These Food Pairings Sound Awful But Are Totally Awesome

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There are some foods that seem like they were born to go together — peanut butter and jelly, steak and potatoes, and biscuits and gravy, to name a few. Then there are the flavor pairings that are discovered as if by accident — how else would we end up with pineapple and ham pizza? For those adventurous eaters, or aspiring adventurous eaters, here are some tried-and-true flavor combinations that sound terrible, but are actually completely delicious.

Apple Pie and Cheddar Cheese

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Sweet apple pie and sharp cheddar don’t seem like a fit, but these strange bedfellows have a pretty long history, especially when you consider how many generations of snackers before us have enjoyed harmonious plates of fruit and cheese. The pairing had become ubiquitous by at least 1949, when chef Louis P. De Gouy called for apple pie to be served “warm or cold, with cheese, a la mode or with whipped cream.” Why does it work? The slightly melted sharp cheddar draws out the flavor of the baked apples — or as the saying goes, “Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze.”

Watermelon and Balsamic Vinegar 

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Adding a few drops of dark and tangy balsamic vinegar to watermelon makes the fruit taste even richer and sweeter. And since balsamic vinegar is made from grape juice reduction, you can think of this pairing as one fruit helping out another.

Olive Oil and Vanilla Ice Cream 

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Earthy, fruity olive oil makes plain old vanilla ice cream taste elegant and soulful in a way that will appease even the pickiest of eaters. Drizzle some sea salt on top for an even more powerful bite.

Bacon and Bananas

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Bringing someone into the gospel of bacon and bananas is a matter of showing, not telling. At your next party, set out a tray of bacon-wrapped banana slices on the table and let the conversions begin.

Mango and Chili 

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In Mexico and Latin America, chili-covered mango is a ubiquitous street snack, but elsewhere, this cool-yet-fiery snack is unfairly overlooked. The vibrant flavor of mango tempers the spice, while the chili adds a deeply satisfying heat and texture, creating a treat that tastes just like summer.

Coffee and Butter

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Adding butter to your coffee is the basis of bulletproof coffee, that super-hip drink that has been trending for the last few years because of its alleged ability to make you feel more energetic, full, mentally alert, and awake. Thankfully, even though it sounds pretty weird, it also tastes pretty good, like a shortcut to a latté.

Pineapple and Cheese

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In some parts of the country, pineapple and cheese is such a staple that it has its own dedicated casserole, featuring chunks of pineapple, cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and butter. Yes, it does sound highly questionable. But this retro pairing, which also works in simple snack form, is like the tropical version of apples and cheese. It’s also why cottage cheese and pineapple works so well together, if you’re not texturally opposed to cottage cheese.

Whiskey and Pickle Juice

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Also known as a pickleback, the faithful combination of whiskey (or tequila, if you prefer) is one that pretty much anyone of legal drinking age will learn to love. For the uninitiated, the idea of straight pickle juice might not sound terribly appetizing — but you’ll find your mouth watering for that beautiful brine after a throat-searing shot of rye.

Chocolate and Avocado

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Adding chocolate to a vegetable (though avocados are technically a fruit) shouldn’t work, but in this case, the avocado lends a smooth creaminess to chocolate that is best proven in the form of a smoothie, pudding, or mousse.