Fall for flavor: reimagining holiday menus with Chef Riley

November 3, 2025

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, fall brings more than just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s a golden opportunity for restaurants and retailers to tap into seasonal cravings. According to Datassential’s Fall Trends 2025 Report, 61% of consumers are eager to purchase limited-edition fall items, whether at the grocery store or their favorite restaurant¹.

To explore how chefs are embracing this seasonal shift, we sat down with our very own Senior Executive Chef, Riley Baird, to talk bold flavors and thoughtful hospitality. Her approach to fall and holiday cooking is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, and just the right amount of irreverence.

Modernizing the classics

“Traditional holiday meals are often very bland and dry,” says Chef Riley. “Simply put, people are really looking for food that has more flavor, things that are not overcooked.”

Rather than reinventing the entire menu, Chef Riley focuses on enhancing flavor and texture. Think roasted vegetables with harissa and honey, or swap heavy casseroles for lighter, herb-forward sides. Her mantra? “Low stakes, low bar. Just make it taste better. Add seasoning.”

This philosophy aligns with consumer trends: while 71% still crave the classics like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, 30% are open to modern twists, like global sides or plant-based mains¹.

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Potatoes: the MVP of fall menus

Fall is the prime time for potato innovation. Sweet potatoes are four times more likely to appear in fall appetizers and sides than any other season². Other trending potato dishes include²:

Garlic Fries
Roasted Fingerlings
Potato Skins
Sweet Potato Fries
Poutine
Mashed Potatoes
Yukon Golds
Tater Tots

“These dishes aren’t just comforting; they’re craveable, customizable, and perfect for limited time offers,” says Chef Riley. She recommends elevating mashed potatoes with olive oil, beurre blanc, or root veggie blends for a modern twist.

Balancing tradition with innovation

Chef Riley encourages cooks to keep familiar flavors but rethink how they’re prepared. “Use the same flavors, but make things a little lighter, a little brighter, with fresh elements and acidity” she says. She also points out the visual monotony of many Thanksgiving tables: “Sometimes it can look really brown. Just add an herb, add something green.”

Presentation matters especially in the age of social media. Chef Riley suggests using rainbow carrots, jewel-toned vegetables, and fresh herbs to make dishes pop.

Inclusive and flexible holiday menus

Holiday meals are naturally flexible, says Chef Riley. “You have a big center dish and a lot of sides.” She recommends tailoring side dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions and even encourages a “dinner of sides” for guests who skip the main entrée. “Girl dinner, but festive,” she jokes.

This approach is not only inclusive but also budget friendly. Sides are often less expensive than center-of-the-plate proteins and allow for more creativity.

Flavor forecast: fall and winter

Consumers are craving bold, seasonal flavors. Top savory fall flavors include²:

Vietnamese cinnamon
Cranberry sauce
Stone ground mustard
Juniper
Turkey gravy
Aged balsamic vinegar

Winter brings its own flavor palette²:

White truffle oil
Sherry cream
Lobster sauce
Zhug
Mushroom marsala

“These flavors are perfect for elevating comfort foods and creating memorable menu moments,” says Chef Riley.

Creative execution and feedback

Chef Riley’s advice for holiday prep? Keep it simple and work ahead. “If you know you’re going to use garlic in five dishes, mince a whole bunch of it. Don’t do it for every individual recipe.”

She also embraces feedback with humor and practicality. “Are they giving you feedback just because holidays are overwhelming, and they lash out at people?” She laughs. “Or was it real?”

Her final word of wisdom? Trust your instincts. “I’m always going to be more critical of the dinner than the people eating it are.”

Final fry-thoughts

Fall is more than just a season; it’s a flavorful experience. With consumers actively seeking seasonal specials, now’s the time to lean into bold flavors, nostalgic classics, and creative twists. And when in doubt? Just add potatoes.