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20 Surprising Food Pairings You’ll Actually Love

September 5, 2024 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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Foodie’s, get ready to have your taste buds tantalized by some of the most unexpected yet incredibly delicious food combinations! Sometimes, the most unlikely pairs can create the most sensational flavors. From sweet and savory to creamy and crunchy, these food combos will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried them before.

Whether you’re looking for a new snack or a unique addition to your meals, these 20 unexpected food combinations will surely delight and surprise you.

Cheddar Cheese and Chips

Homemade Yellow Queso Cheese Dip with Tortilla Chips and Lime.
Image Credit:Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.

Cheddar cheese and chips might sound simple, but the combination is anything but ordinary. Cheddar cheese’s sharp, tangy flavor perfectly complements the salty crunch of potato chips. Whether using a thick, aged cheddar or a milder variety, the cheese melts just enough to create a gooey, satisfying bite. This snack is perfect for movie nights or casual get-togethers, proving that sometimes the best pairings are the simplest.

Peach Jam and Greek Yogurt

Peach fruit dessert in glass cup on rustic wooden table with fresh peach fruit, peach jam. Homemade dessert with fruits. Fruit salad with yogurt or sour cream.
Image Credit:beton studio/Shutterstock.

Peach jam and Greek yogurt are a match made in heaven. The creamy, tangy yogurt provides the perfect base for peach jam’s sweet, fruity burst. This combination is not just delicious, it’s a burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast or a light snack, giving you a taste of summer all year round.

Apple & Cheese

Cheddar cheese sticks with a sliced apple and milk.
Image Credit:MSPhotographic/Shutterstock.

Apples and cheese are a classic pairing that never disappoints. The crisp, juicy texture of the apple contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory cheese. Whether you choose a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, or a tangy blue cheese, the combination is always delightful. This snack is tasty and healthy, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Peanut Butter and Bananas

Early Morning Healthy Breakfast. Homemade peanut butter and bananas. Homemade peanut butter ingredients: peanuts (roasted, unsalted, shelled), peanut oil, honey. No salt, no sugar.
Image Credit:StepanPopov/Shutterstock.

Peanut butter and bananas are a dynamic duo beloved by many. The rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter perfectly complements the sweet, creamy banana. This combination is delicious and provides a good source of protein, potassium, and healthy fats. It’s an excellent choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Honey and Greek Yogurt

live organic Greek yogurt with natural honey in a white ceramic bowl against grunge wood, top view.
Image Credit:marekuliasz/Shutterstock.

Honey and Greek yogurt are a timeless combination that’s simple and sophisticated. The thick, creamy yogurt is the perfect canvas for honey’s sweet, floral notes. This pairing is delicious and offers a good balance of protein and natural sugars. It’s a fantastic choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream and Maple Syrup

Soft serve vanilla ice cream macro closeup in bowl made from banana nice cream vegan dessert and drizzled balsamic vinegar syrup or chocolate sauce.
Image Credit:Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock.

Vanilla ice cream and maple syrup are a hard-to-beat dessert combo. The maple syrup’s complex, caramel-like sweetness elevates the rich, creamy ice cream. This combination is both indulgent and satisfying, offering a unique twist on a classic treat. This pairing will please you whether you enjoy it on a hot summer day or as a cozy winter dessert.

Blue Cheese and Pear

plate of halved pears with blue cheese and walnuts on white background.
Image Credit:Viktor1/Shutterstock.

Blue cheese and pear are sophisticated pairings perfect for a gourmet snack or appetizer. The sweet, juicy pear beautifully balances blue cheese’s bold, tangy flavor. This combination is delicious and elegant, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for an added crunch.

Goat Cheese and Fig

Bruschetta with figs and goat cheese, Italian recipe menu. Long banner format. top view,
Image Credit:sweet marshmallow/Shutterstock.

Goat cheese and fig are a heavenly, sweet-and-savory match. The creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet, sticky fig. This combo is delicious and versatile, making it an excellent choice for everything from salads to sandwiches to appetizers. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Avocado and Honey

Healthy food concept. Fresh organic avocado oil with honey on table.
Image Credit:Makistock/Shutterstock.

Avocado and honey are a surprising yet delightful combination. The sweet, floral notes of the honey complement the creamy, buttery texture of the avocado. This pairing is delicious and nutritious, offering a good balance of healthy fats and natural sugars. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Peach Jam and Feta on Pita Bread

Close up on woman eating breakfast holding pita bread with peach jam with hand. Healthy eating concept.
Image Credit:Josu Ozkaritz/Shutterstock.

Peach jam and feta on pita bread are a sweet and savory combination. The salty, tangy feta cheese perfectly contrasts with the sweet, fruity peach jam. Spread it on warm pita bread for a delicious and satisfying snack. This combination is not only tasty but also unique, making it a great choice for entertaining or a quick bite on the go.

