Now that three months of the semester have gone by, I don’t even have to ask whether or not you’re sick of dining hall food. Your answer is definitely “yes.” You’ve eaten dozens of dressing-drenched salads, endless slices of pizza, and more burgers than you’d care to confess. That’s why you’ll find a list of very strange—but very tasty—food pairings to try out during your next culinary adventure.
1. Apple and Cheddar/Swiss Cheese
Photo by Nicole Goldfarb
You may not believe this, but that apple you’re about to eat is begging you for a cheesy friend. The crisp crunch of an apple finds its perfect companion in the slow savor of cheddar or swiss cheese, and together they are unstoppable. Feel free to try this out with some pie or cobbler too–I promise you’ll never eat it another way again.
2. Chicken and Waffles
Photo by Sara Tane
Okay, so this really doesn’t count as a weird combo anymore, but if you haven’t tried it yet then you need to. The saltiness and crispy skin of the chicken sets off a pile of buttery waffles just right, especially when they’re soaked in syrup. Indulge yourself and dig in!
3. Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese with Ketchup
I can see you shaking your head through the screen, but you’re not allowed to make a disgusted face until you’ve tried it. Ketchup, already the universal condiment, is perfectly matched with Kraft mac ‘n cheese–even if none of us know if that “cheesy” powder really counts as a dairy product. The sweetness of the ketchup and the savoriness of the cheesy pasta is a match made in heaven.
4. French Fries and Milkshakes
This classic sweet-n-salty combo is one for the ages, perfect as a late-night snack. No matter what fast food restaurant you’re stopping by, order these two to make an unforgettable fat-filled treat.
5. Coca-Cola and Peanuts
Photo by @cheftoddfisher
It doesn’t get much more Southern than Coke and peanuts. The tradition of cracking open a Coke and dropping in a handful of peanuts has been around almost as long as Coke itself. Enjoy the sweet fizz of your soda and the satisfying crunch of your peanuts until there’s none left!
6. Bacon and Peanut Butter
Photo by Nicole Goldfarb
Yes, I know what you’re thinking: anything with bacon is good. Of course you’re right, so peanut butter and bacon is no exception. The smooth spread of the peanut butter across crispy bacon will melt in your mouth while also melting your heart.
7. Jam and Mozzarella Cheese
Photo by @murrayscheese
The common theme here is the combination of sweet and savory–and jam and cheese satisfies those requirements perfectly. Pick your favorite flavor and some REAL mozzarella cheese and spread away! You’ll have eaten both the entire jar of jam and the block of cheese before you know it.
Treat yourself to any of these unexpected food unions, and don’t be afraid or ashamed to share your love for them to anyone else!