Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Cracked Black Pepper

Piper nigrum Allergen-Free
cracked black pepper

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Piperaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Pepper plant berries

The Forktionary Angle

"The Essential Pungency"

Definition

Coarsely ground dried berries of the black pepper plant, offering a pungent, sharp flavor with a mild heat.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Spicy
TextureGritty, Crunchy
AromaSharp, Woody
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

Consistently among the top 5 most consumed spices worldwide.

Science Fact

Contains piperine, the alkaloid responsible for its distinctive heat.

Storage Tip

Store whole peppercorns in an airtight container for up to 3 years.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2.3 g (1 tsp)
Calories251 kcal
Total Fat3.3 g
Saturated Fat1.4 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein10.9 g
Total Carbohydrate64.8 g
Dietary Fiber26.5 g
Total Sugars0.0 g
Calcium437 mg
Iron9.7 mg
Potassium1260 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting whole peppercorns lightly before cracking enhances their aromatic compounds, providing a deeper flavor.

Substitutions

Best Match

White Pepper

1:1

Similar heat profile, less floral aroma, good for light sauces.

Green Peppercorns

1:1 (fresh/brined)

Milder, fresher pepper flavor, less pungent.

Pink Peppercorns

1:1

Fruitier, milder, slightly sweet, more fragile.

Sichuan Peppercorns

1:0.5

Adds a unique tingling sensation and citrusy aroma, distinct from black pepper.

Buying Guide

Opt for freshly cracked pepper from whole peppercorns for the best flavor and aroma.

Flavor Pairings

Beef Chicken Pork Fish Vegetables Soups Salads

Recipes Using Cracked Black Pepper

Dietary Inexpensive Low Sodium Low Cholesterol

15 Minute Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

This vibrant Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad is packed with protein and fresh flavors! Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect healthy and delicious weeknight meal or potluck side dish. Bursting with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta, this salad is surprisingly light yet satisfying. The simple, healthy dressing allows the fresh ingredients to shine. Get ready for a taste of the Mediterranean, without the long prep time!

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight Occasion Time To Make Hidden Valley Ranch

All American Ranch Spinach Shrimp Pizza Rsc

Get ready to devour this incredible All-American Ranch Spinach Shrimp Pizza! This recipe, inspired by a Hidden Valley contest, features succulent shrimp, vibrant spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic roasted garlic, all nestled on a cheesy, flavorful crust. But the real game-changer? A creamy ranch-infused crust that's both delicious and visually stunning! The crust is cleverly folded to create a perfect pocket for extra ranch dip, served on the side for ultimate dipping pleasure. Prepare for a flavor explosion in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Refrigerator Fruit Served Hot Main Ingredient

Apple And Tea Brine Injected Rubbed And Deep Fried Turkey

Get ready for the crispiest, juiciest turkey of your life! This recipe combines brining, injecting, dry rubbing, and deep frying for an unforgettable Fourth of July (or any occasion!) feast. Achieve perfectly cooked turkey in just 35 minutes cooking time (plus a 15-hour prep). This method is surprisingly quick, and the results are stunning – incredibly flavorful, with unbelievably crispy skin. Don't be intimidated by the multiple steps; each one adds to the amazing final product. Choose one or all of the methods to customize your perfect turkey! Note: the dark color from the rub and frying makes the turkey appear darker than usual, but the inside is perfectly cooked.

See Complete Recipe
Hidden Valley Ranch Occasion Preparation Weeknight

Athenian Ranch Pork Empanadas Rsc

Experience a taste of Greece with these incredible Athenian Ranch Pork Empanadas! This recipe, inspired by a Hidden Valley contest entry, combines savory ground pork with vibrant red bell peppers, shallots, artichoke hearts, and a creamy blend of feta, Parmesan, Greek yogurt, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch dressing. Wrapped in a convenient refrigerated pizza dough crust, these empanadas are surprisingly easy to make and bake to golden perfection in just 15 minutes. A delightful fusion of flavors – get ready for a delicious Greek party in your mouth!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Course Salads 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Strawberry Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Avocado Strawberry Salad is the perfect light lunch or side dish! Made with ripe avocados, juicy strawberries, peppery arugula, and a tangy raspberry vinaigrette, this easy recipe comes together in minutes. A delightful twist on a classic salad – perfect for summer!

See Complete Recipe
Vegetables Fruit Salad Dressings 30 Minutes Or Less

Baby Spinach Salad With Swiss Cheese Crisps

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Baby Spinach Salad featuring addictive crispy Swiss cheese rounds! This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The simple yet tangy dressing perfectly complements the sweet apples and peppery spinach. Making the cheese crisps is a fun and rewarding experience – just watch those fingers! Customize your crisps with cracked black pepper and thyme for an extra gourmet touch. A perfect light lunch or side dish for any occasion!

