LIVE VIRTUAL COOKING CLASSES
Bring your clients or group together for a fun, interactive cooking experience personally taught by Mike Steele, 5-Time Louisiana State BBQ Champion and featured on Food Network’s BBQ USA hosted by Iron Chef Michael Symon.
Choose the Perfect Class for Your EVENT
Our live virtual cooking classes are designed to bring your clients, team, or group together for a fun, interactive experience they'll be talking about long after the meal is over. Every class is personally taught by 5-Time Louisiana State BBQ Champion Mike Steele.
Grilled Prime Ribeye Steaks
Not all ribeye steaks are created equal. Did you know a specific cut of ribeye is the most coveted steak you can buy? We'll blow your mind showing you the differences — then take you on a steak journey like never before. Proper trimming, championship-developed layered rubs, grill setup, and the exact cook process that turns a great steak into an unforgettable explosion of flavor. Yeah, it's that good.
Kit price: $155/person + class price | Includes 2 Ribeye Steaks (14 oz each) 2 Bottles Championship Rub
Rub Kit only: $60/person + class price
Competition Smoked St. Louis Pork Ribs
There are ribs... and then there are ribs that transport your taste buds somewhere they've never been before. Our competition-style St. Louis Pork Ribs are the kind that have earned us trophies, cash payouts, and plenty of bragging rights on the circuit. Savory, a touch of heat, a kiss of sweet, and perfect smoke. We break down every detail — trimming like a pro, layering flavors for maximum impact, and cooking to that perfect bite-through tenderness that makes judges (and guests) go wild.
Kit price: $165/person + class price | Includes 2 Slabs St. Louis Ribs, 2 Bottles Championship Rub, 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
Rub & Sauce Kit only: $75/person + class price
Smoked Prime Rib
Imagine a slow-smoked ribeye steak — because that's exactly what this is. Smoked prime rib takes that incredible ribeye flavor and elevates it to a whole new level of richness and tenderness. You'll learn how to choose the right grade of meat, apply championship rubs developed by world-class steak cooks, build a beautiful smoke-kissed crust, lock in those buttery juices, and hit the exact internal temperature that guarantees melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Yes, you really can taste all of that in every single bite.
Kit price: $175/person + class price | Includes: 1 Prime Rib (Approx. 3.5 lbs), 2 Bottles Championship Rub
Rub Kit only: $60/person + class price
Competition Texas Style Smoked Brisket
Brisket is the holy grail of the cow — legendary when done right, unforgiving when done wrong. Cook it incorrectly and you get the toughest, driest meat you've ever attempted to chew. Master it, and you unlock one of the most extraordinary bites beef has to offer. In my very first competition — a 49-team state championship — I walked away with 1st place brisket. This class is in-depth, detailed, and packed with everything you need to replicate that success: selecting the right cut, trimming like a pro, injecting for moisture, layering championship rubs, and smoking it to absolute perfection.
Kit price: $220/person + class price | Includes: 1 Prime Brisket (Approx. 12 lbs), 2 Bottles Championship Rub
Rub Kit only: $60/person + class price
Texas Style Smoked Beef Ribs
This is brisket on a bone — and there is nothing else like it. These massive Texas-style beef ribs deliver bold, deep flavor in every single bite. In this class, we'll show you exactly how to smoke them low and slow to build that rich, buttery taste as the fat renders down and the bark forms into a dark, flavorful crust. You'll learn how to achieve that perfect jiggle, the ideal tenderness, and how to build layers of flavor that make these ribs absolutely unforgettable. If you've never had a properly smoked beef rib, prepare to have your world completely rocked.
Kit price: $180/person + class price | Includes: 1 Rack Beef Ribs, 2 Bottles Championship Rub
Rub Kit only: $60/person + class price
Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Butt
Smoked maple-glazed pork butt is comfort food at its finest — rich, tender, and full of deep, smoky flavor. Hours of low-and-slow smoking transform the meat into melt-in-your-mouth pieces that are unbelievably juicy and flavorful. One bite and you immediately taste layers of sweet savory richness that only real wood smoke can create. This is the kind of BBQ that fills the air with an aroma that draws people straight to the pit — a true showcase recipe that always brings folks back for seconds.
