While some popular food flavours just go so well together like coffee and chocolate or peanut butter and jelly, there are some you see that will leave you scratching your head. But then you take one bite and instantly think, "How the heck does that work so well?!" We're diving into some of the weirdest food combos that shouldn't work, but somehow really do.
1. Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwich
Peanut butter and bacon sounds like it shouldn't work, but thanks to our love for sweet and salty flavours, it does. Look, we know it doesn't look like the most appealing sandwich ever made, but just picture this: in between two slices of buttery, toasted bread sits slices of crispy, greasy bacon complemented by some creamy peanut butter. It's so simple yet so tasty, which honestly, is sometimes the recipe for the greatest foods.
Arnold Gatilao on Wikimedia Commons
2. Pineapple and Pizza
Ah yes, pineapple on pizza. The most controversial food discussion ever that continues to see no end. If you're a hater, you're not going to like this one. But if you're a pineapple on pizza enthusiast, we're here to say, it's delicious! Providing a sweet and juicy addition to every bite, the pineapple perfectly pairs with the salty ham and the cheesiness of the pizza. It just works!
3. Chocolate and Avocado
While mixing chocolate and fruit together is a no-brainer, pairing it with avocado (yes we know it's a fruit) just sounds a bit strange. You might think the richness of the chocolate will completely overpower the mild flavour of the avocado, but they're actually a match made in heaven. It's all thanks to the buttery soft texture that avocadoes have, perfectly lending itself to be the best base for any chocolate dessert. Whether it's for a smoothie, mousse, or brownie, it's a healthy option that tastes just as good.
4. Chili and Cinnamon
Spicy and sweet, adding a dash of cinnamon to your chili is going to give it that extra kick it needs. Although it sounds a bit odd and you might be a bit hesitant to do so, all it does is introduce a warm and complex flavour that wonderfully complements the meatiness and spiciness of your chili base.
Photo by Pratiksha Mohanty on Unsplash
5. French Fries and Ice Cream
At many fast food places, you won't find it uncommon to see someone ordering a side of fries with their ice cream. For some reason, dipping hot and salty French fries into that cold and sweet ice cream tastes delicious. Sure, sweet and salty always works, but hot and cold? It's one tasty combination we can't quite work out, but we're happy to keep enjoying it all the same.
Efren Rodriguez on Wikimedia Commons
6. Watermelon and Feta Cheese
Who knew pairing an overpowering flavour like feta cheese with one of the blandest, most watery fruits could work so well! Watermelon is absolutely delicious, especially if you pick a sweet one, but let's be honest because it doesn't have the strongest flavour. That's why we're so surprised to hear that pairing it with feta cheese, which has a very pungent taste, can create such a refreshing flavour profile. It's the ultimate pairing for any summer salad.
Freedom's Falcon on Wikimedia Commons
7. Popcorn and Marshmallows
One's crunchy while the other is soft and pillowy. Do they work well together though? Absolutely! To create the ultimate movie night snack, you have to try combining fluffy marshmallows with your buttery, munchable popcorn. It's that sweet and salty coming into play again, but this time, you've got some fun textural contrasts that work surprisingly well too.
Photo by Georgia Vagim on Unsplash
8. Soy Sauce and Ice Cream
Soy sauce and what? Ice cream's back on this list with another unlikely companion: soy sauce. While you might be used to eating it with sushi, throwing it on some ice cream seems like a bit of a stretch, no? Turns out, adding that salty, umami-rich flavour levels up your ice cream to new heights. All it does is enhance the flavours, which means this is one weird combo you have to try.
Photo by GoodEats YQR on Unsplash
9. Peanut Butter and Dill Pickles
If you love a bit of crunch, you're going to love this unique pairing of peanut butter and dill pickles. Turns out peanut butter goes well with more than just jelly! The combo works amazingly because the sour tanginess of the pickles cuts right through the richness of the peanut butter. The flavours also complement each other well, creating a texturally satisfying and delicious snack that might just become your new guilty pleasure.
