Weird Food Pairings People Love — Have You Tried Any?

Some people love dipping fries in ice cream or putting peanut butter on burgers, and it might seem odd, but these combos are surprisingly popular. We put together some of the weirdest food pairings that people can’t get enough of. They might make you cringe, but they also might just become a new favorite if you give them a try.

Peanut butter pickle sandwich.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Cereal and Orange Juice

Cereal with orange juice might sound unusual now, but it was a staple for those avoiding dairy before plant-based milks hit the scene. Tropicana, the popular commercial orange juice brand, even came out with a cereal specifically designed to be eaten with orange juice called Tropicana Crunch. It seems like the hype was short-lived, however, as the product is no longer available.

Sriracha and Peanut Butter

Sriracha and peanut butter might not be the first combination you think of, but given peanut butter’s role in Asian cuisine, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. From peanut ginger sauce to peanut curry, the leap to mixing sriracha with peanut butter isn’t huge.

Chocolate and Avocado

Chocolate meets avocado: At first, this combo might raise eyebrows, but it’s a hit for a reason. The creamy texture of avocado pairs impeccably with the rich flavors of chocolate. Chocolate avocado mousse is an almost guilt-free indulgence plenty of people seem to enjoy.

Peanut Butter and Pickles

Peanut butter and pickles combine in a quirky yet captivating mix. The creamy texture of peanut butter meets the tangy crunch of bread and butter pickles for an oddly satisfying snack. It’s totally addictive and worth a try for a unique flavor ride.

Fries and milkshake.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Cottage Cheese and Potato Chips

Cottage cheese and chips might sound like an odd couple, but it’s a game changer. This combo brings together creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese with the crispiness of chips for an unexpectedly delicious snack. Try blending it with avocado for an even more decadent experience and more dip-like texture.

Fries and a Milkshake

Fries and a milkshake: a childhood classic that feels like a stroke of genius, until you realize everyone’s in on it. But really, the sweet and creamy milkshake paired with salty fries isn’t so different from indulging in poutine or loaded fries. It’s a winning combo that never fails to hit the spot.

Apple Pie and Cheese

Apple pie and cheese is a classic pairing, embraced by many who believe “an apple without cheese is like a hug without the squeeze.” The sharpness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the pie, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This apple cheddar crumble bar recipe is the perfect way to try the combination.

Ice Cream and Balsamic Vinegar

Ice cream and balsamic vinegar might sound bizarre at first, but it’s a sweet and savory mix that can be surprisingly tasty, especially with the right type of ice cream. So, before lumping this into the “weird food combos” category, consider trying the pairing of tangy balsamic vinegar with classic vanilla ice cream.

Peanut Butter and Mayo

This oddball sandwich has roots in The Great Depression era where two high-calorie foods were combined to make filling meals on the cheap. Somehow, this pairing survived the decades since and some people seem to even love it, especially in the south.

Coffee and butter.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Coffee and Butter

Bulletproof coffee, originally created by founder of the coffee brand by the same name, Dave Asprey, takes your morning brew to the next level by mixing in fats like butter. The idea? To slow down caffeine absorption and keep that energized feeling going longer.

French Fries and Mayo

Fries dipped in mayo might raise eyebrows elsewhere, but in Europe, it’s the go-to pairing. The creamy texture of mayonnaise complements hot fries better than tangy ketchup. It's a smooth, rich flavor that makes eating fries a more decadent and enjoyable experience.

Watermelon and Mustard

Watermelon with mustard is an odd combo that’s caught on thanks to TikTok. The sweet watermelon and tangy mustard mix surprisingly well, according to some people while others find it unimpressive. Pickled watermelon rind is a thing though and it's possible the vinegary taste of mustard combined with the sweet watermelon is trying to mimic that. Honestly, we're all not too sure about this one.

Pineapple and Pizza

Pineapple on pizza is a debate that’s sparked endless discussions, all of which are pointless because, let’s face it, pineapple does belong on pizza. The fruit’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the saltiness of ham and the heat of jalapeños.