3. Crunchy Layers

By appealing to other senses, crunch—whether audible or internal—heightens the dining experience, and adding this element as a topper is an easy, fast upgrade. Look to nuts, crunchy croutons, cereal streusel, flavored cocktail onions and smashed brittles for dish-defining texture. Or explore savory, jerky-like chew through finishers like crumbled bacon and machaca.

Try This

Savory: Velvety Red Enchilada Soup, topped with machaca and rustic pepita-crusted bolillo croutons

Sweet: Eggnog Custard, finished with crushed peppermint candy canes and gingersnap crumbles

Sippable: Brown Butter Cold Brew, topped with frothed oat foam, a drizzle of date syrup and shattered brown butter-sugar brittle

Sippable: Brown Butter Cold Brew, topped with frothed oat foam, a drizzle of date syrup and shattered brown butter-sugar brittle