Think dessert, think sweet treats. Traditionally, the end to an enjoyable meal has always been found in the form of a sweet, indulgent dish. But desserts can come in all shapes and sizes, and indeed sit anywhere on the flavor spectrum these days. Savory dessert recipes can be an inventive and exciting way to explore unexpected flavor combinations, and to finish your dinner party with a really memorable moment. Featuring better known combinations like maple syrup and bacon, along with lesser known elegant rosemary cookies, read on for our pick of the best savory desserts below.
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5 savory desserts for your not-so-sweet tooth
16 Jun 2024
From a classic Caprese salad to a hearty tomato and basil soup, basil is an ingredient that lifts recipes and is often has a starring role in many dishes, especially in Italian cuisine. With a sweet and savory flavor profile, and a hint of pepper, basil is a versatile herb that’s unusually well placed in a savory dessert dish. And when it comes to mixing this herb into desserts, basil cheesecake is our top suggestion. You can experiment with different types of basil to flex the final taste of the dessert, depending on your preferences. Genovese basil will bring an intensity of flavor to the dish, whereas lemon basil will offer citrus notes and a lighter color. Whichever your choice of basil, make sure to use the leaves for a garnish to make the most of this colorful little herb. From the visual look to the taste, this one is sure to leave your guests surprised and delighted.
2. Olive oil cake
Olive oil cake is perhaps one of the better known dishes in our list of top savory desserts. Rooted in historical Mediterranean cooking, thanks to social media influencers and the rise of plant-based baking, this savory dessert has experienced a resurgence in popularity. The use of olive oil in place of butter actually helps the cake to stay incredibly moist from the first slice to the last, so there’s a valid reason for its online popularity too. Alongside the moistness, olive oil provides a lot of versatility for baking. Try making your cake with different oils to add a more peppery or more buttery flavor. Citrus also pairs exceptionally well with the olive oil base and popular recipe variations of olive oil cake include lemon, for a zesty take on this popular bake. It’s not out of place as an alternative to banana bread either for an indulgent breakfast to start the day.
3. Chocolate-covered pretzels
A match made in sweet and savory heaven, the sweet chocolate coating of a salty pretzel is a taste combination everyone should experience at least once. This one is worth making at home as it’s incredibly simple, and gives you the opportunity to use your favorite chocolate to personalize your pretzels. The perfect sweet and savory dessert for a movie night at home, try dipping your chocolate-covered pretzels in extra toppings like honeycomb or add a dash of sea salt if you want to tap into the savory profile of this dessert snack. It’s also possible to use different pretzel shapes and sizes, for more variation too. Sweet and savory pretzels will keep at room temperature for a couple of weeks, so you can batch cook these ones and keep them on the side ready for the next movie night at home.
4. Rosemary cookies
For an elevated, grown-up bake, rosemary cookies are a brilliant option. Whether you want to bake a gift for someone or would like some fancier snacks in the cookie jar at home, we love the addition of rosemary to sweet cookies. In fact, rosemary has long been thought to bring luck to newlyweds, so if you’re in need of inspiration for a thoughtful wedding gift for friends or family, rosemary cookies are a really unique choice. With rosemary’s earthy and woody flavors, lifted by peppery lemon and mint, it brings an air of sophistication to an otherwise humble cookie recipe. You’ll of course often find rosemary baked into breads, so it’s no stranger to the realm of baking. Try making your cookies with a lemon or raspberry pairing to bring out the sweetness of the rosemary. And, if you have a pot of rosemary growing in your garden, a fresh sprig or two is always best for baking.
5. Maple bacon cupcakes
When chefs were asking the question, “Can desserts be savory?”, we think maple bacon cupcakes may have been the dish to convince everyone that they indeed can straddle both taste profiles. Who knew that the unusual flavor combination of a deliciously sweet maple syrup would pair so effortlessly with the irresistible, salty, and savory flavor of bacon rashers? If you’ve ever enjoyed maple syrup and bacon on top of a stack of pancakes or waffles, then you’ll love maple bacon cupcakes. The bacon is incorporated into the cupcake itself, with the maple syrup finding its starring role in the tasty buttercream on top. Decorate these cupcakes with a few chunks of bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a stand out bake. These are perfect if you’re thinking of making a birthday breakfast in bed for a loved one, as it’s quite literally breakfast in a cupcake. Other popular dishes using this flavor pairing include maple and bacon jam, scones and popcorn, but we think the cupcakes bring something a little different to the table.
