Dynamic Duos: Favorite Food Combos

By: Roberto Ferdman
Burger and Fries

Batman and Robin, Mario and Luigi, Sonny and Cher, and Cheech and Chong: when it comes to classic duos, these are merely a few of the famous pairings that come to mind.

Extend the conversation to food, though, and the whole thing gets a bit more heated. Just ask celebrity chefs Michael Symon and Duff Goldman who chimed in on Food Networks' Best Thing I Ever Ate episode dedicated to food combinations.

Curious to find out what foods Cooking Channel fans like to mix, mash and pair up, we opened a poll and called out asking for all your favorite combos on facebook. 286 responses later, we came away with a few clear cut winners and some, well, some pretty unusual combinations.

The Combo King: Burger and Fries

It turns out that oldies are indeed goodies. Whether it's warm out and you're fresh off the beach, or it's freezing cold and you've just hung up your winter jacket, there are few things as satisfying as a juicy burger and heaping pile of french fries. While it may have not been as clear cut a victory as Sriracha was in the condiment category, burger and fries took home just under a fifth of the votes, and the coveted first place price.

A Few of Our Favorite Burger and Fries Recipes:
Classic Burger (pictured above)
Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
Runner Up: Bacon and Eggs

Most often devoured at breakfast or brunch, it's not uncommon for the utmost fanatics to sneak the pairing in at lunch or dinner or even snack-time. Exhibit A: Kelsey's Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon. See, the thing about bacon and eggs is that you it's nearly impossible to go wrong, and that's a very, very beautiful thing for the 15% of you that chose the salty combo. Bacon and eggs, we salute you and your second place finish.

A Few of Our Favorite Bacon and Egg Recipes:
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Second Runner Up: Spaghetti and Meatballs

For many of us, it was the first pairing to catch our eyes, and stomachs — just ask little Genesis. But while our love for the classic combo may have waned just a teeny bit, the simple beauty of spaghetti and meatballs still landed the duo a respectful third place finish. So whether you choose to eat yours with a fork and spoon, or opt instead to gobble it up with just your hands, pay homage to the childhood favorite by serving yourself a plate sometime soon.

A Few of Our Favorite Spaghetti and Meatball Recipes:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Honorable Mention (A): Peanut Butter and Jelly

Competition was stiff, but so is our love for a good old PB 'n' J, and we were happy to see you all feel the same. The best thing about peanut butter and jelly is that works in so many different and varied dishes. Food Network Magazine even chronicled it's many uses in a tasty peanut butter and jelly gallery. So the next time you get sick of the classic sandwich ( if that's even possible), know there are plenty more ways to enjoy the two super spreads.

A Few of Our Favorite Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes:

Tequila and Lime Jello Shots
Honorable Mention (B): Tequila and Lime

As far as margaritas go, we can all agree that tequila and lime are a match made in alcohol heaven. But the two aren't only suited for when you're munching on Mexican food. Take the popular tangy duo, and infuse your food with their bright, fresh flavors.

A Few of Our Favorite Tequila and Lime Recipes:
Margarita Jell-O Shots (pictured above)

The More Unusual Combinations

So maybe peanut butter and bacon isn't so weird after all, especially with Elvis having popularized the outlandish sandwich. But peanut butter and pickles? Well, we're not ones to pass judgement, but the two don't exactly roll off the tongue, or into our tummies, too often. We made sure to gather some of the more interesting two-os out there, like:

  • Coffee Ice Cream and Doritos
  • Peanut Butter and Eggs
  • Nutella and White Rice
  • Spaghetti Sauce and Cottage Cheese

Did your favorite food combo miss the cut? Call it out in the comments, and tell us why you love it!

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