32 Easy Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Looking for Friendsgiving food ideas to make your feast the best ever? This list has you covered.

This spin on the traditional holiday first gained popularity in the early 2010s among millennials, and I’re so glad it’s a thing now!

After you check out these Friendsgiving food ideas, you’ll be just as glad!

No-Bread Stuffed Turkey With Pomegranate Glaze
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Easy Friendsgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about family, but if you don’t have relatives living nearby, Friendsgiving is the way to go!

It’s a chance for you and your friends to celebrate and give thanks in your own unique way. It’s also an excuse to enjoy even more good food!

For the best dishes and desserts to serve at your Friendsgiving feast, keep reading!

Friendsgiving Appetizers

Homemade Deviled Eggs with Paprika and Bacon Crumbles

Deviled Eggs

Want a simple dish that’s tasty and pretty enough to impress? Make these deviled eggs for Friendsgiving!

Jazz up the classic paprika topping with bacon crumbles, or go crazy with avocados, cheese, or even a light sauce!

This recipe is a fancy take on the classic deviled eggs recipe, so don’t forget to take some photos for the ‘gram!

Charcuterie Board with cheese wedges, such as Brie, goat cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese, assorted meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni,
assorted nuts, such as Marcona almonds and pistachios, assorted fruit, such as pomegranate, pears, citrus, and persimmons, assorted veggies, such as marinated artichokes, mixed olives, and pickles, spreads, such as honey, fig preserves, cranberry sauce and crackers
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are always a terrific choice for large get-togethers for a few reasons. First of all, they’re effortless to pull together. Most don’t even require cooking.

Additionally, they provide (sometimes picky) guests with plenty of choices. And finally, you can typically make them beforehand!

Bowl of Comforting Homemade Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup

Whether Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, you’ll want something pumpkin on the table. This pumpkin soup is ideal.

It’s warm and hearty and the perfect way to start your meal. In fact, it’s one of my favorite soup recipes. Not just fall soups, either! I love it year-round.

Not only does it have a rich, nutty roasted pumpkin flavor, it’s also dairy-free.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Chips

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Looking for the perfect easy starter for your Friendsgiving meal? Try this recipe for the thickest, creamiest, tastiest spinach artichoke dip ever.

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If you’ve ever had spinach artichoke dip from Chilis, that’s what this stuff tastes like. It’s pretty much perfect.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms served on a plate

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are always a classy delicacy at any meal. But adding crabmeat elevates them from “classy” to downright “bougie.”

And yes, in case you’re wondering, that is definitely a good thing. Whip up this easy appetizer to impress all your guests.

Easy Sides

Sweet Potato Casserole and a bowl of walnuts on the side

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is sure to get everyone into the Friendsgiving spirit. Use it as a hearty, sweet side dish or a not-too-decadent dessert.

Either way, it’s thick and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. You can even use your favorite nuts as a topping for extra texture and flavor.

Plater of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bowl of dipping sauce

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts aren’t most people’s idea of a favorite holiday side dish. But if you make them properly, they could be!

These sprouts are delightfully crunchy with a rich, caramelized flavor. They’re impossible not to like.

Southern Cornbread Dressing on a cast iron

Southern Cornbread Dressing

While it’s fun to have little twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes, you’ll want the classics for Friendsgiving, too.

What’s more classic than cornbread dressing? Not much!

This dressing recipe is a must for Friendsgiving. It has just the right combination of crunch and softness with homemade cornbread, onions, celery, and more.

It’s a dish that will be gone, FAST.

Plater of Mashed Potatoes on a wooden table

Mashed Potatoes

Ah, potatoes. The king of all sides! And, of course, you’ll want yours silky smooth with lots of butter for Friendsgiving.

Here’s a tip: Never overboil! Boiling time will vary depending on which potatoes you use and their size, so keep an eye on them.

Once they’re tender enough to poke with a fork, those potatoes are ready!

Gravy pouring a sliced roasted turkey
Source: Damndelicious.net

Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is always an excellent addition to your meal, especially if you pair it with Crockpot turkey breast.

Remember to save your pan drippings from the turkey. From there, you’ll need 15 minutes and five more ingredients.

To ensure the gravy is smooth, remember to strain your pan drippings. It also goes great with roast chicken or fried chicken.

Bowl of homemade Cranberry Coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots,  green onions, dried cranberries and sunflower kernels
Source: Afarmgirlsdabbles.com

Cranberry Coleslaw

You can whip up this festive cranberry coleslaw for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas! It’s the perfect fall and winter holiday side.

It has all the same sweet-n-tangy coleslaw flavor you love. But adding dried cranberries takes it up a notch. (Makes it look nicer, too!)

Close up view of a bowl of Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is another Thanksgiving classic you can incorporate into Friendsgiving.

