Stuck on a game night while struggling to solve a riddle? Can’t think of what food starts with P? Worry not, I’ve got you covered!
Enjoy the ultimate list of foods that start with P! I’ve also added a few details and some interesting facts about each one of these foods.
53 Most Common Foods That Start With P
From peanut butter to petit fours, here is the list of the most popular foods that start with P:
1. Peanut Butter
6 words: Grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (I think I’m already hungry and we’re just at the beginning of the list LOL.)
Its majesty, Peanut butter, is made from ground peanuts and may also contain salt. It is popularly used on toasts, in cookies, or even with vegetables.
FUN FACT: “Every year Americans eat enough peanut butter to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon.” (1)
2. Pizza
It’s hard to imagine life without pizza, but it gets easier when you learn to microwave frozen pizza the right way. Some of the most popular pizzas all over the world are Margherita, Pepperoni, and BBQ chicken.
3. Pretzels
A pretzel is a snack food made from dough that has been cooked in salted water (or baking soda). It’s typically shaped into a knot or a twisted strip.
4. Palmetto Cheese
Palmetto Cheese is made in South Carolina. It is a soft, white cheese that has a mild flavor. Did I mention that it’s gluten free?
5. Pita
Pita is a name for flatbread. It goes perfectly with cucumbers, tropical fruit, Asian cooking, brisket, or even with maple syrup as a side dish.
6. Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk, often grated and popularly used as a topping for pasta dishes. It goes perfectly with tomato sauce and olive oil. Yummy!
I also have to emphasize that asiago and parmesan are two very similar types of cheese, so it is very important to know how to distinguish them.
FUN FACT: According to historical documents from the 13th and 14th centuries, Parmigiano was already very similar to that produced today.
7. Pastries
Pastries are made from dough and then baked. They are usually sweet with white or brown sugar and can be eaten as a dessert or a snack.
8. Pesto
You can’t visit Italy without trying this spread. Pesto is a condiment or paste primarily used for flavoring dishes.
It is traditionally made by combining basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. If you consider making one yourself, here’s all you need to know about pesto shelf life.
9. Penne
Penne is a type of pasta shaped like a tube. It can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto, or cream sauce.
10. Passata
Passata di pomodoro is a tomato sauce made of plain (uncooked) tomatoes that have been pureed and passed through a sieve. Sometimes, salt is added to it.
DID YOU KNOW? Passata is an Italian word that comes from the Italian verb passare, which means go through in English.
11. Pottage
Pottage is made by boiling vegetables, meat, and other ingredients in water, resulting in a type of soup or stew.
12. Paneer
Paneer is a fresh cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice, vinegar, or other acids. It can be used in many dishes, such as paneer tikka masala or butter chicken (if you want to make a twist on a traditional recipe).
13. Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a type of edible sea snail which lives in the shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are found in large numbers on rocky shores and in tide pools.
14. Poulette
Poulette is a French dish made from a mixture of eggs, milk, and butter. It is usually served with bread or potatoes.
15. Panettone
Panettone is definitely one of my favorite foods that starts with P. Panettone is a type of Italian bread that is typically eaten at Christmas time. It has a sweet taste, and it’s usually served with coffee or tea.
16. Peppermint
Peppermint is a combination of water mint and spearmint. It’s commonly used in foods and beverages, as an essential oil, you name it.
Peppermint oil is highly beneficial for our health, as stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
“Peppermint has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions.”
17. Patties
Meat patties are usually round in shape and can be fried or baked. Patties are often served with different types of sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard.
18. Paella
Paella is a Spanish dish that is made of rice, seafood, and vegetables. From legumes, meat, edible seeds, to root vegetables, you can add anything to it that comes to your mind.
19. Pakora
Pakora is a deep-fried snack food that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by dipping vegetables, paneer, or other ingredients in a gram flour batter before deep frying them.
20. Pandoro
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake. The name Pandoro is a combination of two words: Pan = bread and d’oro= golden.
This cake is made from flour, butter, eggs, sugar, yeast, and milk. The dough is then shaped into a ring and baked in the oven.
21. Puree
Traditionally made from mashed potatoes, puree can also be made of peas, or any other vegetable or fruit.
22. Pierogi
Pierogi is a Polish dumpling that is filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and onions. If you’re wondering about what to serve pierogi with, my personal preference is sour cream or butter.
23. Peshwari Naan
Peshwari Naan is a type of naan bread that is made with a mixture of spices, nuts, and raisins. It can be eaten as an appetizer or as part of the main course.