Crunchydillpickle on Wikimedia Commons
10. Olive Oil and Ice Cream
You might've never considered olive oil to be a topping, but turns out, it's great when used on ice cream. Particularly on flavours like vanilla or chocolate! Not only does it add a rich and smooth texture to the already creamy ice cream, it gives the flavour a little boost, elevating the entire dessert to something even better. Who knew you could make ice cream taste more delicious than what it already is?
stu_spivack on Wikimedia Commons
11. Apples and Salsa
Crunchy, sweet, and spicy, apples are the vehicle for your salsa you didn't think could ever work. Instead of using your typical tortillas, apples give the pairing a new and exciting twist! The crisp sweetness of the apples combines very well with the spiciness of the salsa, creating a surprisingly unexpected flavour bomb. As the flavours dance on your tongue, you won't be able to help digging in a second time.
Image by Monica Volpin from Pixabay
12. Cottage Cheese and Peanut Butter
Mixing cottage cheese with peanut butter is probably the last thing you'd ever think of, but thankfully, someone else out there already did the thinking for you. Because somehow, this pairing is both nutritious and delicious. The creaminess of both these ingredients complement each other well, with the cottage cheese being elevated thanks to the nutty flavours of the peanut butter.
Image by Enotovyj from Pixabay
13. Doritos and Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is going back to back on this list with another unique and weird pairing! This time, have you ever thought about having it with some Doritoes? This popular chip is actually a fantastic match when it comes to partying with the creamy texture of the cheese. Thanks to its salty and crunchy bite, Doritoes with cottage cheese creates a wonderful snack that just works.
14. Spaghetti and Maple Syrup
No, we're not talking about Buddy in the movie "Elf" who just loads up his spaghetti with candy and marshmallows. Skip those ingredients, but do try a little bit of maple syrup on your spaghetti next time! It's definitely an unconventional choice, but as long as you don't douse it completely, the syrup will add a unique sweetness that creates a playful and tasty bite.
Image by -Rita-👩🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay
15. Marmite and Peanut Butter
This one's for the British fans; Marmite is a love-it-or-hate-it food that's known for its umami-rich and yeasty flavour. For those who can't stand the taste of it, maybe having it with some peanut butter might change your mind! That's because this nutty spread adds a delightful savory-sweetness to the pairing that results in a truly tasty snack.
WestportWiki on Wikimedia Commons
16. Hot Dogs and Peanut Butter
Ketchup, mustard, and relish are all typical condiments you might find thrown on a hot dog, but have you ever considered peanut butter? That's right, we're here to rave about peanut butter because it actually tastes amazing on a hot dog. Just slather some on to create a delicious combination that is sure to shock you. The nutty richness of the spread is great with the savory taste of the hot dog, creating a satisfying snack you'll want again and again.
Image by Fernando Villalobos from Pixabay
17. Oreos and Orange Juice
Oreos and milk is a classic combination that never fails to disappoint, but what if we told you there's another drink that stands as a serious competitor? How about Oreos and...orange juice! While you might think these flavours will completely clash against one another, the citrusy and tangy flavour of the orange juice adds a new dimension to the cookie. Some even swear it works better than milk!
Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay
18. Pickles and Chocolate
While most people appreciate pickles for their sourness and tanginess, we're suggesting you try adding a bit of sweetness to it to create a different monster. Dipped in melted chocolate or enjoyed side by side, this strange pairing actually has a satisfying flavour profile. We don't quite know how to describe it, you just have to trust us and give it a try! It's perfect for those who love contrasting flavours.
Image by Lukáš Jančička from Pixabay
19. Blue Cheese and Dark Chocolate
Here's one that might scare you initially - blue cheese and dark chocolate? Blue cheese is already a polarizing food that many tend to dislike due to its sharp and pungent flavour. But if you're trying to get over your hate of this ingredient, maybe this combo is worth a shot! Trying pairing it next time with some dark chocolate - the bitter richness of it goes well with the blue cheese, creating a flavour that is more easygoing on the taste buds.
Image by vivi Vivis from Pixabay
20. Bacon and Jam
Bacon and jam is one of those food combos you never thought to put together, but you're desperately grateful to whoever did. It's a sweet and salty flavour combo that is elevated due to the smoky flavour of the bacon. It's seriously addictive and is a brilliant way to give your breakfast or appetizers an extra bit of "oomph".
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