Savory Ice Cream: The Next Dessert Trend?

Ice cream has always been a sweet affair—classic flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla have ruled the freezer aisle for decades. But what if I told you the future of ice cream might be… savory?

Yes, we’re talking blue cheese ice cream, tomato sorbet, and even basil gelato—flavors that challenge everything you thought you knew about dessert. Sound weird? Maybe. But trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this trend is gaining traction with adventurous food lovers everywhere.

Let’s dive into the deliciously unexpected world of savory ice cream.

But…Why?

At first, the idea of a frozen scoop that isn’t sweet might seem bizarre. But think about it:
– Ice cream is all about balance—fat, cold, and creamy textures that work with a variety of flavors.
– Savory ingredients like herbs, cheese, and spices add depth and complexity to that creamy base.
– It’s not about making ice cream taste like soup—it’s about finding the perfect balance between salty, tangy, and umami-rich flavors.

And let’s be real—if salted caramel can be a thing, why not Parmesan?

10 Savory Ice Cream Flavors You Need to Try

1. Basil Gelato 🌿

Why it works: Basil is naturally sweet and aromatic, making it the perfect match for a creamy base.
How to enjoy it: Drizzle with olive oil and serve with fresh strawberries for a next-level experience.

Bonus: Try it with a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing combo.

2. Blue Cheese & Honey Ice Cream 🧀🍯

Why it works: The sharp, tangy funk of blue cheese mellows out beautifully with a hint of honey.
How to enjoy it: Pair with walnuts or serve alongside a cheese board for the fanciest dessert ever.

Unexpected perk: It’s amazing with a glass of port wine.

3. Tomato Sorbet 🍅

Why it works: Tomatoes have natural sweetness and acidity, making them perfect for a refreshing, slightly savory sorbet.
How to enjoy it: Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh basil leaves.

Game-changer: Pair it with burrata for a mind-blowing twist on a caprese salad.

4. Olive Oil Ice Cream 🫒

Why it works: High-quality olive oil is fruity, buttery, and slightly peppery—perfect for a creamy base.
How to enjoy it: Drizzle with extra olive oil and finish with flaky sea salt.

Pro move: Serve it with a slice of warm focaccia.

5. Black Garlic & Honey Ice Cream 🧄🍯

Why it works: Black garlic is sweet, tangy, and umami-rich—it tastes almost like balsamic vinegar.
How to enjoy it: Drizzle with extra honey or pair with dark chocolate shavings.

Next level: Use it as a topping for grilled steak. Yes, really.

6. Parmesan Ice Cream 🧀

Why it works: Parmesan is nutty, salty, and packed with umami, making it surprisingly perfect in ice cream form.
How to enjoy it: Shave extra Parmesan on top and serve with balsamic reduction.

Mind-blowing combo: Pair it with a scoop of fig ice cream.

7. Avocado & Lime Ice Cream 🥑🍋

Why it works: Avocado is creamy and buttery, while lime adds the perfect amount of brightness.
How to enjoy it: Top with toasted coconut for a tropical vibe.

Bonus: It’s dairy-free but still super creamy!

8. Sweet Corn Ice Cream 🌽

Why it works: Corn is naturally sweet, but with just a touch of salt, it transforms into something incredible.
How to enjoy it: Serve with caramel popcorn or crushed cornflakes for crunch.

Insider tip: Try it with a drizzle of hot honey.

9. Miso Caramel Ice Cream 🍦🍯

Why it works: Miso adds a deep, umami-rich saltiness that takes caramel ice cream to new heights.
How to enjoy it: Swirl in extra miso caramel sauce before serving.

Best pairing: A sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

10. Saffron & Cardamom Ice Cream 🌸

Why it works: Saffron is floral and slightly bitter, while cardamom adds a warm, spiced depth.
How to enjoy it: Serve with pistachios or drizzle with rosewater syrup.

Secret weapon: It pairs perfectly with black coffee.

How to Make Your Own Savory Ice Cream

Feeling inspired? Here’s a basic method to experiment with your own savory flavors:

Savory Ice Cream Base Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar (adjust for more or less sweetness)
• A pinch of salt
• Your savory ingredient of choice (cheese, herbs, spices, etc.)

How to make it:

1. Infuse the flavor: Heat the milk and cream with your savory ingredient (cheese, herbs, etc.) over low heat. Let it steep.
2. Temper the eggs: Whisk the yolks and sugar, then slowly add the warm milk mixture to avoid scrambling.
3. Cook the custard: Heat until it thickens slightly.
4. Strain & chill: Remove solids, cool the mixture, then refrigerate for a few hours.
5. Churn it up: Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: If you don’t have an ice cream maker (or you have kids that you need to occupy for awhile….;) you can always try this old fashioned “Kick the Can Ice Cream” recipe! As kids we used to kick it all the way around the block a few times – it was fun AND delicious!

Would You Try Savory Ice Cream?

Savory ice cream might not replace chocolate chip cookie dough anytime soon, but it’s carving out a niche for food lovers who crave something unexpected and adventurous.

So, are you bold enough to swap your usual vanilla for a scoop of blue cheese ice cream? Or are you sticking to the classics? Comment below!