The best chocolate flavor pairings

It’s a known fact that chocolate pairs well with just about anything. It’s home in pretty much any baked good. It brings out earthy flavors in savory dishes. It’s even a sophisticated side for a cocktail party.

Knowing what pairs well is essential for us at Western Chocolate Company. We spend a lot of time being thoughtful about every ingredient in our chocolate bars and how a combination will enhance the chocolate flavors.

If you’re trying to create a chocolate-themed event that showcases all the best pairings, or maybe you just want to elevate your own personal experience, this list is for you. We break down all of the best pairings by flavor type and explain what makes it such a good match. Think of this as an online dating service just for chocolate, but in the end, everyone ends up with a perfect match. Here is our curated list of the perfect matches for chocolate, with some recipes.

Sweet

Mint

This flavor is controversial at best, but it’s also a classic. While some naysayers have claimed that the result is akin to toothpaste, they’re just plain wrong. And considering St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to experiment with this flavor combination. These mint chocolate brownies are proof that mint and chocolate deserve your respect.

Coffee

If you’ve ever gotten a mocha latte from a coffee shop, you know how delightful it is to swirl chocolate syrup into your cup of coffee. It’s also the time-tested flavor combination in a slice tiramisu. But what you might not know is that a splash of espresso is the absolute best way to boost your chocolate cake batter for a deeper flavor. This chocolate cake recipe is a perfect example.

Savory

Chili powder

A piece of spicy chocolate may sound like a newer trend, but if you know your chocolate history, you’ll know that grinding chili into chocolate is a tradition from its earliest days. Give this Mexican hot chocolate recipe a whirl on a chilly evening to warm yourself up.

Cheese

Cheese and chocolate might not seem like natural kindred spirits, but upon further investigation, they have many similarities. They are both complex, fermented products that can achieve a wide variety of flavors depending on how they are made. Pairing them is as simple as finding base flavors that match each other and then doing some taste testing.

Earthy

Peanut butter

It’s hard to find a more classic combination than chocolate and peanut butter. Each component brings out the best in the other while keeping it from being overpowering. It’s the ultimate flavor in comfort. These peanut butter squares will convince you.

Beans

Okay, don’t leave yet. This is a weird one. But there’s something about the earthiness of beans that, under the right circumstances, can be enhanced with some cocoa powder or a few squares of chocolate. A great example is this Chocolate Chili recipe.

Boozy

Wine

Just like with cheese, wine is another ingredient with a vast variety of flavors depending on how it’s made. That makes it a great beverage for an indulgent chocolate tasting - specifically using red wines. Figure out some wines that will complement the flavor profile of your chocolate for a perfect match.

Stout beer

What makes stout beer work in the chocolate realm is the intense, rich flavor. Stout beers might not be as obvious as red wine when selecting a beverage, but they can provide a wonderful balance beside any dark chocolate.

Of course, there are so many other ways to bring out the best in chocolate. When it comes to finding the perfect match, don’t be afraid to be creative and let your senses lead the way!