Weird Food Combos That Surprisingly Work
Some of the strangest food pairings have roots in cultural traditions, while others were born from experimentation. What might seem odd at first can often turn into a delightful taste experience. Here are five weird food combos, where they originated, and why they work so well.
1. Peanut Butter and Pickles: Top 5 Weird Food Combos
- Origin: This combination may have first gained popularity during the Great Depression, when peanut butter was an inexpensive protein source, and pickles added a cheap, flavorful crunch. The sandwich became a staple for many who wanted something filling yet affordable.
- Why It Works: The creamy texture of peanut butter contrasts with the crispness of the pickles, while the salty, savory flavor of peanut butter balances out the tangy acidity of the pickles, creating an unexpectedly delightful snack.
2. French Fries and Ice Cream: Top 5 Weird Food Combos
- Origin: This combo likely originated in fast-food chains where milkshakes and fries were a staple order. The practice of dipping fries into a milkshake became common in American diners in the 1950s and 60s. Some believe it began as a kid’s impulse to play with their food, but the combination stuck because it tasted so good.
- Why It Works: The hot, salty fries complement the cold, sweet creaminess of ice cream, creating an irresistible balance of temperature and flavor. It plays off the classic sweet-salty contrast that so many love.
3. Watermelon and Feta Cheese: Top 5 Weird Food Combos
- Origin: This pairing has roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. In Greece, watermelon is often paired with feta cheese in summer salads, while in other regions, salty cheese is used to balance the sweetness of fruits.
- Why It Works: The juicy sweetness of watermelon is beautifully balanced by the tangy, salty flavor of feta cheese. The combo is light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather, giving it an appealing contrast in both flavor and texture.
4. Bacon and Chocolate: Top 5 Weird Food Combos
- Origin: Though the precise origin of this combo is unclear, the trend of mixing bacon with chocolate took off in the early 2000s when gourmet chocolatiers began experimenting with the pairing. It was popularized in the U.S., where the love of bacon reached new heights, leading to its incorporation into sweets.
- Why It Works: The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the rich, sweet flavors of chocolate. The combination of umami and sweetness has a way of satisfying multiple flavor cravings at once, making it an unexpected hit.
5. Pizza and Honey: Top 5 Weird Food Combos
- Origin: This combination is believed to have emerged in artisanal pizza restaurants in the U.S., particularly in New York and Italy. Pizza chefs experimenting with sweet and savory flavor profiles discovered that honey, especially spicy honey, works beautifully with cured meats like pepperoni and sausage.
- Why It Works: Honey’s sweetness cuts through the salty, savory flavors of pizza toppings, like pepperoni or sausage, adding a layer of complexity. The sticky, slightly floral sweetness makes each bite more dynamic, balancing the rich, oily flavors of the pizza.
Honorable Mention
** Author’s Note: My husband is a fan of peanut butter sandwiches with a slice of Kraft cheese on them… I’ve never met anyone else who has done this but I figured it was worth an honorable mention.
These food combinations may have started in various ways—whether born from necessity, cultural traditions, or culinary creativity—but they’ve earned a place in the weird food hall of fame. If you’re adventurous, these combos will surprise and delight your taste buds!
Mastering Potluck Etiquette with These 5 Tips
Stick to Your Potluck Commitment
If you commit to bringing something to the potluck, stick to your word! If you’ve signed up to whip up a red velvet cake, don’t surprise everyone with cookies or a dip. Deviating from your agreed-upon dish can create a gap in the spread, so be consistent.
Михаил Руденко/ Getty Images
Be Considerate of Food Sensitivities
Consider others’ food sensitivities. While it’s impossible to know everyone’s allergies, you can be considerate by creating a sign with the list of ingredients for your dish. This way, those with sensitivities can make informed choices. For example, if your chili is a meaty, spicy masterpiece, give a heads-up to the attendees.
Communicate Your Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Communicate your allergies or sensitivities to the host. If you have significant food sensitivities or allergies and are invited to a potluck, inform the host. Alternatively, bring your own dish. It ensures you have a safe option to enjoy at the event.
JLco – Julia Amaral/ Getty Images
Don't Skimp on the Goods
Don’t skimp on contributions. If you’ve chosen to bring soda, make sure you bring enough of a recognizable brand for everyone. It’s not cool to bring a small quantity of generic soda and then feast on other items, leaving little for everyone else.
Image Source/ Getty Images
Understand the Leftovers Deal
When you bring a dish to someone’s event, whether it’s an acquaintance’s dinner party or a friend’s potluck, consider it a gift without expecting to get the leftovers back. Once the dish is given to the host or placed for serving, it’s no longer yours, including unopened items. If the host insists you take leftovers, then go ahead and enjoy them.
pioneer111/ Getty Images
