We all have that one unusual food combination we secretly love—even if everyone else thinks it sounds completely bizarre. Sometimes it’s a nostalgic pairing discovered in childhood; other times it’s a quirky trend picked up online. However they begin, these unexpected flavour mashups prove that some of the strangest combinations can also be the most delicious.
So which unusual food pairings are genuinely worth trying? We went in search of the most surprisingly successful combinations and uncovered a world of flavours that sound questionable but taste incredible. From balsamic vinegar drizzled over ice cream to spaghetti topped with salsa, these inventive pairings may just inspire your next culinary obsession.
Peanut Butter and Pickles.
One of the easiest unusual food combos to create in your own kitchen, peanut butter and pickles is a winsome flavour agreement between the earthy qualities of peanuts and the tart tones of dill and vinegar.
The crunch from the pickle, and even peanuts if you use chunky peanut butter, add exciting texture to the conversation.
One of the easiest unusual food combos to create in your own kitchen, peanut butter and pickles is a winsome flavour agreement between the earthy qualities of peanuts and the tart tones of dill and vinegar.
The crunch from the pickle, and even peanuts if you use chunky peanut butter, add exciting texture to the conversation.
Jell-O and Pretzels.
If you’ve seen unusual food combos on picnic tables at family gatherings, you may have discovered that some people think Jell-O and pretzels should be used in the same dish.
Sometimes called Jell-O salad, the pretzels form a salty, crunchy base like a graham cracker crust, topped with layers of creamy fluff and jiggly gelatine.
If you’ve seen unusual food combos on picnic tables at family gatherings, you may have discovered that some people think Jell-O and pretzels should be used in the same dish.
Sometimes called Jell-O salad, the pretzels form a salty, crunchy base like a graham cracker crust, topped with layers of creamy fluff and jiggly gelatine.
Pizza and Ranch Dressing.
Some unusual food combos grab you by the taste buds and won’t let go, like the tangy zap you get from dipping pizza in ranch dressing.
With so many savory possibilities for your pie, there’s no sauce or topping that ranch can’t get along with.
Some unusual food combos grab you by the taste buds and won’t let go, like the tangy zap you get from dipping pizza in ranch dressing.
With so many savory possibilities for your pie, there’s no sauce or topping that ranch can’t get along with.
Vanilla Ice Cream and Olive Oil.
If you keep up with popular food trends, you’ve probably seen this on TikTok. But before you skip past this unusual food combo, consider the qualities of olive oil: nutty, fruity and rich, with a largely neutral flavour that gives the creamy vanilla ice cream a luxurious jolt. All it takes is a drizzle to give your favourite discount scoop an elegant upgrade.
If you keep up with popular food trends, you’ve probably seen this on TikTok. But before you skip past this unusual food combo, consider the qualities of olive oil: nutty, fruity and rich, with a largely neutral flavour that gives the creamy vanilla ice cream a luxurious jolt. All it takes is a drizzle to give your favourite discount scoop an elegant upgrade.
Hot Chocolate and Cheese.
The unusual food combo of hot chocolate and cheese is more of a pairing; try enjoying a cup of cocoa with a few slices of your favourite cheese and see how the taste sensation hits you.
A mellow, spreadable wheel of brie or a bit of Edam as a side snack for your warm mug of liquid bliss is a snack born out of luxury.
The unusual food combo of hot chocolate and cheese is more of a pairing; try enjoying a cup of cocoa with a few slices of your favourite cheese and see how the taste sensation hits you.
A mellow, spreadable wheel of brie or a bit of Edam as a side snack for your warm mug of liquid bliss is a snack born out of luxury.
Peanut Butter and Jalapeños.
Before you judge an unusual food combo like peanut butter and jalapeños, consider that regional Asian cuisines have been partnering with these two ingredients for generations.
Try spreading a little PB on a tortilla and add a few jalapeño rounds for a wrap with a savory snap.
Before you judge an unusual food combo like peanut butter and jalapeños, consider that regional Asian cuisines have been partnering with these two ingredients for generations.
Try spreading a little PB on a tortilla and add a few jalapeño rounds for a wrap with a savory snap.
Mango and Chili Powder.
When your favourite heat meets your chosen sweet, like chili powder and mango, things really start to get interesting.
