Exploring the flavors of Florence is a must for any foodie. This three-hour pizza and gelato cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience led by a local chef. Participants will learn the art of crafting authentic Italian pizza dough and tomato sauce, as well as the secrets to creating creamy, indulgent gelato. With hands-on instruction and a focus on traditional techniques, this class is perfect for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Florentine cuisine.

Contents show

Key Points

This 3-hour cooking class in Florence teaches participants how to make authentic pizza dough, tomato sauce, and homemade gelato with a local chef.
The class is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English, providing a hands-on, immersive experience with seasonal, high-quality ingredients.
Participants will learn the history and traditional techniques behind classic Italian dishes, including the origins of pizza and gelato.
The class covers the entire process of preparing pizza dough and tomato sauce, as well as the art of crafting creamy, flavorful gelato.
Comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended, and adults can enjoy wine while children can have soft drinks during the class.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cooking Class

The Florence: Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with a Local Chef offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn the art of Italian cuisine from a professional chef.

Priced at $109.71 per person, the 3-hour class is limited to 10 people and conducted in English. Guests will create tender pizza dough, a light tomato sauce, and learn the techniques for making authentic gelato.

They’ll enjoy the fruits of their labor, accompanied by a glass of wine or soft drink. The class takes place at an exclusive cooking location with a pizza oven and is suitable for all levels, except those with mobility issues or food allergies.

Feeling inspired to cook? Check out these other hands-on experiences in Florence

Exploring the History of Pizza and Gelato

Although pizza and gelato are now beloved Italian staples, their origins can be traced back centuries.

Pizza and gelato, beloved Italian staples, have origins stretching back centuries into the past.

Pizza’s roots can be found in the flatbreads of ancient Greece and Rome, while gelato’s precursors emerged in China and the Middle East.

In the 18th century, Italian chefs refined these dishes, introducing tomatoes to pizza and developing innovative gelato flavors.

Today, these iconic foods are inextricably linked to Italian culture, with skilled artisans preserving traditional techniques.

During the cooking class, you will learn about this rich history as they create their own versions of these timeless delights.

Preparing the Pizza Dough and Tomato Sauce

At the heart of the pizza-making process lies the crafting of the dough and sauce. Under the tutelage of the local chef, participants learn to knead the dough by hand, developing the perfect texture and rise. Meanwhile, the tomato sauce simmers, infusing the air with the rich aroma of Italian herbs and spices.

| Steps | Dough | Sauce |

| — | — | — |

| 1 | Measure and mix flour, water, yeast, and salt | Chop tomatoes and onions |

| 2 | Knead the dough until smooth and elastic | Sauté onions in olive oil |

| 3 | Allow the dough to proof and rise | Add tomatoes, garlic, basil, and seasonings |

| 4 | Punch down the dough and shape into rounds | Simmer the sauce until thickened |

| 5 | Top with desired toppings and bake | Taste and adjust seasoning as needed |

Crafting Homemade Gelato

Next, participants explore the art of crafting homemade gelato. The chef guides them through selecting the freshest ingredients and developing flavors.

They learn techniques for incorporating air into the base to achieve the signature creamy texture. Participants carefully follow the chef’s instructions, measuring and mixing the ingredients with precision.

Participants learn techniques for incorporating air into the base, carefully following the chef’s instructions to achieve the signature creamy texture.

The group observes as the mixture is churned in the gelato machine, transforming into a rich, velvety dessert.

Finally, they scoop their homemade gelato into cups and top it with their choice of tempting toppings, savoring the sweet results of their efforts.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cooking Techniques and Ingredient Sourcing

The chef now turns the group’s attention to the cooking techniques and sourcing of ingredients for the pizza.

They’ll make the dough from scratch, kneading it until it’s smooth and elastic. The key is using the right flour and water ratio.

For the sauce, they’ll select the best seasonal tomatoes and herbs. The chef explains the importance of quality ingredients and how they impact the final dish.

They’ll demonstrate shaping the dough, applying the sauce, and layering the toppings before sliding the pizza into the wood-fired oven.

The class will gain an appreciation for authentic Italian pizza-making.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Florence

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

After preparing the pizza, the class eagerly awaits the results of their handiwork.

The chef slides the bubbling, golden pies into the wood-fired oven. Delicious scents waft through the air as the pizza bakes to perfection.

Once ready, the class slices into the crisp crusts, topped with their freshly made tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella. Satisfied smiles spread across their faces as they savor the fruits of their labor.

Next, they learn the art of gelato making, blending rich, creamy flavors.

Finally, everyone enjoys sampling the homemade gelato, savoring the sweet, cool treat.

What to Expect During the Class

When participants arrive at the exclusive cooking location, they’re greeted by a friendly, English-speaking chef who provides an overview of the class.

The chef outlines the plan – first, they’ll make pizza dough and tomato sauce from scratch. Then, they’ll learn the art of gelato flavoring and techniques.

First, you will craft pizza dough and tomato sauce from the ground up. Then, they’ll explore the art of gelato flavoring and techniques.

Throughout the hands-on experience, the chef shares the history and passion behind these iconic Italian dishes. Participants work together, using high-quality seasonal ingredients and the chef’s guidance, to create their own pizza and gelato.

Finally, they savor the fruits of their labor in a relaxed setting.

Additional Information and Recommendations

One key requirement for this class is that participants must be able to stand comfortably for the duration of the 3-hour session.

Plus, the class isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or food allergies. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended.

While the class includes a glass of wine for adults, soft drinks are provided for children.

Once the class ends, you will return to the cooking school’s location in the San Lorenzo district.

The Sum Up

The "Florence: Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with a Local Chef" is a must-try experience for foodies visiting the city. Participants will learn the art of crafting authentic pizza and gelato, gaining insights into traditional techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. With a hands-on approach and an engaging English-speaking chef, this class promises an immersive culinary adventure in the heart of Italy.