The leaves are starting to fall and autumn food trends are on the rise... Have you been planning your fall menu? Fall is associated with a distinct array of flavors and ingredients, and in 2023, these up-and-coming autumn food trends should be on every hospitality business owner's radar. Coming from a team of current and former chefs, here are the top 5 trends to keep in mind while you craft an irresistible autumn menu:

1. Harvest-Inspired Dishes

Autumn means new harvests are coming in abundance, and your menu can reflect this. Incorporate dishes that spotlight seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, squash, apples, and pears. A few examples are dishes like roasted butternut squash soup, apple-cranberry stuffed pork loin, or savory pumpkin risotto. Fall-focused ingredients like these make for a comforting tasting experience.

2. Fall Spice Infusion

Aromatic spices are another staple of the fall season. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are a few essential components of an autumn spice cabinet. Here are a few examples of ways you can tie in spices with your menu: Spiced apple cider-glazed ribs, cinnamon-infused cocktails, or nutmeg-sprinkled desserts. Autumnal spices evoke warmth, making for a cozy feel.

3. Comforting Hearty Fare

The weather is starting to cool down, which makes customers crave a warm and hearty comfort meal. It is wise to feature dishes that provide that homey, warm feeling. Good options for inspiration would be classic recipes like slow-cooked beef stew, chicken pot pie with flaky crust, or a rich, creamy wild mushroom risotto. These warm, hearty meals will make customers leave with full bellies and a smile.

4. Fall-Inspired Beverages

Autumn flavors also make for great additions to any beverage menu. You can craft seasonal cocktails like apple and cinnamon-infused bourbon or mulled wine with spices. To stay inclusive, don't forget to offer non-alcoholic choices like hot spiced apple cider or chai lattes for your guests to enjoy.

5. Sweet Autumn Treats

What would a fall menu be without a few good desserts? Sweet autumn ingredients like maple syrup, pecans, and cranberries make for excellent components in autumnal desserts. With these ingredients, you can bake delights such as pecan pie tartlets, maple-glazed carrot cake, or cranberry-orange bread pudding. They make for the perfect conclusion to a memorable fall meal.

We hope these five autumn-centric trends can help you nail down your fall 2023 menu. Autumnal flavors and aromas make for an extra warm and comforting dining experience that customers are excited to take part in. With a special seasonal fall menu, your business can become a favorite among diners.

While you’re here, we have another tip for you chefs out there.

The Hospitality Innovations web/mobile app saves you loads of time and money by streamlining and automating your inventory, ordering, and reporting processes, so you can spend more time thinking about your menu. Learn more about us here.  

And if you’re interested, feel free to schedule a free 1-on-1 demo here!  

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