These flavor combos are so good, you’ll feel a little smug knowing them. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools to try them. With a willingness to mix things up, you’ll be good to go. Here are 12 flavor combos you’ll want to brag about and share with friends.
12. Chocolate + Sage
Apparently, sage isn’t just for turkey stuffing. It’s also a surprising friend to chocolate! Its cool, pine-like flavor pairs well with the rich, slightly bitter chocolate. You can’t miss that herbal note cutting through the richness and adding a fresh twist. To try it, warm milk with a single sage before using it for ganache. Or, decorate chocolate bark with candied sage leaves.
11. Orange + Butternut Squash
Orange is bright and tangy, while squash is sweet and mellow. The citrus lifts and freshens the squash’s flavor, making this combination popular in fall soups and roasted veggie dishes. Try blending squash soup and finish with a squeeze of orange juice. The combo tastes like sunshine in sweater weather!
10. Chocolate + Caraway
Chocolate and caraway is a common pairing in some Nordic and Eastern European baked goods. The caraway seeds have a warm, slightly peppery flavor (similar to rye bread), making the chocolate’s richness pop. If you sprinkle a few caraway seeds on hot chocolate, you’ll make that familiar taste feel brand new.
9. Pork Chops + Applesauce
A cozy pairing, sweet apples balance pork’s savory richness. Apples also have a natural acidity that cuts through the fat, making each bite feel lighter. No wonder, American and German kitchens have paired these flavors for decades. Try it at home by pan-searing pork chops and then serve with warm applesauce on the side.
8. Mint + Mustard
Fresh and spicy in one bite sounds wild! And that’s what you get with the mint-mustard combo. Mint has a cool taste from menthol, while mustard gets its heat from natural oils called isothiocyanates. The cool mint and spicy mustard balance each other in a surprising way. To try it, mix chopped mint into yogurt with a pinch of mustard powder for a dip!
7. Apple + Lavender
Apple and lavender share aromatic compounds that blend beautifully together. And if the pairing sounds familiar, that’s because it shows up in French desserts and teas. Indulge yourself by making tea with apple slices and a few lavender buds. Just don’t overdo the lavender. It can taste soapy if you add too much.
6. Honey + Truffles
When they said opposites attract, they might also be talking about the honey-truffle combination. Honey’s floral sweetness and truffles’ garlicky aroma sound like opposites but work well together. This is actually a go-to indulgence in upscale European cooking. At home, you can drizzle honey over toasted bread and top with a drop of truffle oil.
5. White Chocolate + Caviar
Now, this is a real fine-dining pairing. White chocolate is creamy and sweet, while caviar is rich and briny. Instead of clashing, they balance each other out. The result is a mix of sweet, buttery, and salty flavors that feel luxurious. If you’re curious, try putting a tiny spoonful of caviar on a small piece of white chocolate.
4. Tomato + Basil
The ultimate garden duo is here: tomato and basil! Both ingredients share some similar scent compounds, so they feel naturally matched. The combo is a star in Italian kitchens; think caprese salad and Margherita pizza. Try tossing basil into tomato sauce for pizza and pasta. That’s simple, fresh, and classic.
3. Chocolate + Blue Cheese
Think of this pairing like a cheese board with chocolate on the side, but all in one bite. Dark chocolate is rich and slightly bitter, balanced out by blue cheese that’s tangy, salty, and earthy. If you’re curious and up for a daring snack, pair chocolate truffles with a chunk of blue cheese.
2. Strawberry + Basil
This pairing is another gem from Italian cooking, mostly used in desserts and salads. Strawberries have fruity aromas, while basil adds a warm, clove-like note. The result is something fresh and fancy. For an easy try, combine sliced strawberries with a few torn basil leaves, then add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
1. Chocolate + Peanut Butter
REESE’S fans, this one’s for you! Chocolate and peanut butter are like a comfort food power couple. Together, they hit sweet, salty, and umami taste receptors, leaving you wanting more. The creaminess of peanut butter also makes chocolate feel smoother in your mouth. And instant mood booster? Munch on some peanut butter cups!