Chocolate, the beloved treat that spans cultures and generations, is a staple in many households. Whether you’re a fan of dark, milk, or white chocolate, finding the perfect pairing can elevate your chocolate experience to new heights. But what goes well with chocolate? In this article, we’ll explore the best foods, drinks, and even savory dishes that complement chocolate. Get ready to enhance your culinary adventures with these delightful combinations.
What Goes Well with Chocolate?
Why Pairing Matters
Pairing chocolate with the right foods can enhance its flavor and create a more enjoyable eating experience. The goal is to find flavors that complement, contrast, or balance the rich taste of chocolate.
Classic Food Pairings
Fruits: Fresh and Juicy
Fruits are a classic pairing with chocolate. The natural sweetness and acidity of fruits can balance the richness of chocolate. Strawberries, bananas, and oranges are popular choices.
Nuts: Crunchy and Nutty
Nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of chocolate. Almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios are great options.
Unique Food Pairings
Cheese: Creamy and Savory
Believe it or not, cheese can pair wonderfully with chocolate. The creamy and savory notes of cheese, like blue cheese or brie, can enhance the complexity of chocolate.
Spices: Warm and Aromatic
Spices such as cinnamon, chili, and ginger add warmth and depth to chocolate. These flavors create a unique and delightful combination.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly.
- Place the strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
- Enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries!
Table of Classic and Unique Food Pairings
| Food | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Fresh, juicy | Balances richness |
| Almonds | Crunchy, nutty | Adds texture |
| Blue Cheese | Creamy, savory | Enhances complexity |
| Cinnamon | Warm, aromatic | Adds depth |
What Drinks Go Well with Chocolate?
Classic Drink Pairings
Coffee: Bold and Bitter
Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The bold, bitter notes of coffee complement the sweetness of chocolate, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
Red Wine: Rich and Fruity
Red wine, especially varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with chocolate. The rich, fruity flavors of the wine enhance the chocolate’s taste.
Unique Drink Pairings
Tea: Light and Fragrant
Certain teas, like Earl Grey or chai, can pair wonderfully with chocolate. The light, fragrant notes of tea provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of chocolate.
Craft Beer: Complex and Bold
Craft beer, with its varied flavors and aromas, can be an exciting pairing for chocolate. Stouts and porters, in particular, offer rich, malty flavors that complement chocolate.
How to Make a Chocolate Mocha
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup milk
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm.
- In a mug, mix the cocoa powder and sugar.
- Pour the brewed coffee into the mug and stir until the cocoa and sugar are dissolved.
- Add the warm milk to the mug, stirring to combine.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade chocolate mocha!
Table of Classic and Unique Drink Pairings
| Drink | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | Bold, bitter | Balances sweetness |
| Red Wine | Rich, fruity | Enhances taste |
| Earl Grey Tea | Light, fragrant | Refreshing contrast |
| Craft Beer | Complex, bold | Exciting pairing |
What Savory Dishes Go Well with Chocolate?
Why Try Savory Pairings?
Savory dishes with chocolate might sound unconventional, but they can create a harmonious balance of flavors. The richness of chocolate can add depth to savory dishes, making them more complex and enjoyable.
Classic Savory Dishes
Mole Sauce: Spicy and Rich
Mole sauce is a traditional Mexican dish that combines chocolate with spices, chili peppers, and other ingredients. It’s typically served with chicken or turkey and offers a rich, complex flavor.
Chili: Hearty and Spicy
Adding a bit of dark chocolate to chili can enhance its depth and richness. The chocolate complements the spices and brings out the savory flavors of the dish.
Unique Savory Dishes
Chocolate-Crusted Meat: Bold and Decadent
Chocolate-crusted meats, like beef or lamb, offer a bold and decadent flavor. The chocolate creates a rich crust that pairs beautifully with the savory meat.
Chocolate Pasta: Unconventional and Flavorful
Chocolate pasta, often used in gourmet dishes, provides an unconventional yet flavorful pairing. It can be served with savory sauces or as part of a dessert dish.
How to Make Chicken Mole
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and sugar.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat until done, about 20 minutes.
- Serve the chicken mole with rice or tortillas.
Table of Classic and Unique Savory Pairings
| Savory Dish | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Mole Sauce | Spicy, rich | Enhances depth |
| Chili | Hearty, spicy | Complements spices |
| Chocolate-Crusted Meat | Bold, decadent | Pairs with savory meat |
| Chocolate Pasta | Unconventional, flavorful | Gourmet dishes |
What Desserts Go Well with Chocolate?
Classic Desserts
Ice Cream: Cold and Creamy
Ice cream is a classic dessert that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Whether it’s vanilla, mint, or coffee-flavored, the cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the richness of chocolate.
Cheesecake: Rich and Decadent
Cheesecake offers a rich, creamy dessert that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Adding a chocolate drizzle or chocolate crust can elevate the experience.
Unique Desserts
Chocolate-Covered Bacon: Sweet and Savory
Chocolate-covered bacon is an unexpected yet delightful treat. The combination of sweet chocolate and savory bacon creates a unique flavor experience.
Chocolate and Olive Oil Cake: Moist and Flavorful
Chocolate and olive oil cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that offers a unique twist on traditional chocolate cake. The olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool the cheesecake before serving.
Table of Classic and Unique Dessert Pairings
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream | Cold, creamy | Contrasts richness |
| Cheesecake | Rich, decadent | Elevates experience |
| Chocolate-Covered Bacon | Sweet, savory | Unique flavor experience |
| Chocolate and Olive Oil Cake | Moist, flavorful | Unique twist on traditional cake |
What Snacks Go Well with Chocolate?
Classic Snack Pairings
Popcorn: Salty and Crunchy
Popcorn is a classic snack that pairs well with chocolate. The salty, crunchy texture complements the sweetness of chocolate.
Pretzels: Salty and Crisp
Pretzels offer a salty, crisp snack that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Chocolate-covered pretzels are a popular treat.
Unique Snack Pairings
Potato Chips: Salty and Crunchy
Potato chips provide a salty, crunchy snack that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate. Chocolate-covered potato chips offer a unique flavor experience.
Sea Salt Caramels: Sweet and Salty
Sea salt caramels combine the sweetness of caramel with the saltiness of sea salt, making them a perfect pairing with chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzels
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly.
- Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
- Enjoy your chocolate-covered pretzels!
Table of Classic and Unique Snack Pairings
| Snack | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Popcorn | Salty, crunchy | Complements sweetness |
| Pretzels | Salty, crisp | Popular treat |
| Potato Chips | Salty, crunchy | Unique flavor experience |
| Sea Salt Caramels | Sweet, salty | Perfect pairing |
Conclusion
Chocolate is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of foods, drinks, and even savory dishes. Whether you’re enjoying classic pairings like strawberries and coffee or experimenting with unique combinations like cheese and chocolate-covered bacon, there’s a perfect pairing for every chocolate lover. So go ahead, indulge in these delightful combinations, and elevate your chocolate experience to new heights.
FAQs
What fruits go well with chocolate?
Strawberries, bananas, and oranges are popular choices that balance the richness of chocolate.
What drinks pair well with chocolate?
Coffee, red wine, Earl Grey tea, and craft beer are great options that complement chocolate.
Can chocolate be used in savory dishes?
Yes, dishes like mole sauce and chocolate-crusted meats are delicious savory options that use chocolate.
What desserts pair well with chocolate?
Ice cream, cheesecake, chocolate-covered bacon, and chocolate and olive oil cake are delightful pairings.
What snacks go well with chocolate?
Popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, and sea salt caramels are tasty snacks that pair wonderfully with chocolate.