Oreos and orange juice
Nope, that’s not a typo—some people really dip their Oreos in orange juice. Instead of the classic milk dunk, some Oreo lovers prefer eating the cookies with orange juice. The acidity of the juice is said to deepen the chocolate flavors and add a brightness to the eating experience. If you love chocolate oranges, this weird food combo is worth a try.
Pickles and vanilla ice cream
While it may sound absurd, this wild food craving isn’t half bad! The sweetness of the vanilla ice cream balances the saltiness of the pickles. The textures also pair well together, with the pickles adding a nice crunch to the creamy ice cream.
Banana and American cheese
Some people swear by this wacky food combination. The sweetness of a ripe banana is said to complement the rich creaminess of a processed American cheese slice. Some place pieces of cheese on slices of bananas, while others wrap the banana in the cheese.
Oreos and potato chips
This weird food combination is a crunch fest! The saltiness of the chip is said to bring out the sweet flavor of the Oreo cream. All you have to do to try this simple hack is open up an Oreo, place a plain potato chip inside, close the cookie back up, and enjoy!
Mac and cheese and pickles
You may already love these foods separately, but they taste great together! The salty pickle adds a crunch and vinegar-forward flavor to the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, creating a mouth-watering side dish or meal.
Nutella and Cheez-It
We know it sounds strange, but it’s worth a try! The salty cheddar crackers are said to pair well with the hazelnutty, chocolatey spread, making a sweet and salty combination that’s out of this world.
Peanut butter and pickles
While this combo may make some gag, for others, it’s irresistible! This weird food combination is a staple for pregnant women, as it’s supposedly something they crave. It’s said that the robust, rich flavor of the peanut butter pairs well with the salty snap of a pickle, but you’ll have to try it yourself to find out.
Peanut butter and mayo
Blended, these two condiments make a mouth-watering spread or dip. The nutty flavor of the peanut butter is said to add depth and warmth to zingy mayo. Some dip bananas into this wacky, rich, and creamy dip, but that might be taking it a bit too far (even for us).
Apple pie and cheese
You read that right: cheddar cheese on apple pie is a Midwest staple! Apple pie and cheese is a long-time weird food combination that has left the world stumped! This is a Midwestern tradition that’s extremely polarizing, with some swearing by the combo and others finding it repulsive. It’s believed that a piece of cheddar or American cheese on a slice of apple pie creates a sweet and savory flavor that’s unlike anything else. Whether you like it or hate it is up to you!
Sriracha and peanut butter
In Asian cuisine, peanut butter is often paired with spicy heat. With that in mind, this food combination isn’t as bizarre as it might sound! Try mixing together a spoonful of creamy peanut butter with some spicy sriracha to create a hot and savory sauce.
Chocolate and potato chips
Sweet and salty, this weird food combination isn’t as weird as it may seem! The salty crunch of a potato chip is said to bring out the rich depths of chocolate. Companies have even gone so far as to put potato chips inside chocolate bars!
Lemon sorbet and peanut butter cups
Some people swear by this odd combo. Sound strange? Well, the sour punch of lemon is said to pair well with the richness of a chocolate peanut butter cup. Some ice cream parlors and gelato shops have even gone so far as to serve lemon sorbet with the classic candy. While it may seem strange, it’s at least worth a try!
Balsamic vinegar and ice cream
This weird food combination is the epitome of savory meets sweet. This sweet and savory food combination is described as tangy, creamy, and delicious. The saltiness of the balsamic helps bring out the layered flavors of the ice cream. It’s recommended to start with vanilla ice cream and the smallest amount of balsamic to test your taste buds.
Peanut butter and cheese
While this may sound unappetizing, you may find it delicious! The nutty creaminess of peanut butter is said to pair well with the savory sharpness of cheese. The two ingredients can be mixed together to make a savory spread.
Vanilla ice cream and olive oil
Yes, we know it sounds strange, but don’t knock it until you try it! The sweet creaminess of the vanilla ice cream is said to pair wonderfully with the smooth, savory taste of olive oil. The slightest drizzle goes a long way and may help curb any sweet and savory cravings.
Pineapple and pizza
People have strong feelings about this one! Arguably one of the strangest food combinations on the planet, society is incredibly divided about pineapple on pizza. For many, the juicy fruit adds a sweet tanginess to the savory meal. For others, it’s absolutely barbaric. We suggest you give it a try at least once before claiming your side. This sweet and savory food combination is most commonly seen on Hawaiian pizza, which is cheese pizza topped with ham and pineapple.
Watermelon and balsamic vinegar
This sweet and savory food combination is perfect for the summertime. The sweet juiciness of the watermelon is said to pair wonderfully with the dense richness of balsamic, creating a sophisticated yet refreshing flavor.
Chili and cinnamon rolls
Spicy and sweet is a beloved flavor combination. That’s probably why this weird food combo is so beloved! Some people add chili powder or flakes to their cinnamon roll filling, claiming it brings out the heat and zestiness of the cinnamon. So, if you want a little kick of heat in the morning, try adding chili to your breakfast pastries.
Cereal and orange juice
Believe it or not, these two breakfast favorites are often combined. Some people pour orange juice into their cereal instead of milk. While this is a favorite amongst those with dairy intolerances, it’s also said to be extremely refreshing.
Ham and cheese with jelly
This sweet and savory combination puts a twist on a classic sandwich. Spreading or dipping jelly onto a ham and cheese sandwich is said to elevate the sandwich’s savory flavors and add a layer of elegance. We recommend using strawberry jam, but any jam will do!
Ice cream and popcorn
A creamy and crunchy dessert makes a treat perfect for the movies! This flavor combination may not be as well-known, but some swear by it. Top a bowl of vanilla ice cream with popcorn to add a crunchy texture and salty, buttery flavor.
Zucchini and cinnamon
Ever had zucchini bread? If so, you may have already tried this flavor combo! The zesty spice of cinnamon is believed to bring out the mild, refreshing flavor of zucchini. A dash of cinnamon on roasted or sautéed zucchini can add a bit of depth to a favorite dish.
Pickles and Kool-Aid powder
This may be one of the strangest combos to date, but it’s actually tasty! This unusual food combination took the internet by storm when it began circulating in southern cuisine-based content. People make pickles in Kool-Aid or sprinkle the Kool-Aid dust over pickles for a sweet and savory snack.
Cheetos and milk
Yes, that’s correct—Cheetos and milk. When paired with a cold glass or bowl of milk, this fan-favorite snack reaches a whole new level. The cold, refreshing milk brings out the cheddary goodness of the corn puff. Some enjoy this weird food combo like a bowl of cereal, while others prefer to take a few bites of Cheetos before taking a swig of milk.
Vanilla ice cream and soy sauce
Some people enjoy dipping a spoonful of vanilla ice cream into soy sauce. Think of it like dessert sushi. The sweetness of the ice cream is said to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a mouth-watering umami flavor.
Coke and milk
This weird food combo has lately become more mainstream. However, it used to be a soda lover’s secret. A splash of whole milk adds a creaminess to the fizzy, spicy taste of Coca-Cola. Think of it like a melted root beer float!
Cheeseburger and donut
This strange dish is the definition of sweet meets savory. The juicy meatiness of a cheeseburger is said to pair well with the fluffy, sugary goodness of a plain donut. Some restaurants have gone so far as to use donuts as the buns for a burger!
Hot chocolate and cayenne
This classic hot beverage can warm you up even more with a hint of spice! Cayenne is often paired with chocolate to add a hint of spice and bring out the chocolate’s richness. A pinch of the spice can be added to hot chocolate to enhance the overall flavor while putting a zing at the tip of your tongue. Similarly, cinnamon is also a popular spice to add to hot chocolate for a milder kick.
Cottage cheese and mustard
This food combination may seem absurd, but it’s actually delicious! Mixing cottage cheese and mustard together creates a creamy, protein-rich, and salty dip that’s ideal for veggies. The mustard adds a tangy flavor, while the cottage cheese creates a fluffy texture.
Creamed corn and mashed potatoes
Side dish lovers have outdone themselves with this strange combo! When mixed together, creamed corn and mashed potatoes create a savory and buttery side dish fit for barbecues and summertime fun. The corn adds texture to the potatoes and a hint of sweetness.
Tuna and olives
Not every weird food combo is sweet and savory; some are simply savory. This unusual combination is high in salty and mouth-puckering flavors. Many top tuna salads with olives for a salt-forward flavor that tastes like the sea.
Vanilla ice cream and black pepper
Is vanilla too, well, vanilla for you? Black pepper has come to the rescue! This weird food combination adds a punch of spice to an otherwise “boring” flavor. You get a sweet creaminess from the vanilla ice cream and a burst of zest from the black pepper. Think of the black pepper as savory sprinkles! It’s recommended to freshly crack black pepper over the ice cream for this food combination.
Peanut butter and eggs
A spoonful of peanut butter can be added to anything…including eggs! This weird food combination isn’t as well-known, but many people swear by it. Scrambled eggs, egg toast, or omelets can all be topped with peanut butter for a richer, nuttier flavor.
Coffee and butter
Love a rich, buttery brew? Some people have taken this to the extreme! Coffee lovers have gone the extra mile by placing chunks of butter in their black coffee. It’s said to add richness and depth to the drink while also making it creamy.
Cottage cheese and chips
This creative food combination is packed with protein. Perfect for those wanting to add a bit more protein into their diet, cottage cheese and chips is a tasty snack. Replace a creamy, ranch-based dip with good old-fashioned cottage cheese. The tanginess of the cheese pairs well with the crisp, salty crunch of the chips.
Hummus and cottage cheese
Combine two tasty spreads to make an ultimate dip! When mixed together, cottage cheese and hummus create a protein-rich, flavorful combination that can be spread on sandwiches or used as a dip for chips or vegetables.
Peanut butter and ramen
This food combination may not seem odd to those who love Thai food. Peanut butter and peanut sauces are staples in Thai cuisine, and you can make your own Thai-inspired food combination at home. Adding a spoonful of peanut butter to ramen helps add a nutty depth to the broth for a deliciously savory experience.
Strawberries and cheese
For many, this food combination isn’t strange or foreign at all! The brightness of strawberries is often paired with the richness of cheese as the flavors balance each other out for an improved culinary experience. The next time you have a charcuterie board, try popping a piece of cheddar in your mouth with a strawberry.
Cucumber and honey
This food combo may not sound odd, but it’s still pretty uncommon. Pairing a crunchy cucumber with sweet honey is not only delicious but refreshing. This is also a great way to sweeten the refreshing and sometimes bitter vegetable, so it’s worth a try! EXPERT TIP Leslie Chartier Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef Leslie Chartier is a Personal Chef and the Owner and Founder of The Travelling Cafe based in North Carolina. Leslie is a skilled culinary instructor, prior restauranteur, and avid traveler. The Travelling Cafe specializes in bringing inclusion into culinary experiences with food for different diets, restrictions, and cultures. Through her business, Leslie employs and manages a team of chefs who put on events throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina. Leslie and her team offer prepared meals, chef services for special events and dinner parties, and cooking classes and events. Leslie Chartier Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef Check the label of honey to see if it’s pure. “Pure honey” and commercialized honey have different flavors and consistencies. The honey you get at fast food restaurants is likely made from corn syrup and has a thick texture. Pure honey varies in thickness, color, and flavor because it’s natural.
Avocado and chocolate
This savory fruit actually pairs well with a rich dessert! Avocado and chocolate are most commonly paired in desserts as the avocado adds a creamy texture and helps bring out the earthiness of the chocolate.
Cream cheese and olives
This savory food combination is all the rage in the Midwest. The creamy and mild taste of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the salty zing of a green olive and is most commonly found on charcuterie boards or in appetizer plates.
Grilled cheese and ketchup
This food combo may seem weird, but it’s not as strange as you may think! Grilled cheese is often paired with tomato soup, creating a comforting and belly-warming meal. Ketchup is a tomato-based condiment. So, if you don’t have tomato soup on hand, try dipping your grilled cheese in cold ketchup for a similar experience.
Fries and a milkshake
For many, this weird food combination is a treat they can’t live without. The saltiness of the fry pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of a cold milkshake. Chocolate or vanilla are the classic go-tos, but some opt for a fruity twist with strawberry. The next time you’re at a diner, try dipping your fries into your milkshake to see what all the hype is about. The most well-known version of this food combination? Dipping Wendy’s fries into a Frosty.
Marmite and banana
This weird food combination takes sweet and salty to a whole other level. Marmite is a salty, savory spread popular in Britain that’s described as having an umami flavor. Many swear that when paired with bananas, it has a similar flavor profile to peanut butter and bananas: nutty and sweet.
Peanut butter and celery
For many, this food combination is a childhood staple. Celery has an extremely mild flavor but a satisfying crunch. Peanut butter has a rich, savory flavor with a creamy consistency. When combined, these items create a delicious snack that’s peanut butter-forward and crunchy. The most famous rendition of this food combo? Ants on a log: peanut butter-packed celery with raisins. Similarly, carrots can be paired with peanut butter for a brighter and sweeter flavor.
Eggs and ketchup
This is a rather polarizing food combination that you either love or hate. Eggs have a very mild flavor, hence why they’re generously topped with pepper, salt, and other seasonings. Many remedy this by squirting ketchup over their eggs to give them a tomato-based flavor.
Tomatoes and mayo
Introducing your new favorite sandwich: tomato-mayo! The sweetness of the tomato complements the savoriness and mild flavor of the mayo. Some dip the fruit right into the condiment, while others use it in sandwiches or other tomato-forward dishes.
Egg whites and oatmeal
While it may sound strange, these two breakfast foods pair well together. Egg whites are often added to oatmeal for added protein and creaminess. Think of it as adding milk to oats, except without the dairy! The eggs don’t change the flavor of the oats, they just alter the consistency.
French fries and mayo
This food combination may not be weird depending on where you’re from. Across the pond, this is a staple at fast food restaurants, but it’s not as common in the United States. But it’s incredibly delicious! The smooth texture and mild taste of the mayo cools the saltiness of steaming hot fries, being a less acidic alternative to French fries and ketchup.
Feta and strawberries
Ready for a flavor explosion? The brightness of these berries and the saltiness of this cheese create a burst of flavor you can’t possibly resist. This strange food combination is tastier than it may seem, with each ingredient bringing out the best in the other.
Mac and cheese and mustard
These two yellow foods are surprisingly tasty together. Mustard is often added to sauces to make them creamier and richer—the same can be applied to mac and cheese. Some add a generous drizzle of mustard to their mac and cheese for a zestier flavor. Similarly, ketchup can be added to mac and cheese for a burst of tangy flavor.
Bacon and chocolate
It’s said everything is better with bacon, and that includes chocolate! The rich, decadent flavor of chocolate is sometimes paired with salty, crispy bacon, creating a mouth-watering treat that lights up all your taste buds. You can often find chocolate-dipped bacon at fairs or even bacon and chocolate milkshakes at ice cream shops.
Apples and grilled cheese
A thin slice of apple can elevate a simple grilled cheese. The sweet, tangy flavor of the apple adds brightness to the savory sandwich, helping to bring out the buttery notes of the bread and cheese. Any apple can be used, but we suggest Granny Smiths for the tangiest flavor punch.
Watermelon and salt
A dash of salt over this summer fruit can change your entire world. Salt is used to enhance and bring out flavors. So, when you add salt to watermelon, it makes the fruit fresher, brighter, and juicier. EXPERT TIP Leslie Chartier Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef Leslie Chartier is a Personal Chef and the Owner and Founder of The Travelling Cafe based in North Carolina. Leslie is a skilled culinary instructor, prior restauranteur, and avid traveler. The Travelling Cafe specializes in bringing inclusion into culinary experiences with food for different diets, restrictions, and cultures. Through her business, Leslie employs and manages a team of chefs who put on events throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina. Leslie and her team offer prepared meals, chef services for special events and dinner parties, and cooking classes and events. Leslie Chartier Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef The best way to enhance food at home is to add salt. Salt is the answer to everything! Salt is an incredible flavor enhancer and can add depth to any dish.
Salt and apples
Who doesn’t love a good sweet and salty treat? This crazy food combination isn’t as wild as it may seem. The sweet, tanginess of an apple pairs wonderfully with a dash of salt, enhancing the fruit’s flavor and giving it an extra zing! Try adding a pinch of flaky salt to a slice of apple to experience this food combination at least once.
Chili and Greek yogurt
While it may seem strange, this food combo isn’t as weird as it may seem! Greek yogurt is often used as a healthier alternative to sour cream because they have similar mild flavor profiles. Instead of sour cream, people add a dollop of Greek yogurt to their bowl of chili to cool down the heat.
Honey and pizza
A drizzle of honey can add a whole new depth to a fan-favorite meal. Honey is often drizzled on top of pizza or glazed over the crust for a hint of sweetness. This is an especially popular combination on pepperoni pizza. Want to add a little extra spice? Try this food combination with hot honey!
Pizza and ranch
Ranch lovers will put the zesty dressing on anything, including pizza. While this food combination isn’t as strange as some of the others, it’s just as polarizing. The ranch is said to help cool down the heat of a steamy pizza and bring out the meaty, pepperoni flavor. So, the next time you pick up a slice, consider giving it a dip in some ranch.
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