See Complete Recipe
Mushrooms Occasion Australian Cuisine

Baked Garlic Mushrooms

Transform ordinary mushrooms into a succulent, garlicky delight! This recipe, inspired by Donna Hay's Sunday Herald Sun, yields tender, juicy mushrooms that even mushroom skeptics will enjoy. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your loved ones.

See Complete Recipe
High In Something Cheese Eggs Dairy Low Carb

Baked Herb Feta Cheese

Elevate your feta game with this incredibly flavorful baked herb feta recipe! Rediscovered from a family recipe, this simple dish transforms creamy feta into a warm, herbaceous delight. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or salad topping, it's ready in under 30 minutes.

See Complete Recipe
Thanksgiving North American Time To Make Preparation

Baked Mac N Cheese With Potato Chip Topping

Get ready for the ultimate mac & cheese experience! This recipe ditches the processed cheese for a creamy, dreamy, homemade cheese sauce that's unbelievably delicious. The crunchy potato chip topping adds a surprising and delightful textural contrast. Don't let the steps intimidate you – even a beginner cook can master this recipe and impress everyone at the dinner table. Prepare for compliments galore!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish Easy

Baked Pesto Chicken

Juicy, flavorful baked pesto chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead picnic! This recipe delivers a burst of fresh pesto flavor with tender, oven-baked chicken breasts. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it hot or cold – it's equally delicious either way! This is your new go-to recipe for satisfying and impressive meals.

See Complete Recipe
Meat Main Dish Chicken Main Ingredient

Baked Pineapple Chicken

Sweet, savory, and spicy! This Baked Pineapple Chicken recipe is a flavor explosion that's surprisingly easy to make. Minimal prep time (excluding marinating) means you can enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The secret? A vibrant marinade featuring garlic, sweet red chili sauce, and juicy pineapple that delivers an unforgettable zing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Squash Low Sodium Taste Mood Seasonal

Baked Winter Squash Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting Baked Winter Squash Soup! Inspired by a recipe from Jodi Moore of Bellingham, Washington, this creamy soup is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a quiet night in. Imagine the aroma of roasted squash and warming spices filling your kitchen as you savor each delicious spoonful. This recipe features the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a truly unforgettable winter treat.

See Complete Recipe
Saltwater Fish Saltwater Fish Dietary Fish

Balsamic Glazed Cracked Pepper Salmon Clean Eating

Experience the delightful flavors of fall with this quick and healthy Balsamic Glazed Cracked Pepper Salmon recipe! Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets are coated in a luscious balsamic glaze, creating a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. Serve this delicious clean-eating recipe with brown rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This updated recipe features a refined balsamic glaze based on popular user feedback.

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Poultry Main Ingredient Equipment

Basil Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

This comforting chicken pot pie gets a delicious upgrade with a fragrant basil biscuit topping! Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible flavor in just 40 minutes. Get ready for flaky biscuits and a creamy chicken filling – pure comfort food bliss!

See Complete Recipe
Holiday Event Course Comfort Food Time To Make

Behold The Amazing Skillet Meatloaf

Skip the oven and enjoy a juicy, flavorful meatloaf in under an hour! This skillet meatloaf recipe is incredibly easy, cooks in a flash (less than 45 minutes!), and tastes amazing. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting classic without the oven heat.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Beef Time To Make

Bourbon Glazed Cajun Tenderloin

Fire up your Weber grill for this incredible Bourbon Glazed Cajun Tenderloin! This recipe, inspired by Weber's Big Book of Grilling, delivers a juicy, tenderloin with a spicy Cajun kick and a rich bourbon glaze. Marinate for 8-24 hours for maximum flavor. This recipe uses both direct and indirect heat for perfectly seared and cooked tenderloin.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Occasion Roast Comfort Food

Garlic Horseradish Crusted Steaks

Elevate your steak night with this incredible Garlic Horseradish Crusted Steak recipe! Inspired by a Central Texas market find, this recipe boasts a flavorful crust that's both savory and spicy. The steak marinates for a minimum of an hour, allowing the bold flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a juicy and unforgettable meal. Perfect for grilling or broiling!

See Complete Recipe
Course Preparation Dinner Party Salads

Herb Garlic Marinated Feta

Elevate your appetizers with this incredibly flavorful Herb Garlic Marinated Feta! Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, topping bruschetta, or adding a zesty kick to salads. This recipe infuses creamy feta cheese with fragrant herbs and garlic, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make treat. The marinated oil is also amazing in dressings! Made with light olive oil for a lighter, brighter flavor.

See Complete Recipe