Kit price: $155/person + class price | Includes: 1 Pork Butt, 2 Bottles Rub, 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
Rub Kit only: $75/person + class price
Smoked Apple Cherry Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends
If everyone agrees on one thing, it's that bacon makes everything mo better - and pork belly burnt ends are like bacon's rich, luxurious cousin. These little cubes of goodness start with pork belly that slowly cooks down until each bite becomes melt-in-your-mouth perfection. As they smoke, the fat turns buttery, the meat turns silky and they develop that irresistible bark everyone loves. Then comes the finale: a glossy Apple Cherry glaze that soaks into every nook, giving you the perfect balance of sweet, smoky and savory. One bite in, and you'll understand why these burnt ends have become a true crowd favorite!
Kit price: $135/person + class price | Includes: 1 Pork Belly, 2 Bottles Rub, 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
Rub Kit only: $70/person + class price
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Cream Cheese & Pineapples
Pork tenderloin is often called the filet mignon of the pig. We butterfly it open and load it with cream cheese blended with pineapple pepper jelly and juicy chopped pineapples. Then comes the magic: we roll it tight, wrap it completely in bacon, and grill it until the bacon is crisp and the inside is perfectly cooked. Once it comes off the grill, it gets a glossy coat of sweet-heat BBQ sauce that ties everything together. Slice it open and every piece bursts with creamy, smoky, sweet, and savory flavor. It's the kind of dish your guests will rave about—and you'll definitely be going back for seconds.
Kit price: $135/person + class price | Includes: 2 pork tenderloins, 1 pack bacon, 2 rubs, 1 sauce
Rub Kit only: $75/person + class price
Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Moink Balls
So, imagine a pig and a cow having a baby—that's exactly what our Moink Balls are all about! We blend rich ground chuck with flavorful breakfast sausage and season it with our competition-tested rub to build the perfect bite. Each meatball gets stuffed with a gooey cube of cheese, then wrapped in smoky bacon because, let's be honest, bacon makes everything better. As they grill, the bacon crisps, the cheese melts, and the meat takes on that beautiful, smoky caramelization. A drizzle of BBQ glaze at the end transforms them into a true flavor bomb—sweet, savory, smoky, and absolutely addictive. These little bites of comfort and barbecue magic are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Kit price: $120/person + class price | Includes: Ground beef, Sausage, Bacon, 1 rub, 1 sauce
Rub Kit only: $50/person + class price
Sweet Heat Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
When salmon is cooked right, it becomes one of the most incredible bites to ever come out of the water—and this recipe proves it. We start by cutting the salmon into perfect, tender bite-sized pieces and dusting them with a flavorful rub that complements the natural richness of the fish. Then they're placed on a cedar plank, where the gentle smoke and woodsy aroma infuse every piece with a depth of flavor you simply can't get any other way. Once they're cooked to buttery perfection, each piece takes a dive into our signature sweet heat glaze, creating a glossy, irresistible finish. The result is a combination of smoky, sweet, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Simple, stunning, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Kit price only: $70/person + class price | Includes: 1 bottle rub, 1 bottle sauce, 1 bottle glaze
Fresh salmon cannot be shipped.
Port Wine Brined Smoked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Ever had a ham so salty it tasted like you were licking a salt block? We've all been there—and that's exactly why we spent years perfecting our incredible port wine brine. This brine works pure magic, soaking deep into the ham for 18 full hours and infusing it with a rich, luxurious flavor that carries through every single slice. Once smoked, the rubs create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bark that's sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. And just when you think it can't get any better, we finish it with a yummy Pineapple Glaze that drips over the top and makes each bite absolutely irresistible. Trust us—you'll be dipping every slice back into that glaze.
Kit price: $170/person + class price | Includes: 1 Ham Approx 6.5 lbs, 1 bottle rub, 1 bottle glaze
Rub Kit only: $60/person + class price
Apple Cranberry Glazed Brine Smoked Turkey
Tired of boring turkey that lacks flavor? That is where we will step in and show you how to do turkey right. It all starts with our brine to develop flavor throughout the entire turkey. Then we will show you how to smoke the turkey to perfection! That's right, no more turkey breast that is as dry as sawdust. You will be amazed when you see the one trick we do that will allow the breast to be tender and moist! Rest assured, this turkey will have flavor all the way to the bone! Once we glaze it with our Apple Cranberry Glaze the flavor jets in your mouth will have you asking why it took so long for this to come into our life!
