Looking for engaging cooking team building activities? There’s one universal pleasure that brings everyone together: the joy of great food and Team Building Awards (TBA) is here to showcase 17 best options.
Historically, sharing a meal has always fostered social interactions and strengthened bonds. Now, you can bring this timeless tradition into the workplace. Explore our top 17 cooking team building activities and ideas designed to not only satiate your team’s appetite but also fill their hearts with joy.
4 Benefits of Culinary Team Building Activities
Purposely blending culinary activities with team bonding positively impacts teamwork and morale.
The most common benefits of team-building activities, cooking classes, and collaborative activities with food involved are:
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- 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.
You will feel more relaxed and energized. For more on the therapeutic effects of cooking, check out this article from the American Psychological Association
17 Best and Unique Cooking Team Building Activities
It’s time to explore a series of team building activities that involve cooking and food – these 20 fun, engaging, and creative team building activities are exactly what your team needs.
1. Irish Soda Bread Baking
Let’s start this list with an activity that promises to bring the flavors of Ireland into the office: Irish Soda Bread Baking by Team Building Awards.
Irish Soda Bread Baking consists of an expert-led cooking class that explores bread baking from Ireland, fostering diversity and recipe exchange in the workplace.
Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that does not require any yeast. Instead, all of its leavening comes from baking soda and buttermilk. It’s dense, yet soft and has the most incredible crusty exterior. Buttermilk and cold butter are the secret to its delicious success!
- Activity Duration: 60 minutes.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
2. 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 Rockoly and TeamBuildingAwards.
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 90 minutes.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
3. Gingerbread Cookies Making Competition
Building gingerbread cookies houses from scratch is one of the most fun activities to participate in during the month of December as part of Rockoly’s holiday cooking specials.
Gingerbread cookies 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 – Rockoly will send all team members all ingredients they need to build the gingerbread cookies and houses by choosing the Virtual Gingerbread Cookies Holiday Specials 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: 60 minutes.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
4. Healthy Eating Workshop
Healthy Eating by Rockoly 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.
Rockoly’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: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
5. 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 TBA’s Sushi Making, 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.
Team Building Awards 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: 60 minutes.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
6. Bubble Tea Making
Bubble Tea Making is an engaging addition to TBA’s cooking team building experiences. This fun and interactive workshop invites team members to delve into the flavorful world of bubble tea, blending creativity with culinary skill. Participants learn to mix and match ingredients to craft their custom bubble tea, exploring various teas, flavors, and tapioca pearls. This event not only enhances teamwork but also adds a refreshing twist to your team building activities, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.
- Activity Duration: 1 hour.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
7. 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.
8. Baking and Desserts Classes
Baking is a marvelous way to showcase the love we have for others through food.
Rockoly’s Baking Dessert Classes 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: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
9. 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 Rockoly’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 to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
10. Charity Cooking Team Building Activity
Rockoly’s charity team building events offer a meaningful way to bond with your team while giving back to the community. These activities are designed not only to strengthen team relationships but also to make a positive impact through charitable efforts. Participants can engage in various events that support local charities, fostering a spirit of teamwork and philanthropy. This enriching experience not only boosts morale but also aligns with corporate social responsibility goals.
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 1 to 3 hours.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
11. Custom Cooking Team Building Challenge
Sometimes, it’s impossible to find a predetermined activity that suits your team’s needs.
Luckily for everyone, Team Building Awards 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 Team Building Awards’ experts.
- Activity Duration: As required by your team.
- Group Type: Small and medium to large sized teams (remote, in-office or hybrid).
12. Cheese Making Cooking Workshop
Looking to enhance your team’s dynamics with a creative twist? Consider Team Building Awards’ Cheese Making Workshop for an engaging culinary team building experience. This interactive session immerses your team in the world of artisan cheese making, offering a hands-on opportunity to learn and create together. Delve into the techniques of curdling, stretching, and aging, using high-quality ingredients to craft delicious cheeses. It’s the perfect activity for teams looking to bond over a shared, enriching culinary challenge, fostering teamwork and creativity in every step.
The Cheese making Workshop offers an exciting way to engage in culinary team building activities that are both fun and educational. Explore the rich flavors of the cheese 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 cheese.
Together, you’ll learn to prepare cheeses 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. Caviar Tasting
Discover the art of caviar with Rockoly’s Caviar Tasting Experience.
A sophisticated and relaxing way to engage in culinary team building activities.
Rockoly invites your team to explore a variety of caviars from around the world, offering a unique opportunity for team building activities with food and drink that are both educational and enjoyable.
The Caviar Tasting Experience is perfect for teams looking to unwind while learning something new. Guided by a caviar expert, your team will sample a selection of fine caviars, from Petrossian Specialties to American Selections Marshallberg farm.
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. Wagyu Cooking Team Building
Looking to elevate your team’s spirit uniquely? Wagyu team building is just the thing!
This experience is perfect for teams who love a good steak and want to bond over something everyone enjoys.
This experience allows teams to bond while indulging in the exquisite flavors of premium Wagyu beef from Japan, Australia, and America. Through expert-led workshops, your team will learn about different Wagyu cuts, preparation techniques, and the art of tasting high-quality beef. Whether you’re a steak enthusiast or new to gourmet foods, this class offers a delightful way to connect over a shared culinary passion.
- Activity Duration: We’ll tailor the masterclass to fit your team’s schedule
- Group Type: Perfect for teams of all sizes
15. Murder Mystery Happy Hour
Get ready to satisfy your team’s detective skills with Rockoly Murder Mystery Happy Hour!
