What Pairs Well With Brown Sugar?

Picture of a Brown Sugar

Category: Sweetener

Brown sugar is a type of sugar that is typically made by mixing white sugar with molasses. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor and a moist texture. Brown sugar is commonly used in baking to add sweetness and moisture to recipes, and it is also often used as a topping for oatmeal, fruit, and other dishes. It can come in light or dark varieties, with dark brown sugar having a stronger molasses flavor.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Rich
  • Sweet
  • Warm
  • Molasses
  • Caramel
  • Subtle

What goes with Brown Sugar:

  • Oats – Oats have a mild, nutty flavor that complements the rich, sweet taste of brown sugar, creating a classic combination in desserts and baked goods.
  • Goat Cheese – The tangy and creamy taste of goat cheese provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of brown sugar, while its soft texture melds well with baked goods made with brown sugar.
  • Chicken – Chicken pairs well with brown sugar because the sweetness of the brown sugar complements the savory flavor of the chicken, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Garlic – Garlic pairs well with brown sugar due to the complementary flavors of pungent, savory garlic and sweet, molasses-like brown sugar, which can balance and enhance each other in recipes.
  • Butter – Butter’s rich, creamy texture and mild flavor complement brown sugar’s sweet, molasses-like taste, creating a rich, full-bodied flavor profile that is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • Cinnamon – Cinnamon and brown sugar pair well together because the warm, sweet, and slightly woody flavor of cinnamon complements the rich, moist, and molasses-like taste of brown sugar, creating a harmonious and delicious combination often used in baking and desserts.
  • Flour – Flour pairs well with brown sugar because the former provides a tender, sometimes nutty foundation, while the latter adds rich, molasses-like sweetness, creating a balanced and flavorful base for baked goods.
  • Bacon – The salty and savory flavor of bacon complements the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors in dishes like glazed ham or sweet and savory pastries.
  • Mustard – Mustard’s tangy and pungent flavor is balanced by brown sugar’s sweet and rich taste, making them a classic combination in many recipes.
  • Sweet Potatoes – Brown sugar and sweet potatoes are a classic combination, as the sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and creates a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Marshmallows – Marshmallows pair well with brown sugar because the molasses in brown sugar caramelizes when toasted, complementing the sweet, fluffy marshmallows.
  • Rice – Rice, particularly as a blank canvas for flavors, complements the rich, molasses-like sweetness of brown sugar, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet in various dishes.
  • Oatmeal – Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to oatmeal, and pairs well with other common toppings like cinnamon, raisins, and nuts.
  • Nutmeg – Nutmeg’s warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor complements the rich, sweet, and molasses-like taste of brown sugar.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar pairs well with brown sugar due to the contrast between the vinegar’s tart, tangy flavor and the sugar’s rich, sweet taste, which creates a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
  • Onion –
  • Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract and brown sugar pair well together because the rich, creamy depth of the vanilla complements the warm, molasses-like flavor of the brown sugar.
  • Apples – Brown sugar and apples are often used together in pies, crisps, and cobblers, as the sugar brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrup.
  • Ginger – Ginger’s warm, spicy notes complement the rich, sweet flavor of brown sugar, creating a balanced and harmonious taste combination.
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce’s salty and umami flavors balance and enhance brown sugar’s rich, sweet, and slightly molasses-like taste, creating a harmonious combination in various dishes.
  • Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of brown sugar by bringing out its natural sweetness and depth, while balancing its molasses undertones.
  • Pepper – Pepper’s spicy, savory notes harmonize with brown sugar’s rich, molasses-like sweetness, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Milk – Milk pairs well with brown sugar because the natural sweetness and rich, nutty flavor of brown sugar complements the creamy, subtle sweetness of milk.
  • Molasses –
  • Carrots – Brown sugar and carrots are a classic pairing, as the sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and creates a delicious glaze.
  • Chili Peppers – The spicy and fiery taste of chili peppers complements the sweetness of brown sugar, providing a nice balance of flavors in recipes like sweet and spicy sauces or glazes.
  • Butternut Squash – Brown sugar and butternut squash are a delicious combination, as the sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and creates a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Baking Soda –
  • Pork Tenderloin – A brown sugar and mustard glaze on pork tenderloin creates a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory meat.
  • Baked Ham – The sweetness of brown sugar balances the saltiness of the ham, and helps caramelize the exterior for a delicious glaze.
  • Garlic Powder – Garlic powder and brown sugar pair well together because the sweetness of the brown sugar helps to balance the pungency and bite of the garlic, creating a savory-sweet flavor combination that is commonly used in barbecue and marinade recipes.
  • Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps prevent the brown sugar from becoming too hard and dry, keeping it moist and easy to use in recipes.
  • Pie Crust –
  • Gingerbread – Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor to gingerbread, and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has a tangy, crisp flavor that complements the rich, sweet taste of brown sugar, creating a balanced and harmonious combination.
  • Pineapple Slices – Sure, the natural sweetness and mild acidity of pineapple slices complements the rich, molasses-like flavor of brown sugar.