America’s (former) sweetheart Lindsey Lohan may not be the best role model, but she did get one thing right: Oreo cookies and peanut butter.
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As the daunting real world inches closer and closer, it’s normal for college students to crave some childhood classics. Even though we’ve learned not to play with our food, there’s nothing wrong with breaking the rules and experimenting with snacks.
Have an insatiable sweet tooth, but a nagging need for something salty? Discovering the perfect snack pairing may pose a bit of a challenge, but can save you both time and money while satisfying those cravings.
We asked over 50 Santa Clara students about their favorite and most interesting food combo, and the results were surprisingly grumble-worthy.
Bagels + Cream Cheese + Salsa
Photo by Leigh Pond
Move over, breakfast burritos. Spice up your plain or pumpernickel morning classic with salsa on top of your schmear.
Fritos + Cream Cheese + Salsa
Photo by Leigh Pond
Salty, creamy, and spicy: a trifecta for to truly satisfy your taste buds.
Flaming Hot Cheetos + Cream Cheese
Photo by Leigh Pond
For snackers with a need for something cheesy and hot with an added crunch.
Mac And Cheese + Ketchup
Photo by Leigh Pond
Ketchup is an easy addition to this American classic: the added sugar intensifies the cheesy taste.
Other ideas to try: steak seasoning, lemon pepper, sriracha (packs more of a punch than ketchup).
Oatmeal + Crunchy Peanut Butter
Photo by Leigh Pond
The texture of plain oatmeal can be hard to stomach, especially after a big night out. Peanut butter sweetens up the oats, and the crunchiness and creaminess makes for a more appealing texture.
Popcorn + Steak Seasoning
A Netflix marathon warrants popcorn, but skip the salt and butter for a savory burst of flavor that will make it impossible to put down the bowl.
Another “pop” secret from the spice cabinet: gravy powder. Trust us…it’s gooood.
Bacon + Jelly
Not far off from your classic bacon and syrup combo, the jelly adds a sugary bite with a little more substance.
Bacon + Peanut Butter + Toast
The salty, crunchy bacon balances out the nutty taste of peanut butter in the best possible way.
Cottage Cheese + Salsa
Photo by Leigh Pond
The textures may seem impossible to pair, but the creamy cottage cheese mellows out the spice, whether its mild, medium or habanero.
Sweet Potato + Cottage Cheese
Photo by Leigh Pond
Like an upgraded baked-potato-and-sour-cream, only better. Added bonus, this combo is packed with protein, vitamin A, and fiber.
Carrots + Peanut Butter
Photo by Leigh Pond
We’re over you, ranch dressing. Sweet’n’salty peanut butter pairs perfectly with carrots and makes for a more protein-packed snack.
PBJ + Fritos
Photo by Leigh Pond
Pack this American staple with some crunch power. Fritos are a personal favorite, but any chip or crunchy cereal will add a salty twist to this kindergarten classic.
The secret to creating unlikely yet delicious combos is pairing different flavors and textures, like sweet and salty, or creamy and spicy. Next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try experimenting with your on-hand ingredients and you may discover a snack match made in heaven.
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