12 Of Jacques Pépin’s Frequently Cited Favorite Foods

Jacques Pépin has spent decades sharing his love of food with the world, and through his many cookbooks, television shows, and interviews, certain ingredients and dishes appear again and again. Favorites range from everyday staples like eggs and butter to special-occasion treats like caviar.

Getting to know what this culinary legend reaches for most often offers a delicious peek into the mind of a true master.

Note: Information is drawn from published interviews and articles, and specific favorites can vary by context and time.

1. Eggs (Omelets)

Few ingredients inspire as much devotion from Pépin as the humble egg.

Whether scrambled, poached, or transformed into a perfectly folded omelet, eggs represent versatility and pure culinary magic. Pépin has often said that mastering an omelet is a rite of passage for any cook, and it’s a skill that rewards practice with silky, golden results every single time.

On a busy morning or a calm Sunday brunch, eggs deliver protein, comfort, and endless possibility. They’re affordable, quick to prepare, and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.

2. Butter

Butter isn’t just a cooking fat for Pépin – it’s a cornerstone of flavor and tradition. He’s been known to champion both American and European styles, choosing Land O’Lakes for baking precision and Kerrygold for everyday richness.

The higher butterfat content in European butter gives it a creamy depth that elevates even the simplest toast.

Spread it on warm bread, melt it into sauces, or use it to finish vegetables with a glossy shine. Butter adds comfort and elegance in equal measure, making every bite feel like a small celebration of good taste.

3. Baguette (Bread)

Imagine a golden, crunchy baguette fresh from the bakery, its crust crackling as you tear into it. Pépin has described such simple pleasure as one of his all-time favorites, especially when paired with butter from Brittany.

Properly made baguettes have a chewy interior and a crisp exterior that makes every bite satisfying. Bread this good turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.

Every slice becomes perfect for soaking up sauces, building sandwiches, or enjoying solo with a smear of something delicious.

4. Oysters (Bélon/European Flat Oysters)

When it comes to oysters, Pépin has a clear favorite: the Bélon.

These European flat oysters are prized for their firm texture and a flavor that’s less briny than other varieties, offering a clean, mineral taste that seafood lovers adore. Shucking them fresh and serving them on ice is a ritual that feels both rustic and refined.

Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or treating yourself to a coastal delicacy, Bélon oysters deliver elegance in every slurp.

5. Garlic

Garlic is one of those ingredients that transforms everything it touches.

Pépin relies on it constantly, using it to build depth in soups, sauces, roasted vegetables, and marinades. The aroma alone can make your kitchen feel like a French bistro, filling the air with warmth and anticipation.

Fresh cloves offer the best flavor, whether minced, sliced, or roasted whole until soft and sweet. It’s a pantry essential that brings bold taste and a touch of magic to everyday cooking.

6. Onions

Onions form the backbone of countless recipes, and Pépin treats them with the respect they deserve. Sautéed slowly, they turn sweet and golden, adding a rich foundation to stews, soups, and braises.

Diced raw, they bring sharp bite to salads and salsas.

Caramelized, they become a topping that makes burgers, pizzas, and tarts sing with flavor. This humble vegetable is proof that great cooking often starts with the simplest ingredients, and onions never fail to deliver comfort and complexity in every layer.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is the liquid gold of Mediterranean cooking, and Pépin uses it generously.

Drizzle it over salads, use it to sauté vegetables, or finish a dish with a fruity, peppery splash that brightens every flavor. Quality matters here – a good extra-virgin olive oil can turn a simple tomato and mozzarella plate into something extraordinary.

It’s heart-healthy, versatile, and adds a touch of sunshine to your meals. Keep a bottle within reach, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

8. Fresh Herbs (Chives And More)

Fresh herbs are the secret weapon in Pépin’s kitchen, and chives hold a special place among them.

Snipped over omelets, stirred into salads, or sprinkled onto soups, herbs add brightness and a pop of color that makes dishes come alive. Parsley, tarragon, chervil, and thyme each bring their own personality, turning everyday meals into something restaurant-worthy.

Growing a small pot on your windowsill means you always have fresh flavor at your fingertips. It’s a simple habit that pays off in every single bite.

9. Cheese (Grated And Beyond)

Cheese is a staple Pépin couldn’t live without, whether it’s grated over pasta or enjoyed in thick slices with crusty bread. He’s mentioned favorites like Beaufort and white farm cheese, each offering its own texture and tang.

Cheese adds richness, saltiness, and a creamy finish that completes so many dishes.

From a quick weeknight dinner to a leisurely cheese board with friends, this ingredient brings comfort and sophistication in equal measure. It’s the kind of food that makes any meal feel a little more special.

10. Caviar

When Pépin thinks about indulgence, caviar comes to mind – especially the prized Beluga variety.

He’s joked that if given the chance, he’d devour tons of this delicacy, savoring the briny, buttery pearls that pop gently on the tongue. Caviar is luxury in its purest form, best enjoyed simply on blinis, toast points, or even a spoonful at a time.

It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration. For special occasions, nothing else quite compares.

11. Cornflakes

Cornflakes might seem like an unexpected choice for a legendary chef, but Pépin has admitted to enjoying them, sometimes even for lunch. Deep satisfaction comes from the crunch, the simplicity, and the nostalgia they bring.

Pouring them into a bowl with cold milk creates a snack that feels both comforting and refreshingly uncomplicated.

Culinary masters often appreciate everyday pleasures that require no recipes or fuss. Simple choices are sometimes exactly what a person needs.

12. Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and Pépin has perfected the art of making it simple yet spectacular.

Golden, crispy skin on the outside, juicy, tender meat on the inside, it’s a dish that brings families together around the table. Season it well, roast it until it’s beautifully browned, and let the aroma fill your home with warmth and anticipation.

Leftovers make great sandwiches, salads, or soups, so nothing goes to waste. It’s a classic that never gets old, no matter how many times you make it.