I think of turkey and cranberry sauce as the older, cooler cousin of chicken and lemon. They’re a match made in Heaven!

This recipe makes my favorite cranberry sauce EVER. Plus, it’s so easy that you’ll look like a pro whipping it up in just 15 minutes.

Homemade Dinner Rolls on a baking pan

Dinner Rolls

No holiday dinner is complete without dinner rolls. And these copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls are the perfect option.

They’re so soft and deliciously buttery — a must for your Friendsgiving dinner.

Don’t worry if you aren’t an expert baker. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses only ten ingredients. And they’ll be soft as pillows when they’re ready.

Slice of Cheddar and Corn Pudding on a plate

Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is one of those dishes that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Especially when it’s creamy and moist with lots of corn bits!

Serve this corn pudding at Friendsgiving, and your friends will want to snag the recipe!

Plus, it tastes fantastic warm or chilled, so it’s a great make-ahead dish to save time.

Bowl of homemade Glazed Carrots garnished with thyme

Glazed Carrots

Here’s another restaurant-quality copycat recipe that’s perfect for your Friendsgiving meal.

These honey-glazed carrots are easy to whip up and taste just like the ones you get at Cracker Barrel.

The recipe is pretty much foolproof, even for someone who doesn’t cook often. It requires minimal effort and only four ingredients. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Dinner Ideas

Crockpot Turkey Breast Sliced served on a plate with gravy
Source: Chelseasmessyapron.com

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Let’s face it: a whole turkey looks great on the table, but it’s also a lot of work! If you want something a bit lower maintenance, try this Crockpot turkey breast.

It’s an easy recipe that’s almost impossible to mess up. Plus, it tastes incredible!

It’s everything you love about Thanksgiving Day turkey on a smaller, more convenient-to-make scale.

Homemade Butternut Squash Risotto on a plate garnished with sage
Source: Platingsandpairings.com

Butternut Squash Risotto

I’m a huge fan of risotto anyway, but adding butternut squash makes it the perfect fall side. You’ll love its creamy texture and its brilliant orange hue.

It pairs well with turkey, ham, or whatever protein you put on the table.

Comforting Chicken Pot Pie with Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken Pot Pie

Pot pies are some of my favorite holiday recipes. So much so that I have more than a few recipes for them. 

(Bisquick pot pie sound better? How about Campbell’s pot pie? I have plenty to choose from.) 

This easy version is one of my favorites, though. It features a wonderfully buttery crust and comes together in just 40 minutes.

Spoon scooping on a bowl of homemade Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Source: Chocolatecoveredkatie.com

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Yes, you read that right. Pumpkin mac and cheese! Now, before you skip on this one, hear me out.

A lot of us tend to overeat during Thanksgiving. It’s understandable! But pumpkin mac and cheese is a low-cal, low-fat mac and cheese that still tastes fantastic.

Same great mac and cheese flavor for fewer calories? Yes, please!

Homemade Million Dollar Chicken Casserole garnished with parsley

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, a turkey is a MUST. But this ISN’T Thanksgiving dinner; it’s Friendsgiving dinner, and all bets are off!

Don’t want to spend time on a turkey? Don’t! Make this creamy, cheesy chicken casserole instead.

The Best Desserts

Stacks of Snickerdoodles on a parchment paper

Snickerdoodles

When planning the perfect Friendsgiving, don’t overlook the dessert table! You’ll want to load it down with fall staples, like these nummy snickerdoodles.

This is my go-to sugar cookie recipe, and it never fails. Take these out of the oven when it’s time for dessert, and your snickerdoodles will be gone FAST.

Homemade Pumpkin Roll on plastic tray with star anise on the side

Pumpkin Roll

Speaking of fall desserts! A decadent pumpkin roll is another sweet way to close out your meal.

I like anything with pumpkin spice, and this cake is no exception. The recipe uses pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, so you know it won’t lack flavor.

It’s also perfectly moist but firm enough to comfortably roll with the cream cheese frosting.

Pumpkin Pie With Whipped Cream And Cinnamon

Pumpkin Pie

No matter how much turkey I have, I’ll always have room for pumpkin pie!

For Friendsgiving, serve a classic pumpkin pie that’s homemade with love. This recipe will remind you of the traditional pumpkin pie you had as a kid!

It’s the perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Plus, the smoothest, creamiest texture and a buttery and flaky crust.

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie with Ice Cream on Top

Dutch Apple Pie

If you had too much pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, serve apple pie for Friendsgiving!

Soft, sweet apples in a warm, golden crust, just like grandma used to make. It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.

And since it’s Friendsgiving, go all-in by topping off your Dutch apple pie with vanilla ice cream. A fantastic way to end your meal!

Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream

Peach Cobbler

Peaches are a summer fruit, but when they’re this good, why not enjoy them in the fall, too?

