7 Strange Food Combinations That Surprisingly Taste Amazing

7 Strange Food Combinations That Surprisingly Taste Amazing

Food is one of those universal experiences that everyone can relate to. Whether you’re a foodie adventurer or someone who sticks to their tried-and-true comfort meals, there’s something undeniably fascinating about the wild and wonderful world of strange food combinations that work. While some combinations may seem utterly bizarre at first glance, countless people around the globe swear by these unconventional pairings. Let’s take a deep dive into seven of the weirdest food combinations that people insist are absolutely delicious.

1. Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches: A Crunchy, Tangy Revelation

close up shot of a peanut butter and pickle sandwich

The humble peanut butter and pickle sandwich might seem like the stuff of pregnancy cravings or a last-resort midnight snack, but it has a surprisingly devoted following. This odd pairing dates back to the Great Depression, when creative cooks combined what little they had in the pantry to make filling meals. The result? A sandwich that packs a serious punch of flavor and texture.

At first bite, your taste buds might go into a mild state of confusion—how could something so seemingly incompatible taste so good? The smooth, creamy richness of the peanut butter meets the sharp, tangy acidity of the pickles, creating a flavor profile that’s both savory and sweet with just the right amount of crunch. The pickles add a refreshing zing, cutting through the heaviness of the peanut butter, while the bread holds it all together with a satisfying softness.

The success of this combination lies in the balance of contrasting flavors and textures. It’s a symphony of opposites: salty and tangy, creamy and crunchy. The key is to use dill pickles, which provide that necessary tanginess. Bread-and-butter pickles might push the sandwich into overly sweet territory, which could disrupt the delicate balance that makes this combination so intriguing.

2. French Fries and Ice Cream: The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Snack

sundae glass with a swirl of vanilla ice cream and golden crispy fries

For those who live by the mantra “opposites attract,” French fries dipped in ice cream is the pinnacle of culinary perfection. This peculiar combo has been a secret indulgence for many, particularly in the fast-food-loving corners of the world. But what’s the appeal of dipping something salty and hot into something sweet and cold?

This is a food pairing that taps into our deepest cravings. The salty, crispy French fries serve as the perfect vehicle for the smooth, creamy sweetness of ice cream. The contrast is not just in flavor but also in temperature and texture. Each bite is a journey—first, the satisfying crunch of the fry, followed by the soft, cold sweetness of the ice cream that melts in your mouth.

The science behind why this works is rooted in the human love for sweet and salty combinations. Our taste buds are wired to enjoy this dynamic duo. The saltiness of the fries amplifies the sweetness of the ice cream, and vice versa, creating a flavor explosion that’s greater than the sum of its parts. This combination also plays on our sensory experiences with temperature, offering a tantalizing contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

3. Pizza and Honey: A Sticky Slice of Heaven

slice of pizza with honey drizzled across the top

Pizza is a universally loved food, but even this classic dish isn’t immune to the allure of strange combinations. Drizzling honey over a hot slice of pizza might sound like sacrilege to some, but for those in the know, it’s a game-changer that elevates pizza to new, mouthwatering heights.

The magic of this combination lies in how honey’s natural sweetness enhances the savory, umami flavors of the pizza. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Margherita or a pepperoni-laden pie, a drizzle of honey adds a layer of complexity that’s both surprising and addictive. The honey not only complements the saltiness of the cheese but also balances the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that dances across your palate.

This combination taps into a culinary principle known as flavor contrast. By pairing something sweet (honey) with something savory (pizza), you create a more complex and satisfying taste experience. Honey’s viscosity also adds a delightful sticky texture that pairs well with the gooey cheese and crispy crust, making each bite a little more indulgent.

4. Watermelon and Feta: A Refreshing Summer Delight

vibrant salad with chunks of watermelon and crumbled feta

When the summer heat is in full swing, nothing beats the refreshing juiciness of watermelon. But pair it with the salty tang of feta cheese, and you’ve got yourself a surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s become a staple in many Mediterranean diets.