24. Porridge
Porridge is a type of food that is made from oats, nuts, kernels, seeds, milk or water, and salt, served hot or cold.
INTERESTING FACT: The ancient Greeks were the first people known to have made a porridge (cereal) from oats.
25. Peppercorn
Peppercorn or black pepper is a spice that is made from the dried, unripe berries of the pepper plant.
26. Pompano
Pompano is a type of fish found in the Atlantic Ocean. It has light, white flesh and can be eaten raw or cooked.
27. Pudding
Pudding is made from milk, sugar, and other ingredients. I know it sounds vanilla, but my favorite pudding flavor is vanilla.
28. Polenta
Polenta is made by cooking ground corn with water or milk until it becomes thick. The polenta can be served as a porridge, or it can be cooled, and then sliced, fried or baked.
29. Poi
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from the pounded corn of the taro plant. “Taro is one of the most nutritious starches on the planet.” (2)
30. Purloo
Perloo or purloo is a southern rice food that is made of boiled rice and vegetables. The vegetables used in purloo are usually cabbage, spinach, carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and celery.
31. Pilaf
Pilaf is a rice dish with many variations but typically includes rice, onion, and some type of meat or vegetable. Pilafs are mostly flavored with saffron, turmeric, and other spices.
32. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a pie made of spiced, pumpkin-based custard filling. It is traditionally served on Thanksgiving day.
DID YOU KNOW? Pumpkin pie was first mentioned in American cookbooks in 1802.
33. Phaletshe
This is a traditional South African dish served with rice. It is usually made from dried beans and meat, which are cooked together in a pot called a Phalet.
34. Pecan Pie
This is a pie with a sweet and nutty flavor, made from an egg custard filling that is baked in a pastry crust and contains pecans.
35. Poached Eggs
Poached eggs are eggs that are cooked in simmering water, with the egg white and yolk still soft.
If you are a vegetarian who loves eggs, and the question of whether eggs are meat arises in your head, you shouldn’t worry because the answer is negative.
36. Poha
Poha is an Indian dish that is made from a combination of rice and lentils. The dish is usually served with a side of spicy chutney or pickle. Poha has many health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar levels.
37. Pine Mushrooms
Pine mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that is found in the forests of North America.
38. Poppy Seeds
These seeds are often used in breads, desserts, and salads. Poppy seeds are also used to treat pain and coughing. They are really versatile.
39. Piccalilli
Piccalilli is a sauce made of vegetables, pickles, and spices. The word “piccalilli” comes from the French word “piquer” which means to pickle or preserve.
40. Pigeon Peas
Pigeon peas are legumes, used as a major source of protein in many parts of the world.
FUN FACT: Pigeon peas are botanically known as Cajanus cajan, and they are also known as Thuvarai, Red Gram in India, Arhur or Toor dal in Hindi, and as Thuvaram Paruppu in Tamil.
41. Princess Cupcakes
These cupcakes look like princess dresses made out of ice cream icing in different colors. Apart from being cute, they are also delicious.
42. Pan Bagnat
Pan Bagnat is a sandwich made with a type of French bread. It is typically filled with tuna, tomatoes, and olives.
43. Pearl Balls
Pearl Balls is a traditional Chinese dish. It is made with sticky rice, sugar, and sesame oil.
44. Peach Cobbler
Who doesn’t love peach cobbler? Peach Cobbler is a Southern dessert, usually made with canned peaches, sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon.
45. Pain Perdu
Pain Perdu (French toast) is a French dessert that means “Lost Bread” in English. It is made with bread, butter, eggs, and milk.
INTERESTING FACT: “In medieval Europe, French toast was called “poor knight’s pudding” because it was considered a frugal, filling meal. Other names for French toast include Spanish toast, nun’s toast, eggy bread, Gypsy toast, torrijas, and Bombay toast.” (3)
46. Palabok
This is a Filipino dish that is made from rice noodles and shrimp. The noodles are mixed with garlic, shallots, pork fat, shrimp, ground pork and topped with a fried egg.
47. Pani Puri
Pani Puri is a dish popular in India. It consists of a hollow fried dough ball filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes and boiled chickpeas.
48. Pap Cakes
These are a traditional Jamaican dessert that is made from cornmeal and sugar.
49. Pad Knee Mao
Pad Knee Mao, also known as “Drunken noodles”, is a traditional Thai dish made with rice noodles and Thai basil.
50. Palusami
Palusami is a dish that is traditionally made in Sri Lanka. The recipe includes rice, coconut milk, curry leaves, and other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, green beans, and onions.
