16 Unexpectedly Delicious Food Pairings You Need to Try
Food pairing is all about experimenting with flavors and discovering unexpected combinations that make your taste buds sing. Some pairings might seem unusual at first, but once you try them, you realize they work in surprising and delicious ways. Here are 16 unexpectedly delicious food pairings you need to try.
1. Peanut Butter and Pickles
It might sound strange, but peanut butter’s creamy texture and rich flavor contrast perfectly with the crunchy, tangy bite of pickles. Whether you spread it on bread or eat them straight together, this combo delivers a savory-sweet-salty punch that’s oddly satisfying.
2. Watermelon and Feta
Watermelon and feta cheese might be an unusual duo, but the juicy sweetness of watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty, creamy tang of feta. Add some mint and a drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got a refreshing summer salad that’s hard to resist.
3. French Fries and Ice Cream
Dipping salty, crispy French fries into soft, creamy ice cream (especially vanilla) creates an irresistible sweet and salty balance. The contrast of hot fries with cold ice cream makes this combo a guilty pleasure that’s surprisingly delicious.
4. Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar might be best known for salads, but try drizzling it over fresh strawberries for a whole new experience. The tartness of the vinegar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, creating a rich, tangy dessert-like treat.
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5. Chocolate and Avocado
Avocado’s creamy texture makes it a perfect partner for chocolate. Whether you blend avocado into a chocolate smoothie or make a rich, velvety chocolate mousse using avocado, the result is a decadent and surprisingly healthy dessert.
6. Cheddar Cheese and Apple Pie
The sharp, savory flavor of cheddar cheese adds a delicious contrast to the sweet, buttery crust and spiced apples in apple pie. Some even top a warm slice of pie with a thin slice of cheddar, but the real magic happens when the flavors melt together.
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7. Pineapple and Pizza
This divisive combo is either loved or hated, but pineapple’s sweet acidity pairs wonderfully with the salty, savory flavors of ham and melted cheese. The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the richness, making it a surprisingly balanced bite.
8. Honey and Pizza
Another unexpected pizza topping, honey adds a sweet twist to a savory slice. Drizzling a bit of honey over a pepperoni or sausage pizza might sound odd, but the sweetness balances the saltiness and brings out the flavors in new, delicious ways.
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9. Bacon and Chocolate
Salty, smoky bacon pairs perfectly with rich, sweet chocolate. Whether it’s chocolate-dipped bacon or bacon bits sprinkled over a chocolate bar, this combo creates an addictive salty-sweet snack that’s hard to put down.
10. Vanilla Ice Cream and Olive Oil
Drizzling high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over vanilla ice cream may sound unusual, but the fruity richness of the oil enhances the sweetness of the ice cream. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet, unexpectedly delicious treat.
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11. Blueberries and Steak
Sweet and savory come together in an elegant way with blueberries and steak. The sweetness of the berries contrasts with the rich, savory flavors of the steak, and a blueberry sauce can be a delightful, tart topping for a perfectly cooked cut of meat.
12. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
Cottage cheese’s mild, creamy flavor pairs surprisingly well with sweet pineapple. This classic combo has been a favorite for decades, offering a healthy and refreshing snack that balances sweetness with protein-packed creaminess.
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13. Mango and Chili Powder
This spicy-sweet combination is popular in Latin American street food. The juicy, tropical sweetness of mango is perfectly complemented by a dash of chili powder or Tajín, which adds a spicy kick and a touch of tanginess.
14. Popcorn and Hot Sauce
Forget butter—try hot sauce on your popcorn for an addictive, spicy twist. The tangy heat of hot sauce adds a bold flavor to the crunchy popcorn, turning a plain snack into something exciting and unexpected.
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15. Caramel and Sea Salt
Caramel’s sweetness is taken to a new level when paired with a sprinkle of sea salt. The salt enhances the caramel’s buttery richness while adding a subtle, savory contrast, making this one of the most beloved sweet-and-salty combinations.
16. Peanut Butter and Bacon
Both savory and slightly sweet, peanut butter and bacon make a decadent pairing. Whether it’s spread on toast or used in a sandwich, the salty crunch of bacon complements the creamy richness of peanut butter in an unexpectedly delicious way.
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