12 Ways to Freak Fest Your Gelato

32 flavors. Cool, we get it. Even three dozen flavors, go for it. But unfortunately there’s truth to too much of a good thing, even if only in the world of gelato. After reading about chicken wings, horse and cold cuts on ice cream menus (not all together, that would be disgusting), we figured there has to be a way to funk up, rather than up chuck, your favorite scoops.

Think of gelato as your new slush pile...got extras? Toss them over a scoop of vanilla.

Besides spicing up your every day dessert bowl, toppings are a fast, easy way to “get fancy” when you’ve got guests who want gourmet, but you’ve got an empty fridge. It takes almost zero effort, but will pay off in presentation.

Note: Some of these aren’t that crazy, but some are a tad of a stretch. We say grab a pint, your cholesterol meds and two Tums chasers. This one’s gonna hurt when the sugar buzz wears off.

• Beer

1. This spin is for those who don’t do anything without their cozy of ice cold Bud. Hey, beer and chocolate work (you’d eat a pack of Goobers with your brew, wouldn’t you?). We say, trade your 7-11 six-pack for a stout or ale with hints of cocoa and fruit. Pour some over a scoop of dark chocolate gelato, some chocolate shavings, fresh cherries and finely chopped peanuts. It’s almost classy.

• Caramelized Ginger

1. Got fresh ginger? Peel, slice and sauté in butter, with sake, white wine or sherry and a touch of brown sugar. Save this one for your foodie friends. A good substitute is candied ginger.

• Cereal

1. It’s not that much of a bend mind. Milk … it’s cold dairy. So is gelato. If you’re sitting at home with a fresh tub and a new episode of Mad Men, crumble on Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms. Serving to guests? Go for the more adult brands like Puffins or Kashi — if nothing else, your results will seem more sophisticated. Crush them and roll them onto your scoops.

• Chex Mix

1. We have an acquaintance (who will remain unnamed), known for combining Chex mix and M&Ms and calling it an appetizer. We call it frat-style hosting. That said, we think this trashy party stash is best served crumbled and topped on gelato. You’ve got the salty crunch, combined with the chocolate candy. That’s worth something.

• Citrus Zest

1. Fruit and dessert … it’s counter-intuitive to us, but still some people combine the two. If you’re in that camp, citrus zest on berry sorbet looks and tastes fab.

• Crispy Pancetta

1. Some of you may have just puked in your mouth. For the die-hard baco-junkies, there’s nothing that doesn’t go with crispy pig parts, gelato included.

• Honey

1. Again, not a big stretch. We like to chop Marcona almonds, toast them in a pan with the honey (and a jigger of vodka) and drizzle the whole mad mess on a mound of vanilla gelato.

• Jams or Preserves

1. Jelly and peanut butter ice cream. Sold.

• Powders

1. Dusts of cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg add a minor wow factor and they take about 2 seconds to pull off — at the very least, it won’t look like you phoned in dessert.

• Peppercorn

1. Roll your scoops in freshly ground pepper to add a quick hit of texture and spice. Our favorite flavors: vanilla bean, dulce de leche and brown sugar.

• Roasted Fruits

1. Sauté anything from berries to bananas in pure maple syrup and toss onto your bowl. It’s almost healthy(ish).

• Toasted Coconut

1. Toss a handful in a sauté pan until browned and slightly crispy. If you’re feeling über decadent — or, like us, consider your dessert naked without a shot of liquor — add a touch of rum to the bowl as well.