Pumpkin, cranberry, and apple aren’t the only fall stars this year. New autumn flavors are taking over menus, and as consumers crave unique dishes, you can win them over with these tips for trending seasonal ingredients.

Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot

Bring the heat this season with the latest trending fall spice — chiltepin peppers. The only wild pepper native to North America, utilize this tiny guy to pack a ton of flavor in meat and seafood entrees, dips, and sauces. Since it has an earthy, smoky flavor, it’s also the perfect element to include in your house made steak seasoning blends or BBQ sauce.

Thai chili peppers are also a trending fall flavor that definitely brings the heat and can infuse some variety into your menu. Add them to popular dishes like coconut curries and Thai curry basil or add them to Asian Pride® Teriyaki Sauce, then toss them with beef or shredded chicken for a spicy kick to Thai lettuce wraps.

Beyond the Pumpkin

Pumpkin spice is the reigning king of fall but adding a twist to autumn-inspired dishes can be just the thing you need to stand out from competitors.

Bring in the butterscotch for a decadent fall flavor to mix it up. Combine it with balsamic vinegar and add it to fried chicken or a savory bread pudding. Or consider West Creek® Butterscotch Pudding to add some extra depth to chocolatey hand pies.

Pear dishes are also great for seasonal menus, so take advantage of the pear fall harvest to create savory and sweet dishes. Roast pears with butternut squash for a twist on the classic fall soup favorite, pair it with toasted miso and caramel for a unique cake dish, or let it be the star of the show by poaching it in red wine, allspice, honey, ginger, and cinnamon.

If you want to stay in the pumpkin family, consider sikil pak, a Mayan pumpkin seed dip that’s starting to pop up places – topped with everything from fried cauliflower, marinated jicama, or even as a fresh alternative to guacamole and hummus.

Chat About Chaat

India’s savory, crunchy, spiced street snack is stepping back into the spotlight this year. Combine it with lemon to give a zesty kick to loaded fries, to citrus drinks to replicate an authentic Indian lemonade, or sprinkled over just about any comfort food snack. You can also add it to a hearty red curry noodle bowl for a flavor bomb that customers will keep coming back for again and again.

Bounty of the Bay

While traditionally used to bring out the flavors of seafood, Old Bay® isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s trending this year for unique applications, like in hot apple cider and hot chocolate, baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, and it’s even being combined with caramel to create sweet and spicy dishes.

So Cheesy

Combining adult beverages and food is always a crowd-pleaser from snacks to desserts, so it’s not surprising that beer cheese is having its moment on menus. Growing 56 percent on menus over the last four years, the once popular Oktoberfest condiment is now showing up in dishes all year around. With infinite possibilities, you can cue up your culinary creativity to craft some delicious fall offerings like the sauce for a mac and cheese skillet or a peppadew flatbread. Consider readymade West Creek® Beer Cheese to create a creamy sauce for a special like a Philly Cheesesteak calzone.