Rockoly’s Happy Hour Murder Mystery is an imaginative and collaborative culinary team building activity that blends mixology with a thrilling detective game. Participants engage in creating delectable cocktails or mocktails while solving a murder mystery set during a cruise ship masquerade ball. This activity not only encourages teamwork and problem-solving but also promises an entertaining and memorable experience for remote teams looking to connect creatively and dynamically.
Whether it’s solving crime or creating cocktails, everyone gets to play a role in creating something delicious.
This makes for a mysterious 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
16. Wine Tasting
Rockoly’s Virtual Wine Tasting offers a captivating culinary team building activity where participants can explore diverse wines guided by expert sommeliers. This engaging experience includes wines delivered directly to participants’ homes, providing a convenient and enjoyable way to learn about wine flavors, pairing, and appreciation. Perfect for remote teams, this event fosters connection and teamwork through a shared love of wine.
- Activity Duration: 60 minutes
- Group Type: Ideal for teams of all sizes, making it a great option
17. Rainbow Crepe Cake
Get ready to satisfy your team’s sweet tooths with our Rainbow Crepe Cake Session!
Whether your team members are cake lovers or just enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, this activity is one of the most delightful culinary team building activities you can imagine.
Learn how to make this rainbow crepe cake and celebrate something that is not only meaningful but is beautiful and delicious! Everyone will think it took you hours to prepare but it’s so simple when you’re taking our foolproof class, making it a standout among team building activities with food.
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: 17 Cooking Team Building Activities
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 – or break the routine by letting Team Building Awards send you a basket of mystery ingredients to cook together.
Whether you’re looking to explore global cuisines, engage in 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 Team Building Awards guide you to the perfect experience!
Quick summary of the 17 best cooking team-building activities:
- Irish Soda Bread Baking Participants explore Irish bread baking, learning to make soda bread using traditional techniques. This activity enhances workplace diversity and culinary exchange, perfect for team building by sharing global recipes. More about Irish Soda Bread Baking.
- Around the World Cooking This cooking class takes participants on a culinary tour, preparing traditional dishes from various countries, fostering diversity and stronger connections among team members. Ideal for enhancing company culture and respect through global cuisine. More about Around the World Cooking.
- Gingerbread Cookies Making Competition A festive team building activity where participants create gingerbread houses and compete for the best design. Rockoly sends all necessary ingredients for remote teams, guided by an expert for a creative and enjoyable experience. More about Holiday Gingerbread.
- Healthy Eating Workshop Rockoly’s workshop focuses on healthy eating, offering nutrition tips and diverse recipes that cater to various dietary needs, enhancing team members’ culinary skills and wellness. More about Healthy Eating Workshop.
- Sushi Making Class Participants learn ancient sushi-making techniques, guided by an expert sushi chef, enhancing their culinary skills and offering a memorable dining experience. This workshop is perfect for cultural exchange and team bonding. More about Sushi Making.
- Bubble Tea Making A fun workshop where teams learn to make bubble tea, mixing different teas and flavors. This activity boosts creativity and teamwork, offering a refreshing twist to team building. More about Bubble Tea Making.
- Cooking Challenge Teams compete to prepare the best dish within a time limit, focusing on both speed and quality. This challenge fosters healthy competition and strengthens team cohesion.
- Baking and Desserts Classes Rockoly’s class teaches baking of cakes, cupcakes, and pastries, enhancing culinary creativity. Ingredients and tools are provided, ideal for expressing culinary creativity in a team setting. More about Baking Classes.
- Cocktail Making Class Participants learn to mix cocktails, enhancing team bonding and creativity. The class includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, making it inclusive and fun for all. More about Cocktail Making.
- Charity Cooking Team Building Teams cook for local charities, combining team building with community service. This activity boosts morale and aligns with corporate social responsibility, making a tangible positive impact. More about Charity Cooking.
- Custom Cooking Team Building Challenge Teams can create custom culinary experiences tailored to their specific interests, from family dish competitions to unique cooking classes, fostering creativity and team bonding. This flexible format allows for a personalized approach to team building.
- Cheese Making Cooking Workshop This workshop immerses teams in artisan cheese making, teaching techniques from around the world. It’s a creative and educational activity that enhances teamwork and culinary skills. More about Cheese Making Workshop.
- Caviar Tasting Rockoly’s Caviar Tasting Experience offers teams a luxurious dive into the world of caviar, guided by experts. This sophisticated activity is ideal for teams looking to combine culinary learning with a relaxing team building experience. More about Caviar Tasting.
- Wagyu Cooking Team Building An exclusive team building session focusing on premium Wagyu beef, with lessons on cuts, preparation, and tasting. Perfect for gourmet enthusiasts looking to enhance team rapport through a high-end culinary experience. More about Wagyu Cooking.
- Murder Mystery Happy Hour Combine cocktail crafting with a murder mystery game for a thrilling team building experience. This dynamic activity engages teams in problem-solving and creativity in a fun, interactive setting. More about Murder Mystery Happy Hour.
- Wine Tasting Virtual wine tasting sessions guide teams through a variety of wines, enhancing knowledge and teamwork through a shared love of wine. Ideal for remote teams, this experience fosters connection and team spirit. More about Wine Tasting.
- Rainbow Crepe Cake Teams engage in making a visually stunning and delicious rainbow crepe cake, enhancing culinary skills and creativity in a fun, hands-on session. This activity stands out in team building for its combination of art and cuisine. More about Rainbow Crepe Cake.
FAQs Cooking Team Building
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.
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.
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.
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.
