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    Home » Roundups

    9 Strange Food Pairings

    Published: Mar 8, 2025 by bobbieblue

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    Strange food pairings might sound like a kitchen disaster, but some of the best combinations have come from these culinary experiments. Combining flavors you wouldn't expect, like strawberries and salmon or cheese with miso, can lead to new and exciting recipes you would never expect.

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    While some of these combinations may seem strange and unusual at first, remember that the contrasting textures and flavors often create a perfect bite. Think of your favorite sweet and salty combo. So, don't let a strange food pairing keep you out of the kitchen, get cooking and experimenting with new food ideas!

    Apple and Parsnip Cake

    Apple and parsnip loaf cake.
    Photo Credit: A Dozen Sundays

    Parsnips? and apple? In a cake? Sounds "what?" Surprisingly, parsnips and apples go well together, as do apple and parsnip cake. The hint of earthiness from parsnips balances the sweetness of the apple. Adding walnuts helps it to become more flavorful and indulgent, too.

    Get the Recipe: Apple and Parsnip Cake

    Strawberry Black Pudding Salad

    Strawberry black pudding salad in a bowl
    Photo Credit: For The Pleasure of Eating

    Life is full of surprises, including surprisingly excellent combinations of foods, like strawberry and black pudding. Strawberry and black pudding salad is a celebration of flavors with every bite. The umami, fruitiness, freshness, juiciness, and crunchiness make the salad indulgent.

    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Black Pudding Salad

    Smoked Paprika Salmon with Rosemary Grapes

    Beautifully cooked smoked paprika salmon with rosemary grapes.
    Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes

    Smoked paprika salmon with rosemary grapes is an elegant and classy combination of sweet and savory. Pan-seared salmon and grape sauce cooked in a pan taste beautiful and are enhanced with smoked paprika. This dish is perfect for wine nights!

    Get the Recipe: Smoked Paprika Salmon with Rosemary Grapes

    Grilled Pizza with Maple-Glazed Bacon, Potatoes, and Blue Cheese

    Mouthwatering Grilled Pizza with Maple-Glazed Bacon, Potatoes and Blue Cheese
    Photo Credit: Foodess

    Savory and sweet go well with the right amount of each flavor, but how about adding a tangy and solid bold flavor? Discover how the savory-sweet flavors of maple-glazed bacon and potatoes go well with the strong taste of blue cheese. The way it is cooked adds flavor to the dish as well.

    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pizza with Maple-Glazed Bacon, Potatoes, and Blue Cheese

    Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese

    A bowl of miso-carrot mac and cheese
    Photo Credit: Foodess

    If you find traditional mac and cheese tiring and want to elevate it, get the miso paste and carrots out of your fridge and see how they work wonders. You'll discover a whole new flavor, and this might be the next mac and cheese variation you'll always prepare!

    Get the Recipe: Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese

    Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cornbread Muffins

    Vegan lemon poppy seed cornbread muffins
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue

    Sometimes, we discover new flavors by combining what we usually love to eat, like this vegan lemon poppy-seed cornbread muffin. Try this recipe and experience the blend of lemon and cornbread in one dish. Dust some sea salt and drizzle with lemon glaze to make it more flavorful.

    Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cornbread Muffins

    Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa

    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue

    Odd is not bad. It could lead you to extraordinary things- and sometimes, flavors!- like the candied jalapeno salmon tacos with strawberry avocado salsa. The ingredients seem chaotic, but they can wow your crowd.

    Get the Recipe: Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa

    Tuna Baked Potatoes

    Photo Credit: The Dinner Bell

    Tuna-baked potatoes are among the best dishes you can bring to a potluck or pair with green salads. The creamy tuna filling, fluffy baked potato, and grated cheese on top complement each other, and they are very indulgent.

    Get the Recipe: Tuna Baked Potatoes

    Creamy Anchovy Bruschetta Recipe With Parsley

    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron

    Satisfy your Italian cravings with a creamy anchovy bruschetta recipe with parsley on your morning toast or sides. This spread is best used with different dishes, such as steak, pasta, salad, etc.

    Get the Recipe: Creamy Anchovy Bruschetta Recipe With Parsley

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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