The sweet, watery crispness of watermelon is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, salty crumbly texture of feta cheese. This combination offers a complex mix of flavors and sensations, with each bite providing a refreshing burst of juiciness followed by a lingering savory aftertaste. The feta’s saltiness also intensifies the natural sweetness of the watermelon, creating a beautifully balanced dish.

This pairing is a masterclass in balancing sweet and savory. The salty feta enhances the sweetness of the watermelon, while the watermelon’s high water content makes it an ideal match for the rich, dense feta. It’s a combination that’s not only delicious but also hydrating and nutritious—perfect for a hot summer day.

5. Bacon and Chocolate: The Unlikely Sweet and Savory Duo

close up of chocolate covered bacon strips

Bacon and chocolate might seem like an odd couple, but this dynamic duo has taken the world by storm. From bacon-wrapped chocolate truffles to chocolate-dipped bacon strips, this combination has become a favorite among food adventurers who love to push the boundaries of taste.

At its core, this combination is all about indulgence. Bacon’s smoky, salty flavor is a natural complement to the rich, creamy sweetness of chocolate. The fat from the bacon helps to mellow the intensity of the chocolate, while the chocolate’s sweetness balances out the saltiness of the bacon. Each bite is a luxurious blend of flavors that’s as decadent as it is delicious.

The success of bacon and chocolate lies in the contrast between the savory and sweet elements. This pairing plays on the same principles that make salted caramel so irresistible—by combining two opposing flavors, you create a more complex and satisfying taste experience. Additionally, the texture contrast between the crispy bacon and the smooth chocolate adds another layer of enjoyment.

6. Apples and Cheddar Cheese: A Classic with a Twist

plate with slices of crisp apple and squares of sharp cheddar cheese and crackers

The combination of apples and cheddar cheese might not be as strange as some of the other pairings on this list, but it’s still a duo that surprises many with how well it works. This classic combination has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it’s often served as part of a Ploughman’s lunch.

The crisp, sweet juiciness of the apple is the perfect foil for the sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar cheese. The apple’s sweetness complements the cheese’s savory notes, while the cheese adds a rich, creamy contrast to the apple’s crunch. It’s a combination that’s both simple and sophisticated, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that’s hard to resist.

The pairing of apples and cheddar cheese is a textbook example of how contrasting flavors can complement each other. The sweetness of the apple balances the saltiness of the cheese, while the acidity of the apple helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. This combination also works well from a textural standpoint, with the apple’s crispness providing a satisfying contrast to the cheese’s creaminess.

7. Avocado and Chocolate: A Creamy, Decadent Surprise

A rich creamy chocolate mousse topped with a few slices of avocado

Avocado and chocolate might not be the first pairing that comes to mind when you think of desserts, but this combination has become a favorite among health-conscious foodies. Avocado’s creamy texture makes it an ideal base for rich, chocolatey desserts that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Avocado’s mild, buttery flavor provides a neutral canvas that allows the chocolate’s rich, intense flavor to shine. The creaminess of the avocado gives the chocolate a silky, smooth texture, making it perfect for mousses, puddings, and even brownies. The natural fats in the avocado also help to enhance the chocolate’s flavor, resulting in a decadent dessert that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.

This combination works because of the way the avocado’s texture and mild flavor complement the richness of the chocolate. The healthy fats in the avocado give the dessert a luxurious, creamy texture that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients. Plus, the avocado’s subtle flavor allows the chocolate to take center stage, making this a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is surprising.

Final Thoughts

While these food combinations might seem strange at first, they all share one thing in common: they work because they balance contrasting flavors and textures in a way that’s both surprising and satisfying. Whether you’re a food adventurer or just someone looking to try something new, these combinations offer a delicious reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can be the most delightful.

So next time you’re in the kitchen, why not give one of these weird food combinations a try? You might just discover a new favorite!