Let all the spotlights shine bright on the letter P to acknowledge all the hidden culinary gems it has to offer. From savory to sweet, from exotic to everyday favorites, these 25 Foods That Start with P promise to please everyone around the table. Peek into the world of pasta, savor the richness of pies, or plunge into a tropical pina colada. The possibilities are endless.
1. Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside with a buttery interior, these potato wedges are easy to make yet result in restaurant-worthy appetizers. You can make them in minutes with a few simple pantry ingredients readily available at home. Cut the potatoes into wedges, toss them with spices, and bake or air fry them according to your preference. Perfect to serve at your family gatherings, special occasions, or as an afternoon snack.
2. Pepperoni Bread
Filled with pepperoni, a generous amount of Italian seasoning, and piles of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese stuffed inside pizza dough, you really can’t get enough of this Pepperoni bread. Using store-bought pizza dough makes preparation a breeze, while the bite-sized portions make it a sharable delight. Serve it as a delicious appetizer to kick off your meal or as a savory side dish to complement your main course.
3. Pickles!
Pickles are vegetables, especially cucumbers, preserved in vinegar or brine to transform ordinary vegetables into zesty condiments. You can use your favorite veggies, including cauliflower, carrots, peppers (red, yellow, or green), and garlic, alongside a medley of spices. Pickles are an excellent choice for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or as a zesty salad addition.
4. Pizza Bianca
Pizza nights just got more exciting with this delectable Pizza Bianca recipe. This white pizza is a canvas of heavenly flavors, featuring a pillowy soft crust topped with an unbeatable Italian cheese duo and aromatic herbs. With no pizza sauce and no fancy chicken or beef toppings, this pizza Bianca is the ultimate proof that even simple ingredients can result in an oh-so-delicious treat when combined in the right harmony.
5. Puff Pastry
Indulge in the flaky, buttery goodness of homemade puff pastry that’ll make you forget all the store-bought ones you have tried. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this melt-in-your-mouth pastry with just five simple ingredients. With a versatile dough that can be sweet or savory, this pastry can be topped with icing, fruits, and chocolate to make it even more appealing.
6. Potato Pancakes
Made with potatoes, onion, egg, all-purpose flour, and seasonings, these potato pancakes are crisp on the outside with a melt-in-the-mouth center. They are a winning appetizer or side dish, and you’ll never settle for less than a large batch when served with mint sauce or sour cream. With just 20 minutes of preparation time, these potato pancakes make for a winning weeknight meal that hits the spot.
7. Pumpkin Hand Pies
Embrace fall in full swing with these delicious Pumpkin Hand Pies. These adorable buttery pastries have a flaky crust that wraps around a spiced pumpkin filling and is finished off with a sugary topping. A delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, these hand pies offer convenience and charm in every bite.
8. Parsnip Soup
As the winter chill sets in, warm yourself up with this velvety parsnip soup that’s both nourishing and delicious. With just 30 minutes of prep time, this soup is the perfect way to make use of those abundant parsnips. The thick and creamy texture of the soup is enriched by the sweet and nutty flavor of the parsnips, making it a far cry from dull and bland canned stews that leave you unsatisfied.
9. Popcorn Balls
Imagine freshly popped popcorn bathed in a mixture of gooey marshmallows, brown sugar, and butter and molded into playful balls. These popcorn balls combine the irresistible appeal of crunchy corn kernels with the gooey goodness of marshmallows, creating a delightful snack perfect for kids and adults. Feel free to enhance the sweetness with dried fruit, toffee bits, or chopped chocolate.
10. Prune Bread
Prunes, often overlooked, bring natural sweetness and a moist texture to this breakfast bread. Paired with walnut crunch and white chocolate chips sweetness, each bite is moist, sweet, and indulgent. Raisins add a chewy element, while fresh lemon juice imparts a zesty twist that cuts through the sweetness. Serve it as a dessert to end any meal or as a Kickstarter breakfast with cream cheese and jam alongside a hot cup of coffee!
11. Peanut Butter Cookies
Made with creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and a dash of vanilla, these homemade peanut butter cookies boast a mouthwatering chewy texture with a perfectly crisp edge. To unlock their irresistible taste, roll them in sugar and watch as they bake into a sugary crust with a soft, tender center. One heavenly bite of these treats, and you’ll never want store-bought cookies again.
12. Penne Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this super quick and simple Penne Pasta recipe! Ready in 20 minutes, it’s an excellent meatless main course or side dish. The creamy sauce, enriched with garlic, wine, and Parmesan, elevates the humble penne into a gourmet experience, while a finishing touch of parsley and extra Parmesan makes it suitable for casual family dinners and more intimate pasta dinners for two.