51. Pesce Spada
This dish is a traditional Italian recipe that is often served as an appetizer. The ingredients are simple (a swordfish filet topped with a sauce of olives, tomatoes, and capers), but the preparation and cooking process can be time-consuming.
52. Phat Lady
A Phat Lady is a sandwich with two slices of bread, numerous slices of ham, slices of turkey, slices of cheese, and bacon.
53. Petits Fours
Petits Fours are small, iced cakes that are made with a variety of fillings. They are usually served in sets of four.
21 Meats That Start With P
Meat is love. Meat is life. To be more specific, pepperoni is my personal favorite, so I had to put it at the top of the list. 😊 Which one is your favorite? Let’s see:
1. Pepperoni
Pepperoni is cured meat made from pork and beef with the same texture as salami, but with a sweeter flavor. I bet the following 3 words will excite your taste buds instantly: Pepperoni on pizza.
2. Pork loin
Pork loin is meat from the side of a pig; it’s lean and tender with a mild flavor.
DID YOU KNOW? Pork is the most popular meat in the world. The USDA states that 36% of the world’s meat intake is in pork.
3. Panfish
Panfish is a type of fish that can be found in freshwater, saltwater, or even brackish water. This popular game fish has a lot of culinary uses.
4. Pheasant
Pheasant meat is a type of game bird native to Europe and Asia. The meat is used in a variety of dishes, including pheasant pot pie, pheasant casserole, and pheasant soup.
5. Plaice
Plaice is a common name for a group of flatfish that includes 4 species: the European, American, Alaskan, and scale-eye plaice. Plaice can be marketed under different names.
6. Prosciutto
Prosciutto is often served as an appetizer or as a part of an antipasto platter. It can also be used in sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.
7. Pork Chops
They are usually cut into two pieces with the bone in the middle. Pork chops can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as frying, grilling, or baking. The best way to reheat pork chops is in an oven or on a stovetop.
8. Pollock
Pollock is a type of fish that is found in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. INTERESTING FACT: Pollock fish can grow up to 105 cm and can live up to 22 years.
9. Pot pie
Pot pies are usually baked in an oven. They can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. Classic pot pie is made of cooked poultry and veggies.
10. Pike
A pike is a freshwater fish that is found in Northern Europe and North America, known to eat smaller fishes like trout.
11. Parma ham
Parma ham is a type of cured ham that is made in the Parma and Reggio Emilia areas of Italy. Parma Ham is high in protein and free amino acids.
12. Peking duck
As the name implies, this dish originated in Peking in China. The dish is made of the roasted skin and meat of a duck.
13. Pilchard
A pilchard fish is more commonly known as a sardine. It is a type of small fish that’s found in many places across the world.
14. Plant-Based Meat Substitute
Plant-based meat is a type of food that is a substitute for animal protein. It can be made from soy, wheat, or other plants.
16. Pancetta
Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon that is made from pork belly meat, cured with salt and spices. It’s often used in pasta dishes, such as spaghetti alla carbonara and pasta all’amatriciana.
17. Pastrami
Pastrami is sliced smoked beef, which can be eaten in a sandwich on rye bread with mustard and coleslaw, or as part of a hamburger.
FUN FACT: As they emigrated to New York in 1872, the Jewish Romanians used beef navel to make beef pastrami because it was cheaper than goose meat in America.
(Note: Jewish Romanians originally used goose breasts to make pastrami because they were inexpensive.)
18. Perch
Perch is a type of freshwater fish that lives in rivers, lakes, and streams. It has a long body with a brownish color. Perch is one of the most popular freshwater fish in North America.
19. Prawns
Prawns are a type of crustacean. They are related to shrimp and lobster. Prawns are generally larger than shrimp but smaller than lobsters.
20. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is created by cooking pork in a slow cooker with a sauce, usually barbecue sauce or sometimes a tomato-based sauce.
NOTE: The term “pulled pork” can refer to the meat itself, which is pulled apart into strands of varying length and thickness, or it can refer to the dish in general.
21. Philly Cheesesteak
This sandwich was created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a sandwich made of thinly sliced pieces of beef and melted cheese on a long, crusty roll. Damn!
Is anyone hungry? I certainly am!
21 Snacks That Start With P
I’m sure that half of these snacks are your favorite comfort foods that start with the letter P. Am I right? Ready, steady, go:
1. Popcorn
Popcorn is often flavored with salt, butter, and/or other spices and seasonings. Popcorn can also be used as a topping for ice cream.
2. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack that are high in protein and other essential nutrients. They can be eaten raw, roasted or added to other dishes.
3. Parfait
Parfait is a French word that means “perfect.” These snacks are made from layers of different flavors, and they are perfect because they are gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher.
4. Pie
Pie is a general term used to describe food that is baked in a pie crust. The most common type of pie is apple pie made of apples, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pie can also be made with other ingredients such as sweet potatoes or pumpkin.
5. Pinole
Pinole is a type of cornmeal that is processed from the dried kernels of blue or white corn. Pinole can be eaten as cereal with milk or water, mixed with honey to create a drink, or made into bread or muffins.
It is used in many dishes and drinks and has been consumed since pre-Columbian times in South America.
6. Pop Tarts
Pop tarts are a breakfast food that is made with a pastry crust and filled with fruit or cream-based filling. Pop tarts come in boxes of 12 and can be bought at the grocery store.
There are many different flavors of pop tarts such as strawberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry, peach, and apple.
7. Popsicles
Popsicles are a frozen dessert made out of water, sugar, fruit juice, and fruit. They are often served in paper cups with lids.
8. Prawn Crackers
Prawn crackers are a type of cracker made of prawns. They are also known as shrimp crackers or shrimp chips. The main ingredients in Prawn Crackers are prawns, wheat flour, salt, sugar, and palm oil.
9. Pemmican
Pemmican is made from animal fat and dried meat. When it’s ready to eat, you can break off pieces of the hard outer shell with your hands or teeth and enjoy the soft inner filling.
DID YOU KNOW? Pemmican was originally created by the northern tribes of the current United States (Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana), as well as from the southern provinces of current day Canada. They used Pemmican as travel and survival food.
10. Puffed rice
Puffed rice is rice that has been cooked and then dried with hot air. This process causes the grains to puff up and become light, crispy, and crunchy. Puffed rice is made of rice that has a high starch content, such as japonica and indica rice.
11. Pecan nuts
Pecan nuts are found on the pecan tree. They are grown in South America, China, and southern parts of the United States. Pecan trees need warm temperatures and high humidity to grow properly.
12. Pistachios
Pistachios are a small, oval nut that is grown in the US and Iran, and are in season from September to March. They have a unique flavor that enriches ice creams, cakes, and many other foods.
But have you ever wondered why are pistachios so expensive?
13. Profiterole
A profiterole is a French pastry made of choux pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate ganache. The best of all is that it’s relatively easy to make profiteroles at home.
14. Protein bar
These bars are often used by people who are on the go or by athletes. They can be eaten at any time of the day, and provide a quick and convenient way to get some protein and other nutrients.
15. Pub mix
A Pub Mix is a snack food combination of pretzels and potato chips. The ingredients are usually mixed together in a large bag.
16. Praline
Praline is a French confection made from almonds and sugar. It is a sweet and crunchy candy that many people enjoy eating.
17. Pavlova
Pavlova is a type of meringue cake made of strawberries and redcurrants. Pavlova cake was created in honor of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.
18. Pancakes
Flour, eggs, and milk are three basic ingredients of pancakes. Today, there are various types of pancakes and you’re free to add almost anything to the pancake mix according to your preferences.
FUN FACT: The world’s largest pancake was made in the UK (Rochdale) on August 13, 1994.
19. PayDay
PayDay is a brand of a candy bar first introduced by the Hollywood Candy Company in 1932. The original PayDay candy is made of salted peanuts rolled over a nougat-like sweet caramel center.
20. Peanuts
Peanuts are a type of legume and a member of the bean family. There are four different types of peanuts: Runner, Valencia, Spanish and Virginia. They are all distinctive in size and flavor.
21. Potato chips
Potato chips are deep-fried slices of potato. It’s also one of my favorite comfort foods that start with P.
DID YOU KNOW? Americans eat about 1.85 billion pounds of potato chips annually.
You might also be interested in:
• Fruits That Start With P: 36 Sweet Gifts Of Nature
• 27 Vegetables That Start With P (From Potato To Peas!)
Well, That’s A Lot Of Letter P!
I’m sure you remembered at least a few P foods and some interesting facts about them. (If you didn’t, then read it again. LOL)
I don’t know about you but I’m really hungry, so I’m going to make some pancakes. 😄
References:
1. National Peanut Board, 25 Fun Facts about Peanuts & Peanut Butter, accessed 21 March 2023.
2. Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaiian Poi Recipe, accessed 20 March 2023.3. Kulick’s French Toast Recipes, 24 Fun Facts About French Toast, accessed 20 March 2023.