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This Month

Pick Your Pepper

Pepper Gets Particular

Spice is getting more specific. Consumers are looking beyond the burn and seeking peppers with unique flavors, heat levels, personalities, and pizzazz. As operators highlight varieties like hatch chile, serrano, habanero, and ghost pepper, pepper-specific callouts are creating more distinctive menu experiences.1 This month’s Fresh Ideas explores how the right pepper can bring a whole new point of view.

1Datassential, Spicy MAC, 2025.

  • Two grilled quesadilla wedges with melted cheese, tomato, and bacon are served on a red plate with a pickle spear, against a blue background.

    Charred Hatch Chile Chicken Panini

    Grilled chicken, crisp hickory-smoked bacon, roasted tomatoes, and melty Chihuahua cheese are folded into a Mazina® tortilla with a smoky fire-charred hatch chile aioli, then pressed until golden and crisp.

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  • Two breakfast burritos filled with eggs, bacon, cheese, and vegetables are served in a paper-lined bowl with a side of bacon strips, fresh cilantro, and dipping sauce on a wooden table.

    Ghost Pepper and Maple Bacon Breakfast Burrito

    Ghost pepper brings a bold new attitude to the breakfast burrito. Paired with sweet maple-glazed bacon, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar, this handheld balances familiar breakfast comfort with a memorable kick of heat.

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  • A tray with tortilla chips and a bowl of creamy dip topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, chorizo, and corn. Lime wedges and salsa are on the side. The tray is on a pink table.

    Serrano Chorizo & Sweet Corn Fundito

    A little serrano goes a long way. This colorful fundito combines creamy queso, roasted corn, and smoky chorizo with the bright flavor of fresh serrano peppers, then finishes with fresh toppings and crispy tortilla strips for a craveable shareable.

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  • A wrap cut in half, filled with couscous, beef, feta cheese, onions, and vegetables, served on a white plate with parsley garnish and a small bowl of green sauce in the background.

    Halaby Pepper Roasted Lamb Burrito with Couscous

    Not every pepper is about turning up the heat. This globally inspired burrito lets sweet, roasted halaby peppers complement tender lamb and fluffy couscous for a handheld that’s rich in flavor and easy to love.

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