13. Parsley Hummus
This Simple Parsley Hummus is a creamy and flavorful dip packed with chickpea protein, fresh lemon zing, and the aromatic touch of fresh parsley. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden snack cravings and you can whip it up easily using a food processor. Enjoy it with crackers, pita bread, or veggies for a satisfying snack. Alternatively, you can use it as a spread in wraps and sandwiches to elevate your lunch game.
14. Pumpkin Pie
Imagine a buttery, flaky crust cradling a luscious filling spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, all dancing harmoniously with pumpkin essence. This pumpkin pie is nothing short of fall flavors presented on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy treat at home, this recipe is your ticket to a slice of autumn heaven.
15. Pecan Pie
When it comes to comfort food desserts, nothing beats this classic Southern pecan pie. The crust is flaky and buttery, providing a foundation for the rich, brown sugar filling with a hint of cinnamon, while the crunchy pecans on top offer a delightful texture and nutty flavor. The pie sets beautifully without being overly runny or sticky, and the addition of fresh pecans elevates its flavor to another level.
16. Plantain Pancake
Time to ditch those plain and bland banana pancakes and embrace a wholesome and flavorful alternative. Made with flour, eggs, milk, and butter, all mixed with the sweetness of overripe plantains, these plantain pancakes are spiced with nutmeg and vanilla extract for an elevated flavor. Not just for a typical pancake breakfast, they can be the star of your fancy brunch gatherings that impress even the pickiest eaters.
17. Pine Nut Honey Squares
Experience the delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors with these indulgent squares! The buttery crust is infused with anise and coriander, providing a delicious foundation for the heavenly caramelized honey filling. Toasted pine nuts are sprinkled on top, creating a sophisticated taste that pleases even the most discerning palates. Enjoy them as a delightful treat with your favorite hot beverage or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of luxury.
18. Pineapple Juice
This homemade pineapple juice is an excellent fix for a quick refreshment or a crowd-pleasing party drink. Ripe pineapple, water, and ice cubes are all it takes to indulge in the taste of the tropics in no time. Optional additions of black pepper, sugar, and salt allow you to tailor the flavor to your liking. Blend, strain, and voilà – a smooth, flavorful elixir awaits. Blend and savor vitamin C and the antioxidants pineapple has to offer.
19. Pond Apple
Pond apple, scientifically known as Annona glabra, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to the Americas, including Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and other aquatic environments, hence the name “pond apple.” The fruit produced by the pond apple tree is also called a pond apple. It is round, green, and typically has a bumpy surface, with a flavor described as a mix of apple and banana.
20. Papaya Salsa
Bursting with freshness and zing, this papaya salsa is not just a condiment; it’s a celebration of tropical goodness. The interplay between the orange flesh of papaya, red onion, cilantro, lime, and Serrano pepper creates a complex flavor profile that’s heavenly. Use it to top grilled meats, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or spoon it over your favorite rice dish for a quick tropical twist. The possibilities are as endless as your culinary imagination.
21. Persian Melon Dessert
With stunning visual appeal, this Persian melon dessert brings together a medley of fresh fruit, including cantaloupes, strawberries, peaches, grapes, and blueberries, served in a hollowed-out melon. The fruit is tossed in a syrup made with sugar, lime juice, and rosewater, which adds a wonderful, exotic flavor, making it an excellent summer dessert. Feel free to use any seasonal fruit you have available to create this nutritious dessert to your liking.
22. Polenta
Polenta is an Italian cornmeal porridge with a smooth and creamy custard like texture and flavorful toppings. It’s a gluten-free and healthy substitute for common starches such as rice, mashed potatoes or any type of pasta. Serve it alongside your meat main courses such as lamb, chicken, or even vegetables, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome!
23. Peanut Brittle
Holidays get a double dose of excitement when you bite into these crunchy, buttery clumps of peanut brittle. The sweetness of caramelized sugar, the nutty richness of dry-roasted peanuts, and the subtle notes of vanilla create a symphony of taste in every bite. The crispy, crunchy texture adds a satisfying element that keeps you coming back. Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore candy-making without feeling overwhelmed.
24. Pesto Hummus
Dipping condiments can never run out of style and this Pesto Hummus is no exception. With key ingredients like chickpeas, garlic, lemon, pesto, tahini, and olive oil, it offers a healthy alternative to those cheesy and dairy-laden dips to elevate your snacking experience. Customize with recipe swaps, store leftovers easily, and pair with fresh veggies, pita, or sandwiches for a culinary adventure that’s both simple and sophisticated.
25. Pina Colada
This mouthwatering Piña Colada is a revitalizing summer cocktail that is more than just a thirst quencher. Made using only four simple ingredients, this Puerto Rican classic is a delicious blend of cream of coconut and frozen pineapple, topped with a dark rum float. With its refreshing and sweet taste, this icy beverage is the ultimate tropical indulgence to enjoy while soaking up the warm sunshine on the beach.
