Some flavor combinations, such as peanut butter and jelly, just make sense together. Other magically mouthwatering tastes are the product of odd food combinations. Expand your culinary horizons with these 10 mashups!
Sriracha and Peanut Butter
Asian food is known for having a kick, and Thai food in particular uses peanuts in many dishes, so why not combine the two? The creaminess of the peanut butter complements the spiciness of the sriracha, and these two flavors together create a spicy sweetness that’s perfect for everything from noodle bowls to toast.
Olive Oil and Ice Cream
If you think olive oil is only good for savory dishes, you are missing out on everything else this amazing oil has to offer. When paired with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, olive oil gives the dessert a smoothness that beats out even the best gelato. The olive oil also adds a subtle nutty flavor that you can accentuate by topping your ice cream with some chopped nuts as well.
Avocado and Chocolate
If you’ve ever wondered whether those avocado brownies you saw on Pinterest are actually edible, you now have your answer. These two flavors are surprisingly complementary because the avocado gives the chocolate a silky texture, and the flavor complexity of the cocoa brings out the sweeter notes of the avocado while masking the slightly grassy flavor.
Cheese and Jelly
Another great pairing is cheese and jelly! The fruity jelly and salty cheese mingle to create a sweet and savory pairing that goes magically with a glass of wine. A simple version of this combination is a grilled cheese sandwich with grape jelly or crackers, jelly, and sliced cheese.
Green Olives and White Chocolate
This is definitely one of the strangest combinations on the list, but what’s life without a little adventure? The salty and slightly sour nature of the olives balances out the sweetness of the white chocolate. Start off slow and try one olive with a few white chocolate shavings, and before you know it, you’ll be asking for an olive in your white chocolate martini!
M&M's and Pizza
If you’re looking for a way to mix up your late-night pizza game, try topping a cheese pizza with a handful of M&M’s. The hot pizza slightly melts the chocolate inside the M&M shell, and the sweetness goes wonderfully with the salty cheese. Plus, you can’t beat that crunch!
Coffee and Orange
Most people like to drink their coffee and orange juice separately, but these two seemingly opposite flavors actually go very well together! Adding a splash of orange juice or a fresh orange wedge to your coffee takes the edge off the coffee’s bitterness and gives it the perfect amount of sweetness without the heaviness that comes with cream and sugar.
Watermelon and Black Pepper
Watermelon pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and spices, and one of the best pairings is watermelon and black pepper. The spiciness of the pepper blends perfectly with the lightly sweet watermelon, and if you add a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, you’ll be addicted.
Strawberry and Basil
Everyone knows that tomato and basil is a delicious combination, but basil pairs equally well with another red fruit: the strawberry. The floral notes in the basil and the sweet strawberry flavor create a highly refreshing taste, and one of the best ways to infuse these flavors is to make a pitcher of strawberry basil lemonade (and possibly spike it with some white rum).
Ketchup and Mashed Potatoes
Fries and ketchup is a winning combination, so why would mashed potatoes and ketchup be any different? Pairing this tangy tomato sauce with the somewhat bland, starchy potatoes gives the dish a satisfying umami flavor. One of the most popular sandwiches at McDonald’s in India consists of a mashed potato patty topped with spicy ketchup, and it's safe to say it tastes better than foods on the menu of an American McDonald’s.