cooking team-building activities:

1. Around the World Cooking: Explore global cuisines in a team-led cooking class, fostering diversity and teamwork.
2. Gingerbread House Building Competition: Compete in building the most amazing gingerbread house, celebrating the holiday season.
3. Healthy Eating Workshop: Discover nutritious meal options and well-being tips for a vibrant lifestyle.
4. Sushi Making Class: Craft delicious sushi at home with expert guidance in this interactive workshop.
5. Edible Paint Night: Express creativity on chocolate canvases, turning it into a delightful and artistic competition.
6. Cooking Challenge: Showcase cooking skills in a flavorful competition, emphasizing both speed and dish quality.
7. Baking Class: Learn the art of baking cakes, cupcakes, and cookies from home with expert guidance.
8. Cocktail Making Class: Learn to make delicious cocktails, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
9. Charity Cooking Team Building Activity: Engage in a charity cooking activity, preparing dishes for a good cause.
10. ‍Custom Cooking Team Building Challenge: Tailor your team building with unique culinary challenges, from iconic family dishes to customized cooking competitions.
11. Ayurvedic & Anti-inflammatory Cooking: Engage your team in health-focused culinary activities that promote wellness and creativity.
12. Mediterranean Cooking Challenge: Bond over the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with fun and educational cooking activities.
13. Tea Tasting Experience: Relax and unwind with a sophisticated tea tasting that blends education and enjoyment.
14. Coffee Masterclass: Bond over coffee with hands-on activities guided by an expert barista.
15. DIY Candy Making Session: Get creative in the kitchen with a sweet, hands-on candy-making experience.

‍

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of participating in team building cooking activities? 

Participating in such cooking activities helps enhance communication, collaboration, and creativity among team members, all while enjoying a fun and interactive experience.

2. How do culinary team building activities differ from other team building exercises?

It combines the joy of cooking with teamwork, allowing participants to bond over creating and enjoying meals together, which adds a unique and enjoyable element compared to traditional exercises.

3. Are cooking group activities for adults suitable for large teams? 

Yes, such activities are highly adaptable and can be tailored to accommodate large teams, ensuring everyone participates and contributes to the experience.

4. Why should we choose team building activities with food over other types of activities? 

Team building activities with food offer a hands-on, sensory experience that naturally encourages collaboration and creativity, making them more engaging and memorable than many other types of activities.

‍