Sugar is often used to mellow the heat of more fiery ingredients, and the juicy mango flesh provides enough liquid to keep the chili powder from clumping on your tongue. Strangely, this unusual food combo makes a lot of sense!
When your favourite heat meets your chosen sweet, like chili powder and mango, things really start to get interesting.
Sugar is often used to mellow the heat of more fiery ingredients, and the juicy mango flesh provides enough liquid to keep the chili powder from clumping on your tongue. Strangely, this unusual food combo makes a lot of sense!
Bacon and Chocolate.
Imagine smoky, earthy notes peeking through the luxe taste and texture of chocolate, and you’ve discovered the unexpectedly delicious, unusual food combo of bacon and chocolate.
Break up bacon strips and top your chocolate cookies or cupcakes with a sprinkle or two — bonus points for using maple bacon!
Imagine smoky, earthy notes peeking through the luxe taste and texture of chocolate, and you’ve discovered the unexpectedly delicious, unusual food combo of bacon and chocolate.
Break up bacon strips and top your chocolate cookies or cupcakes with a sprinkle or two — bonus points for using maple bacon!
Hot Sauce and Waffles.
Skip the syrup and try soaking your waffles in hot sauce for a food friendship that turns a traditionally sweet bake on its crispy ear.
The buttery goodness of the waffle plays off of the spirited kick of hot in an unexpectedly tasty way.
Skip the syrup and try soaking your waffles in hot sauce for a food friendship that turns a traditionally sweet bake on its crispy ear.
The buttery goodness of the waffle plays off of the spirited kick of hot in an unexpectedly tasty way.
Bananas and Mayonnaise.
You've probably eaten bananas with yogurt, but what about with mayonnaise? This unusual food combo might sound like a bridge too far, but it's a Southern favourite.
Banana and mayonnaise yogurt sandwiches on white bread blend the spread’s vinegary zing with the fruit’s creamy sweetness to create a comfort food classic.
You've probably eaten bananas with yogurt, but what about with mayonnaise? This unusual food combo might sound like a bridge too far, but it's a Southern favourite.
Banana and mayonnaise yogurt sandwiches on white bread blend the spread’s vinegary zing with the fruit’s creamy sweetness to create a comfort food classic.
Roasted Almonds and Lemon Frosting.
Maybe you’ve never considered almonds and lemon among your unusual food combos, but maybe you should — the flavours are complementary.
Dragging each almond through canned lemon buttercream to get just the right amount of sweetness and earthiness creates bite-sized snacks that taste like you’re eating cheesecake... all without the work of making it.
Maybe you’ve never considered almonds and lemon among your unusual food combos, but maybe you should — the flavours are complementary.
Dragging each almond through canned lemon buttercream to get just the right amount of sweetness and earthiness creates bite-sized snacks that taste like you’re eating cheesecake... all without the work of making it.
Other unusual combinations are:
Pickle Juice and Popcorn
Spaghetti and Salsa
Hot Chocolate and Turmeric
Grapes and Flavoured Gelatine Powder
Coffee and Olive Oil
Mayonnaise and Peanut Butter
Peanuts in Cola
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with Grape Jelly
Avocado and Chocolate
Apples and Mustard
Hot Fudge and Soft Pretzels
Fried Cheese Curds and Caramel Sauce
Black Pepper and Strawberries
Mustard and Scrambled Eggs
Milkshakes and French Fries
Cherries and Jalapeños Cayenne Pepper and Cocoa
Maple Syrup with Mac and Cheese
Cinnamon and Chili
Pickle Juice and Popcorn
Spaghetti and Salsa
Hot Chocolate and Turmeric
Grapes and Flavoured Gelatine Powder
Coffee and Olive Oil
Mayonnaise and Peanut Butter
Peanuts in Cola
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with Grape Jelly
Avocado and Chocolate
Apples and Mustard
Hot Fudge and Soft Pretzels
Fried Cheese Curds and Caramel Sauce
Black Pepper and Strawberries
Mustard and Scrambled Eggs
Milkshakes and French Fries
Cherries and Jalapeños Cayenne Pepper and Cocoa
Maple Syrup with Mac and Cheese
Cinnamon and Chili
