Don't Skip This Step When Refilling Your Pepper Mill

When it comes to pantry essentials, you've got your sugar, flour, baking soda, vinegar, oils, and, of course, you've got your salt and pepper. In fact, the salt and pepper pair are so necessary and well-used that you probably have a set on your kitchen table.

However, the thing about pepper is that when it's pre-grinded, it lacks some of the kick you would want from the spice. The solution? Grind your pepper right as you need it, with the help of a pepper mill. According to Serious Eats, quality pepper mills are easy to use and allow you to change the texture of your pepper from coarse to fine, and anywhere in between. Sounds great, right?

While this is all fine and dandy, using a pepper mill only takes your pepper game up a few levels. If you want to reach the highest and hottest pepper levels, there's one additional step you should take when refilling your pepper mill.

That pre-grinded pepper is just fine, and using a pepper mill is pretty good, but do you know what's great? Grinding your own pepper after it's been toasted. Yup, you're going to want to try this the next time you refill your pepper mill.

According to Executive Chef Max Boonthanakit, all you have to do is put some peppercorns in a skillet and toast them over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until they're "warm and fragrant" (via People Magazine). Just be sure to stir them, so they don't burn. Super simple, and it gets you the most flavor out of your black pepper.

As Together in Food explains, toasting peppercorns before grinding them in your pepper mill "enriches" both their scent and flavor. Plus, you get that added bonus of smoky flavoring -– um, yes, please. Who wouldn't want to add a smoky little kick to their favorite meal?