From sweet to semi-bitter and bitter, almonds can have three different flavors depending on the type of tree that produces the nut. However, the gentle sweetness and mild flavor generally makes them highly versatile.
This type of nut serves many purposes from almond flour, almond butter, almond milk, and almond cheese. Therefore, it can can be paired with almost everything depending on the usage.
What to eat with almond? Almonds pair wonderfully with apricots, unsalted butter, caramel, dark or milk chocolate, coconut, coffee, cream, figs, hazelnuts, honey, lemon, orange, brown or white sugar, and vanilla.
With these ingredients, they can be prepared with fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, alcohol, and foods to create snacks, dessert, or added to a main dish.
Almonds are widely used to make beverages, sauces, garnishes and fillings in French, Greek, Indian, Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine.
This article shares the best flavors, snacks, fruits, spices, and alcohol to pair with almonds. Answered below are frequently asked questions about what to eat with almonds so that you never run out of classic flavor combinations.
What flavors go well with almond?
Almonds have a high affinity towards sweet and earthy flavors. Pair them with apples, blueberries, and pears, or better yet, with maple, butterscotch, vanilla, or chocolate. Be sure to use a little in dressings, salads, ice cream, and custards for that sweet, unique, aromatic flavor.
Here is classic flavor combination including chef’s go-to recipes:
- almonds + chocolate + coconut
- almonds + coffee + orange
- almonds + green anise + figs
- almonds + honey + orange zest + raisins
What snack goes good with almonds?
For a healthy snack, roasted or raw almonds can be mixed with dried fruits such as cherries, raisins, and cranberries, apricots, and pineapple. Combining them with chopped dark or milk chocolate is also great addition for trail mix.
Depending on whether they are whole, slivered, or sliced, almonds can become a great snacks to include in:
- fruits
- baked goods
- smoothies
- yogurt
- granola bars
What fruit goes with almond?
In general, fruit and nuts are a perfect combo, and it is not exception when it comes to almonds. But which fruit can be paired best with almonds? Let’s find out!
- Stone fruits: apples, apricots, cherries, figs, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums
- Citrus fruits: lemon, oranges
- Berries: blackberries, cranberries, currants, raspberries, strawberries
- Dried fruits: prunes, white raisins
- Tropical fruits: passion fruit, bananas
What spice goes with almond?
Plain almonds are pretty dull. Try spicing them with black pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Adding spices will give a vibrant kick to the gentle flavor of almonds.
To take the almond flavor to the next level, consider these spices:
- cardamom
- cayenne
- cinnamon
- ground pepper
- sea salt
- nutmeg
- ginger
What alcohol goes with almond?
Whether almonds are added to the main entrée or as a snack, pairing alcohol can enhance the flavor even more. When it comes to wine, almonds blend perfectly with low tannin red wines since they combine perfectly with their high tannin nature.
Here are alcohol recommendation that go well with almonds:
- Alcohol: brandy, rum, sherry
- Wine: Madeira, vintage or tawny port, Sauternes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
However, if the wine is served with sweet desserts, consider these type of wine:
- madeira
- muscar
- champagne
- rosé
- tokaji
- vin santo
What goes well with almond?
From snacks to baked goods and desserts, there are many ways to enjoy almonds in various shapes and forms. Also, it has mild and neutral taste that can complement well with sweet, savory, spicy, and salty tastes.
Whether you are looking to integrate whole, slivered, or sliced almonds into your salads or smoothies, here are classic ingredients that go well with almonds for you to know.
- Nuts: walnuts, pecans
- Condiments: butterscotch, caramel, corn syrup, molasses
- Diary: cream cheese, créme fraîche, ice cream, mascarpone
- Cheese: goat, manchego, ricotta
- Crust: pastry, pie
- Chocolate: dark, milk, white
- Meat: crab, fish, lamb, shellfish, chicken
Eat With Almonds: Conclusion
Almonds taste good on their own, but they taste even better when paired with other foods, fruits, or snacks. They are fairly versatile, and form a perfect combo with almost everything.
Combined with dried fruits and chocolate, you can create healthy trail mix with almonds as snack. Adding into baked goods with a side of coffee or tea is a great afternoon snack or breakfast idea.
From whole to sliced, almonds can blend well with sweet or savory flavors. It also goes well with brandy, rum, sherry or even wine.
From meats to cheese and alcoholic beverages, use these recommendations and flavors to find your favorite almond combinations.