6 Unexpected Foods That Pair Shockingly Well with Coffee

Think coffee only belongs next to donuts or pastries? Think again. The bold, bitter, and complex flavors of coffee can surprisingly enhance a wide variety of foods you’d never expect. Here are six shockingly good pairings to try the next time you brew a cup.

1. Cheese

Move over wine—coffee wants in. Especially strong cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese pair beautifully with coffee’s bitterness. The savory, creamy richness contrasts perfectly with a black cup of joe, creating a flavor explosion that feels oddly luxurious. Try it with a side of crusty bread and thank us later.

2. Bacon

Bacon and coffee might be breakfast neighbors, but eating them together amplifies their magic. The salty, smoky flavor of crispy bacon balances perfectly with the roasty bitterness of coffee. The combo is comforting, satisfying, and somehow makes the coffee taste sweeter and the bacon feel crispier. It’s a win-win mouth party.

3. Dark Chocolate

Okay, this one’s a bit expected—but here’s the twist: try pairing coffee with 85% dark chocolate. The slight bitterness of both actually softens each other out. Add in a nutty Ethiopian roast or a rich espresso and it becomes a decadent, grown-up treat that feels like dessert but isn’t too sweet.

4. Spicy Foods

Yup—spicy and coffee work. A sip of bold, slightly bitter coffee after something like spicy scrambled eggs or a hot breakfast burrito helps cleanse the palate while enhancing the spice. Just avoid overly acidic brews. A mellow, medium roast is ideal to play nice with jalapeños and chili flakes.

5. Avocado Toast

It’s not just about the Instagram shot. The buttery richness of avocado and the crunch of toast offset the coffee’s acidity, especially when paired with a smooth, cold brew or oat milk latte. Add lemon or chili flakes to the toast and you’ve got a surprisingly refined breakfast pairing.

6. Peanut Butter

Creamy, salty, and slightly sweet—peanut butter was practically made for coffee. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oats, or dip a spoonful straight in while sipping a bold cup. The flavors play so well together that you’ll wonder why this isn’t already a standard breakfast duo.

The Takeaway Sip

Coffee isn’t just a solo star—it loves a sidekick. Experiment with these pairings and find your own winning combo. The more unexpected, the better.