7 Ingredients That Are Always in Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen

Jacques Pépin, the legendary French chef, has spent decades teaching home cooks how to make food approachable, flavorful, and elegant without unnecessary fuss. Even with his refined culinary background, Pépin believes in simplicity and keeping a few reliable ingredients on hand. These staples allow him to whip up quick meals, add depth to everyday dishes, and stay true to his philosophy that good cooking is about care and technique rather than complication. Here are seven ingredients you will almost always find in his kitchen.

1. Eggs

Eggs are the backbone of Pépin’s cooking, whether he is preparing a quick omelet or a refined French dish. He often reminds audiences that eggs are affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. In his kitchen, eggs might become breakfast, a silky custard, or the star of a quiche. He also uses them to enrich sauces, bind ingredients, or add structure to baked goods. Pépin has called eggs the single most important ingredient for home cooks to master because they showcase both flavor and technique in one ingredient.

2. Olive Oil

For Pépin, olive oil is not just a cooking fat, it is an essential seasoning. He uses it to sauté vegetables, add richness to soups, or drizzle over crusty bread. A splash of olive oil can transform even the simplest salad or pasta into something memorable. While Pépin values butter for traditional French cooking, he balances that richness with the fruitiness of olive oil. Its adaptability makes it one of his must-have pantry items, proving that quality oil can elevate the simplest home-cooked meals.

3. Butter

Butter remains a cornerstone of Pépin’s French heritage, prized for its flavor and versatility. He uses it to create silky sauces, achieve golden crusts, or enrich tender pastries. Pépin often notes that butter, when used with balance, lends richness without overwhelming a dish. He melts it over vegetables, whisks it into pan sauces, and folds it into dough. For Pépin, butter symbolizes comfort, elegance, and the craft of elevating even modest meals into something extraordinary, keeping it firmly at the heart of his kitchen.

4. Onions

Onions are the foundation of countless dishes in Pépin’s repertoire. He often begins recipes by sautéing them to build depth and sweetness for soups, stews, and sauces. Onions are inexpensive, accessible, and incredibly versatile. Pépin appreciates how they transform depending on preparation, from sharp and raw in salads to deeply caramelized in French onion soup. For him, onions are a non-negotiable kitchen staple because they provide aroma, flavor complexity, and structure, turning simple ingredients into dishes layered with character and warmth.

5. Garlic

Garlic, with its bold aroma and flavor, is another ingredient Pépin relies on almost daily. Whether crushed into vinaigrettes, sautéed gently in oil, or roasted whole until mellow and sweet, garlic is central to building depth in his cooking. He appreciates how it can be subtle in small amounts or dramatic when used generously. Garlic bridges rustic home cooking and refined French techniques, reminding us that sophistication often begins with humble roots. For Pépin, garlic is one of the constants of good flavor.

6. Fresh Herbs

Pépin emphasizes that fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and tarragon bring brightness and vitality to food. Parsley, in particular, is almost always within reach, ready to be sprinkled over eggs, seafood, or soups. Fresh herbs provide aromas and freshness that dried versions rarely match, and Pépin often uses them to balance the richness of butter or cream. He has shared that herbs not only lift flavor but also add visual appeal, turning everyday meals into dishes that feel fresh, balanced, and special.

7. Mustard

A jar of good mustard is indispensable in Pépin’s kitchen, especially Dijon mustard. He uses it to create sharp vinaigrettes, add tangy depth to marinades, or enrich creamy sauces. Mustard offers both acidity and creaminess, making it a natural companion to meats and vegetables. Pépin frequently highlights mustard’s ability to transform simple ingredients into bold, flavorful dishes. It is also shelf-stable and easy to keep on hand, which aligns perfectly with his philosophy of making everyday cooking both accessible and delicious.