Top Culinary Schools in Texas
If you love warm, sunny days and delicious Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisines, Texas may be the perfect place to call home while attending culinary arts school. Texas’ infamous Tex-Mex cuisine has defined how Americans prepare some of their favorite Mexican inspired meals.Texas cuisine is unlike any other state’s- gaining influence not only from Mexico, but also from Native Americans, cowboys and other early settlers.
The largest state on the mainland is also home to some large universities and college systems, attracting tens of thousands of students. With Texas’ vibrant culture and diversely inspired cuisine, the numerous culinary schools in the state have so much to offer.
Employment in Texas’ restaurant industry is expected to grow 17.3% by 2020, much faster than the national average.*
This will create close to 173,000 new culinary jobs.*
Some notable culinary individuals who operate in Texas include:
The late restaurateur Norman Brinker- Brinker International (Jack in the Box, Steak & Ale, Chili’s, etc.)
Chef Dean Fearing aka “The Father of Southwestern Cuisine”
Chef Kent Rathbun- Iron Chef America
Nobu Matsuhisa
There are plenty of great culinary institutions open in Texas. I encourage you to check out the schools I have selected below, if you are interested in attending culinary school.
- When you find a school in the city or town you are interested in going to, click on the link for more information.
- If the school looks interesting and you want more information including how to get an application, click on the Request Free School Info button, fill out a short form and receive more information directly from the school. No obligations or commitments required.
- Read my article on How to Choose a Culinary School for what to look for when making this important decision.
* based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Austin
Diploma in Baking and Pastry
AA in Baking and Pastry
AA in Culinary Art
BA in Culinary Management
Texas Culinary Academy - Le Cordon Bleu
Art of Cooking
Baking & Pastry
Culinary Arts
Culinary Management
Dallas
Certificate in The Art of Cooking
AAS in Baking & Pastry
AAS in Culinary Arts
BS in Culinary Management:
AAS in Restaurant & Catering Management
Institute of Culinary Arts - Le Cordon Bleu
Culinary Arts Diploma
Houston, TX
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Houston
Culinary Arts
Baking & Pastry
Culinary Management Program
Restaurant & Catering Management Program
Food & Beverage Management
San Antonio
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of San Antonio
Culinary Arts
Culinary Management
Culinary Institute Alain & Marie LeNotre
Culinary Arts
Baking & Pastry Arts
Cooking and Catering
Going to School in Texas: The lonestar state is known for a lot of things- football, barbecue, oil drilling, but did you know that Texas ties with California for having the most Fortune 500 companies, leading in such industries as agriculture, electronics and aerospace?
All of this commerce attracts thousands of people to the state, which is home to the fourth and sixth largest metropolitan areas in the country. Texas is comprised of diverse and immense terrains, ranging from deserts to grasslands to swamps and coasts.
In addition to its natural beauty, Texas is a melting pot of culture. Between the high immigration rate, Houston’s thriving performing arts scene, Dallas-Fort Worth’s art museums and Austin’s live music scene, there is so much offered in Texas.
The culinary industry is no exception. What Texas cuisine may be most famous for however, is barbecue. Barbecued baked beans, barbecued ribs and of course loads of BBQ sauce. It’s difficult to avoid a BBQ joint while visiting Texas, they’re just everywhere.
What Do You Need To Know to Get Into Culinary School?
As the Reluctant Gourmet, I have never been to cooking school, but I keep telling myself it's never too late. The best way for you to learn more about becoming a chef is to visit my new Culinary School Resource Center. Here you will find articles, books, school resources and many other useful resources.
Also, try reading as much as you can about going to cooking school and what it is like to be a professional chef. One book I highly recommend to anyone thinking about culinary school is, The Making of A Chef, by Michael Ruhlman. It will really help you understand what you may be getting yourself into. For a complete list of Books For Cooks.