Kit price only: $60/person + class price | Includes: 1 bottle rub, 1 bottle glaze
Fresh turkey cannot be shipped.
How THE Class Works
Personalized Event Planning
We'll work with you before the event to understand your goals and customize the class to fit your agenda, audience, and schedule. Whether you're hosting a sales presentation, client appreciation event, company meeting, or private gathering, we'll create the perfect cooking experience for your group.
Request Your Date
Tell us your preferred class, group size, and event date. We'll send you a custom quote within one business day.
Optional Kit Delivery
Choose optional protein and seasoning kits, and we'll ship everything directly to your participants before the event.
Join Live & Cook
Cook live with Mike as he demonstrates each recipe, answers questions, and guides your group through every step.
Impress Everyone
Enjoy great food, plenty of laughs, and an experience your guests will remember long after the event ends.
Trusted by Companies Across the Country
See why companies continue to choose BBQ Champs Academy for sales presentations, client appreciation events, and team-building activities.
"The Alteryx Summer BBQ Experience transformed a seasonal challenge into one of the company's most successful programs. This was the first time working with Mike and BBQ Champs Academy, and we were not disappointed. With 300 clients attending, Mike delivered an amazing class that captivated our clients from start to finish. Within one month, using rounded numbers, this program delivered over 830% ROI compared to original projections and continues to grow as the event lives on as an ondemand offering. It was so successful that we booked another event with Mike just one month later. What began as a solution to low summer engagement has become one of Alteryx's top pipeline - driving programs, second only to Free Trial. You will not be disappointed with these classes!"
"Mike Steele and BBQ Champs Academy has consistently delivered top notch service for us. Mike is incredibly knowledgeable about barbeque and will answer any question. You can feel the passion through his classes. The questions he asks and the way he teaches keeps our attendees engaged during the entire class! He has made a lasting impression at each event for both us and our attendees. He by far is our number one vendor with tracked sales of $3.1 million from the 5 classes he did for us in one year! Needless to say, he is on our schedule for another round of classes!"
"Mike has been an amazing addition to our event schedule. He is always flexible, accommodating, and incredibly easy to work with, no matter the request. The classes consistently deliver high-energy engagement, and the food is absolutely delicious. Our audiences love the experience, the feedback is always outstanding, and the results speak for themselves. Mike is our most requested vendor to bring back. We confidently recommend Mike and BBQ Champs Academy to anyone looking to host a memorable, high-impact event."
"The level of detail that Mike dives into during his classes in incredible. The audience is completely engaged and our reviews are always 5 stars. He is our most requested vendor. You can count on Mike to bring bold, delicious flavors in his classes, and in his delivery in unmatched."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do companies choose BBQ Champs Academy?
Every event is personally taught live by Mike Steele and customized for your group. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all format, Mike works with you beforehand to tailor the class to your event, audience, and schedule. The result is a memorable cooking experience that's tailored to your group and designed to fit your event.
Can we include a company presentation or meeting before the class?
Absolutely. Many companies begin with a sales presentation, client meeting, or team update before turning the event over to Mike. We'll work with you beforehand to make sure the cooking class fits seamlessly into your agenda.
Do participants cook along during the class?
Participants are welcome to cook along, but most simply watch, ask questions, and enjoy the live demonstration. Every class is interactive, and companies are welcome to record the session so participants can watch it again and recreate the recipes later.
How do ingredient kits get delivered?
Protein and seasoning kits can be shipped directly to participants or delivered to a central location, depending on your event. We'll work with you beforehand to coordinate the best option for your group.
What platform do you use for virtual classes?
We work with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and most major video conferencing platforms. We'll coordinate the technical setup with you before your event.
What's the minimum group size?
Most classes require a minimum of 30 participants. The Brisket Class starts at 40 participants due to its in-depth format. We can accommodate groups of 700 or more, provided your video conferencing platform supports it.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially if you're adding ingredient kits. However, if your event is sooner, contact us—we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
How long does a virtual cooking class last?
Most classes are about one hour, depending on how many questions we get from participants. We'll work with you to fit your schedule. If you'd like to include a company presentation, Q&A session, or other activities before, during, or after the class, we're happy to customize the timing to fit your event.