Most of us probably have a fave food combination that would make other people gag, and even Ivanka Trump fell foul of the food police when she served hot dogs with marshmallows at her daughter’s birthday party.
Food is one of the greatest joys in life, and sometimes, the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most delicious. In America, we love pushing culinary boundaries—think about how peanut butter and jelly became a national staple or how sweet and salty flavors collide in snacks like kettle corn and chocolate-covered pretzels. But what about the truly unconventional pairings that sound strange at first but actually taste amazing?
From dipping French fries into a milkshake to sprinkling Cheetos on broccoli, there are plenty of quirky food duos that defy logic but work surprisingly well. Some of these pairings highlight the perfect balance of sweet and savory, while others rely on texture contrasts to create an irresistible bite. If you're a foodie who loves to experiment or just someone looking for a fun new taste experience, this list is for you.
Here are 15 weird (but shockingly delicious) food combinations that you might just fall in love with!
The creamy texture of avocado complements the rich flavor of chocolate, making it an excellent base for vegan chocolate mousse. This blend results in a dessert that's both indulgent and health-conscious.
How to Enjoy:
Blend ripe avocado with melted dark chocolate and a sweetener of your choice to create a silky mousse. Incorporate avocado into chocolate smoothies for added creaminess.
The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries is elevated when paired with the rich, sugary notes of maple syrup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
How to Enjoy:
Drizzle warm maple syrup over freshly baked sweet potato fries.
For added depth, sprinkle a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the savory crispness of bacon results in a delectable contrast that's both satisfying and indulgent.
How to Enjoy:
Spread peanut butter on toasted bread and top with crispy bacon slices for a savory sandwich. Add a drizzle of honey to introduce a subtle sweetness.
Cauliflower's mild flavor serves as an ideal canvas for bold additions like hot sauce, transforming it into a spicy and satisfying snack.
How to Enjoy:
Toss cauliflower florets in your favorite hot sauce and roast until tender for a zesty side dish. Serve as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Drizzling high-quality olive oil over ice cream introduces a savory element that enhances the dessert's richness, a practice popular in Italy.
How to Enjoy:
Pour a light stream of extra virgin olive oil over vanilla or sea salt caramel ice cream. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to accentuate the flavors.
Merging the indulgence of chocolate with the comforting qualities of pizza creates a unique treat that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
How to Enjoy:
Spread a thin layer of Nutella over a warm pizza crust and top with sliced strawberries or bananas. For a savory twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts.
Elevating the classic burger by adding peanut butter and jelly introduces a sweet-savory dimension that enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Enjoy:
Spread a layer of peanut butter on the top bun and jelly on the bottom bun of a cooked burger. Opt for bacon jam or spicy jelly to add complexity.
Pairing the savory, robust flavors of salami with the juicy sweetness of grapes offers a balanced and refreshing appetizer.
How to Enjoy:
Arrange slices of salami alongside clusters of grapes on a charcuterie board. Skewer salami and grape halves for bite-sized hors d'oeuvres.
Dipping crispy French fries into a creamy milkshake creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, resulting in a surprisingly harmonious taste.
How to Enjoy:
Pair salty fries with a sweet vanilla or chocolate milkshake for dipping. Experiment with different fry seasonings and milkshake flavors to find your favorite combination.
Drizzling honey over avocado enhances its natural creaminess with a touch of sweetness, creating a simple yet satisfying snack.
How to Enjoy:
Spread mashed avocado on toast and drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Add crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
The combination of creamy peanut butter and tangy pickles offers a unique flavor contrast that has garnered a dedicated following.
How to Enjoy:
Spread peanut butter on bread and layer with thinly sliced pickles for a distinctive sandwich. Choose bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste or dill pickles for a sharper contrast.
Mixing popcorn with melted marshmallows creates a sweet and crunchy treat reminiscent of childhood favorites.
How to Enjoy:
Melt marshmallows with a bit of butter and pour over popped popcorn, then mix until evenly coated. Press the mixture into a pan and let it set to create popcorn bars.
Enhancing Oreos with a spread of peanut butter adds richness and depth to the classic cookie, making for an indulgent snack.
How to Enjoy:
Twist open an Oreo and spread a layer of peanut butter inside before reassembling. Dip the entire cookie in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
The cheesy crunch of Cheetos paired with the fresh, slightly bitter taste of broccoli creates an unexpected but delicious contrast. This combination makes eating vegetables more exciting, especially for picky eaters.
How to Enjoy:
Crush Cheetos into fine crumbs and sprinkle them over roasted or steamed broccoli for a fun, crunchy topping. Mix crushed Cheetos with melted cheese to create a crispy, cheesy coating for broccoli bites.
The sweet juiciness of watermelon paired with the salty, tangy flavor of feta cheese is a Mediterranean classic. This combination balances flavors beautifully, making it a refreshing and sophisticated summer treat.
How to Enjoy:
Cube fresh watermelon and crumble feta cheese on top, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for an elegant appetizer. Add fresh mint or basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor.