12 Weird Food Pairings That Actually Taste Amazing

Updated Fri, February 16, 2018 at 9:01 AM UTC

Some foods are meant to go together: peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and caramel, grilled cheese and tomato soup. But there are some less obvious (and strange-sounding) combinations you just haven’t tried yet. Here, 12 bizarre-sounding food pairings that are actually super-tasty.

Chocolate and Avocado

We thought “ew,” too, but hear us out. Avocados–full of healthy fats–make a creamy and delicious base for chocolate mousse, pudding, smoothies and even muffin mix.

Try: Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Strawberry and Tomato

Combining these guys may sound weird, but give it a try. Sweet strawberries pair great with acidic tomatoes in apps like salads, soups and bruschetta.

Try: Strawberry Caprese Salad with Pistachio Pesto

Dark Chocolate and Parmesan Cheese

Before you roll your eyes, remember that cheese was basically invented to be paired with chocolate. For instance, dark chocolate and Parmesan. Both ingredients are sharp, nutty and slightly bitter. Melt them together between sliced bread and you’ve got a winning sandwich.

Try: Dark Chocolate, Raspberry and Brie Grilled Cheese

Oranges and Olives

The sweet, citrusy and tangy flavor of oranges pairs nicely with briny pickled olives. Whether prepared in a sweet dessert like orange and olive oil cake or a savory poultry dish, the flavor just works.

Try: Roasted Chicken with Blood Orange and Olives

Yogurt and Eggs

Though both are breakfast staples on their own, you’ve probably never thought of putting the two together. But…when you really think about it, is yogurt all that different from sour cream?

Try: Turkish Poached Eggs in Yogurt

Mango or Pineapple and Chile Powder

Eaten plain, mango and pineapple are two very sweet fruits. But a sprinkle of chile powder brings out the complexity of their flavors. Go for the combo in marinades, salsas, curries and cocktails.

Try: Mango Chile Glazed Shrimp

Bacon and Peanut Butter

You’ve heard the saying that everything tastes better with bacon, and peanut butter is no exception. Elvis would have backed us up here: His favorite sandwich was a combination of peanut butter, bacon and banana.

Try: Peanut Butter and Bacon Burgers

Olive Oil and Ice Cream

Did you know olive oil gelato is actually a popular flavor in Italy? But even a drizzle of EVOO on plain vanilla ice cream may change your life.

Try: Vanilla Ice Cream with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Coca-Cola and Chicken

Mixing poultry and soda may seem gross, but a little Coke gives chicken a tender, sweet and vaguely syrupy flavor.

Try: Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

Green Apples and Salsa

Tangy, crisp green apples are the perfect complement to spicy, tomato-based salsa. Dip apple slices into spicy salsa for a satisfying snack, or combine the two and top off tacos, pork tenderloin or ceviche.

Try: Spicy Apple-Tomato Salsa

Broccoli and Cheetos

Not a glass of bubbles to wash down your pasty with, but doughnuts made with actual Champagne (a perfect use for leftover bubbly that’s gone flat). Festive and delicious.

Try: Champagne and Doughnuts

Avocado and Cheesecake

We've already convinced you that avocado and chocolate is a magical combination. Next up? Your favorite green fruit and cheesecake. It's creamy, fresh and looks gorgeous.

Try: No-Bake Avocado Lime Cheesecake

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