This peach cobbler recipe will be the star of the dessert table. If you can’t find fresh peaches, use canned sliced peaches instead.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also make a delicious peach cobbler with cake mix.

Bunch of homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies on parchment paper
Source: ambreabakes.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can never go wrong by adding thick, chewy chocolate chip cookies to your dessert table. Especially when they’re stuffed with gooey chocolate chunks.

But if you want to make your chocolate chip cookies more fall-friendly, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Mmm mmm mmm.

Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies served on a plate with ice cream toppings and chocolate syrup
Source: Jocooks.com

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Thick, fudgy cheesecake brownies made with real canned pumpkin and aromatic cinnamon. Seriously? What else do you need to know?!

Stacks of Sweet Christmas Cracks Topped with M&M's Candies

Christmas Crack

If you appreciate toffee and chocolate, you’ll quickly be addicted to this simple Christmas crack recipe. (Hence, the name!)

It requires only six ingredients plus whatever toppings you want to add. It’s impossible to mess up.

Drinks for Friendsgiving

Homemade Boozy, Sweet and Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys and Coffee Beans

Espresso Martini with Baileys

No gathering of friends is complete without a few good drinks. And these easy espresso martinis are just the thing.

They’ll give you a quick caffeine boost and a nice boozy buzz all at once.

 Glass of Apple Butter Old Fashioned garnished with apple wedges and cinnamon sticks
Source: Thecookierookie.com

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

This recipe puts a fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned recipe. It still contains bourbon, bitters, and club soda. But there’s also apple cider AND apple butter.

It’s richer, sweeter, and more robust than the traditional drink. Your friends will love it.

Glass of Smoky Apple Cider Margarita garnished with cinnamon sticks, sliced apple, star anise and rosemary
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com

Smoky Apple Cider Margarita

This gorgeous, elegant drink is one of my favorite fall cocktails. I make it every time I have a chance. It has a fantastic taste and is stunningly beautiful.

What’s not to love?

Glasses of Cranberry Thyme Spritz served on a  metal tray
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com

Cranberry Thyme Spritz

This is one of those drinks you can make all season long. It works well for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

It features a lovely red hue and a bright, zingy, cranberry-infused taste. It requires a bit of preparation, though, so don’t wait until the last minute.

32 Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Course: DinnerCuisine: American
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes
Calories

462

kcal

Don’t want to make an entire turkey for your Friendsgiving meal? Whip up this easy stuffed turkey breast instead! It takes only 30 minutes of prep work and another 75 minutes to cook.

Ingredients

  • For the Turkey and Stuffing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2-3 large cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 ounces mild Italian sausage (or substitute)

  • 1/2 cup white wine

  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, chopped

  • 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

  • 2 1/2-3 cups cubed day-old bread or stuffing bread

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, soaked and drained

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

  • salt and pepper

  • 1 (3-6 pound) boneless turkey breast, skin on or off, butterflied

  • 1 large onion, sliced into half-moons + 1 cup chicken broth (if using a Dutch oven)

  • For the Gravy
  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup apple cider

  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in water

  • (optional) 1/2 cup pomegranate arils, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet in aluminum foil and add a rack or a large Dutch oven.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions, minced garlic, and sausage (or a substitute).
  • Once the onions are translucent, add 1/2 cup of wine, the rosemary and/or thyme, and 1 tablespoon of sage. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned.
  • While the sausage cooks, combine the bread, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of the chicken broth, the egg, and the parsley.
  • When the sausage is cooked, add it to the bread mixture and toss until everything is well distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mix well and set aside.
  • Butterfly the turkey breast and pound it until it reaches a 1/2-inch thickness.
  • Season the meat with salt and pepper, then spread the stuffing over the turkey, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Roll the turkey into a log from the longer side and tie it tightly with kitchen twine.
  • Cook the turkey in one of the following ways: 
  • If using a rack, transfer the turkey breast to the rack, seam-side-down. Drizzle it with olive oil and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • If using a Dutch oven, sear the turkey on all sides. Then, add the sliced onions and 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot. Put the turkey on top, cover the Dutch oven and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Towards the end of the cooking process, make the gravy.
  • Combine the apple cider, 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and cider vinegar in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • When it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and add the cornstarch mixture. Cook for another 3 minutes, adding salt and pepper if desired.
  • Remove the turkey breast from the oven or pot and cut the twine to release it.
  • Slice and serve with gravy and optional pomegranate aril garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Soak the dried cranberries in water for a few minutes before adding to the stuffing to plump them up.
  • Check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to a safe 165°F.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 462kcal
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 129mg
  • Sodium: 2011mg
  • Potassium: 346mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Calcium: 60mg
  • Iron: 2mg
Friendsgiving Food Ideas

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