Cottage Cheese and Crackers

Close-up of a bowl of cottage cheese in the hands of a Caucasian woman. Focus on a bowl of cottage cheese.
Image Credit: SerPhoto/Shutterstock.

Cottage cheese and crackers is a simple yet satisfying snack. The creamy, slightly tangy cottage cheese pairs perfectly with the crunchy, salty crackers. This combination is delicious and nutritious, offering a good source of protein and calcium. It’s an excellent choice for a quick snack, a light lunch, or an appetizer.

Honey Nut Cheerios and Pecans

Indianapolis - Circa November 2021: General Mills breakfast cereal display. Products include Cocoa Puffs, Trix, Honey Nut Cheerios and Lucky Charms.
Image Credit:Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.

Honey Nut Cheerios and pecans are a crunchy, sweet, and nutty combination perfect for breakfast or a snack. The sweet, honey-flavored cereal is complemented by the rich, buttery pecans, creating a delicious and satisfying pairing. This combination is tasty and offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Chocolate Ice Cream and Butterscotch

Chocolate and Butterscotch Ice cream with hot chocolate sauce with dry fruits.
Image Credit:KamarCK/Shutterstock.

Chocolate ice cream and butterscotch are decadent dessert combinations that are hard to resist. The sweet, buttery flavor of the butterscotch elevates the rich, creamy chocolate ice cream. This pairing is both indulgent and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a special treat or a comforting dessert.

Cream Cheese Bagel with Doritos

Homemade freshly baked bagels on a parchment paper ready to eat, cinnamon raisin, sesame and plain bagel served with cream cheese and fresh berries.
Image Credit:Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.

A cream cheese bagel with Doritos is a crunchy, creamy, and unexpected snack. The smooth, tangy cream cheese perfectly contrasts with the salty, crunchy Doritos. This combination is delicious and fun, offering a unique twist on a classic bagel. It’s a great choice for a quick snack or a casual breakfast.

Ice Cream and French Fries

French fries and vanilla soft serve ice cream.
Image Credit:Kwanbenz/Shutterstock.

Ice cream and French fries are a sweet and salty combination that’s beloved by many. The creamy, cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the hot, crispy French fries. This pairing is both indulgent and satisfying, offering a unique and delicious twist on two classic treats. It’s great for a fun snack or a special treat.

Bacon & Banana

French toast with bacon and caramalized banana with maple syrup.
Image Credit:jabiru/Shutterstock.

Bacon and banana is a surprising yet delightful combination. The salty, crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy banana. This pairing is delicious and offers a unique balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun twist on a classic dish.

Pizza & Ranch Dressing

slice of pizza with ranch dressing.
Image Credit:Sinclaire Adams/Shutterstock.

Pizza and ranch dressing are a classic and unexpected combination. The creamy, tangy ranch dressing perfectly complements the hot, cheesy pizza. This pairing is delicious and offers a unique twist on a classic favorite. It’s a fun choice for a casual meal or a snack.

Oreos and Orange Juice

Oreo mango juice served in an attractive glass on a green background.
Image Credit:dedecazarez/Shutterstock.

Oreos and orange juice are a surprising and delicious combination. The sweet, chocolatey Oreos pair perfectly with the tangy, refreshing orange juice. This pairing is tasty and offers a unique balance of flavors and textures.

Avocado and Chocolate

Vegan raw chocolate pudding from avocado, cocoa and hazel milk decorated with mint leaves and crushed nut on white wooden background.
Image Credit:Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock.

Avocado and chocolate is a creamy, rich, and unexpected combination. The smooth, buttery avocado pairs perfectly with the rich, sweet chocolate. This pairing is delicious and nutritious, offering a good balance of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Watermelon and Feta

watermelon salad with feta cheese, cucumber and basil. healthy summer dessert.
Image Credit:Olga Miltsova/Shutterstock.

Watermelon and feta are a refreshing and savory combination perfect for summer. The sweet, juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty, tangy feta cheese. This pairing is delicious and offers a unique balance of flavors and textures. It could be a light snack, a refreshing salad, or a unique appetizer.

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

Woman opens the refrigerator at night. night hunger. diet gluttony.
Image Credit: Kopytin Georgy/Shutterstock.

Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture. 

Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful. 

Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

Healthy dog food.
Image Credit: nancy dressel/Shutterstock.

We all love our furry friends and wouldn’t mind sharing tiny bits and pieces of food when we’re eating. While this may all be innocent, and you may be giving your dog foods that are okay, certain foods can be poisonous to dogs.

Dogs may react differently to food depending on the type, ingested amount, and size.

Read on as we discuss the three common foods dogs shouldn’t eat.

3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat
 

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