Explore these 29 Friendsgiving recipes and discover the joy of sharing a meal with friends this holiday season ! The list captures the festive spirit and offers a variety of delicious options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From savory turkey brines to sweet pecan pies, we have recipes that turn your gathering into a feast to remember.
With the added advantage of recipes involving group effort, these Friendsgiving meals not only fill your plates but also foster camaraderie and shared culinary experiences. So, get ready to dive into our scrumptious list of recipes and transform your Friendsgiving celebration into a gourmet adventure!
1. Herb-Roasted Turkey
A Thanksgiving Staple with a Twist
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a turkey, and this Herb-Roasted Turkey will surely impress your friends. Its succulent meat is infused with a variety of herbs, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor that’s a notch above the traditional roast.
An Exciting Group Activity
Get your friends involved in the process of preparing the turkey. It’s a fun, bonding activity that makes the dinner feel more intimate and collaborative. You can assign tasks, like chopping the herbs or basting the turkey, making the cooking experience enjoyable and interactive.
Modify to Taste
Feel free to experiment with the herbs used in the recipe to suit your group’s taste preferences. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are excellent options, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
A Sweet and Savory Side Dish
Your Friendsgiving celebration needs a dish that offers a sweet contrast to the savory main course, and this Sweet Potato Casserole fits the bill. The creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crispy, pecan-filled crumble is a delectable treat your friends will love.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s an excellent option for your vegetarian friends.
Healthier Alternatives
For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar, use whole grain flour for the topping, and add more nuts for added protein. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
3. Cranberry Sauce
A Tangy Accompaniment
Cranberry Sauce is a classic Thanksgiving side that adds a tangy note to your Friendsgiving spread. Its sweet and tart flavors complement the savory dishes perfectly, adding an extra dimension to your meal.
Homemade Is Best
While store-bought cranberry sauce is convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy and tastes significantly better. Involve your friends in the process, adding to the collective spirit of Friendsgiving.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding orange zest, cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon to your cranberry sauce. These additions can elevate your cranberry sauce to a whole new level.
4. Green Bean Casserole
A Classic Side Dish
Green Bean Casserole is a staple side dish for any Thanksgiving meal. Its creamy, savory flavor combined with the crunchy fried onions on top makes it a crowd favorite that’s perfect for your Friendsgiving event.
Simple Yet Tasty
Despite its simple ingredients, this dish is packed with flavor. It’s also easy to make, freeing you up to focus on other, more complicated dishes.
Customizable to Suit Dietary Needs
If you have friends with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted. Use gluten-free soup and soy sauce for a gluten-free version, or skip the dairy to make it vegan.
5. Pumpkin Pie
An Unmissable Dessert
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a Pumpkin Pie, and your Friendsgiving celebration shouldn’t be any different. Its creamy filling and buttery crust make it a dessert everyone will crave.
Make Ahead of Time
Pumpkin Pie is a great make-ahead dessert. It needs time to cool and set, so you can make it the day before and simply serve it when it’s dessert time. This way, you can focus on preparing the other dishes on the day.
Personalize Your Pie
Feel free to put your own spin on the classic pumpkin pie. Add a dash of bourbon for a deeper flavor, or sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a crunchier texture.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A Comforting Side Dish
Mashed potatoes are a must-have at any Friendsgiving feast. This version, laced with roasted garlic, provides a deliciously comforting side that pairs well with all your other dishes.
Enjoy the Process
Peeling, boiling, and mashing potatoes can be a therapeutic process, and even more fun if you do it with friends. Share laughs and stories as you prepare this dish together.
Personalize Your Mashed Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your preferences or add other ingredients like cheese, chives, or even bacon to jazz it up.
7. Stuffing with Sausage and Sage
A Flavorful Classic
Stuffing is another Thanksgiving classic that you should consider for your Friendsgiving. This version, made with sausage and sage, is packed full of flavors that will impress your friends.
Collaborate and Create
Preparing stuffing is another task that can be fun to do with friends. Assign tasks like chopping the vegetables or browning the sausage to different people. It’s a great way to get everyone involved.
Adaptable to Your Preferences
Like many other Thanksgiving dishes, stuffing can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Substitute the sausage for a vegetarian option or use gluten-free bread if needed.
8. Cornbread
A Deliciously Moist Bread
Cornbread is a fantastic side dish to serve at your Friendsgiving. It’s deliciously moist, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with many other dishes.
Easy and Quick
Making cornbread is relatively simple and doesn’t take much time, making it a great addition to your Friendsgiving menu. Plus, it’s something that you can easily prepare ahead of time.
Customize Your Cornbread
Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe. Some delicious add-ins could be jalapenos for a spicy kick, cheese for extra flavor, or blueberries for a touch of sweetness.
9. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
A Savory Side Dish
Brussels sprouts may have a bad reputation, but this recipe with bacon will change anyone’s mind. The savory flavor of the bacon complements the Brussels sprouts perfectly, making it a side dish that’s sure to impress.
Read also: 26 Mozzarella Recipes
Engage Your Friends
This is another dish where friends can help with the preparation. Assign the task of washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts to someone, and have another friend handle cooking the bacon.
Make it Vegetarian
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative. You can also add other flavors like garlic or balsamic glaze for extra yumminess.
10. Apple Crisp
A Sweet Finish
End your Friendsgiving meal on a sweet note with this delightful Apple Crisp. It’s loaded with juicy apples and topped with a crispy, buttery crumble that’s sure to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth.
Prepare in Advance
One of the best parts about this dish is that it can be prepared in advance and then just popped in the oven when you’re ready. This makes for less stress on the day of your event.
Customize Your Crisp
Feel free to customize your apple crisp to suit your guests’ preferences. Use different types of apples for a range of flavors, or add in other fruits like pears or cranberries for a more complex flavor.
11. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
A Tangy Twist
No Friendsgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce. This version with orange zest provides a refreshing tangy twist to balance out your savory dishes.
A Simple Preparation
Making cranberry sauce from scratch is simple and can be done in advance. Involve your friends in the zesting and juicing of the oranges for a fun collaborative cooking session.
Add Your Personal Touch
You can customize this cranberry sauce recipe according to your liking. Add some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor, or mix in some chopped nuts for extra texture.
12. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
A Sweet and Savory Side
A sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a quintessential Friendsgiving dish. The combination of sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows creates a side dish that is both sweet and savory, rich and comforting.
Involve Your Friends
Peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes can be a fun task to do with friends. Assign someone the duty of watching and toasting the marshmallows to perfect golden-brown.
Adjust to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust this recipe according to your tastes. You can reduce the sugar for a less sweet version or add some pecans for a crunchy topping.
13. Pecan Pie
A Sweet and Nutty Treat
Pecan pie is a decadent dessert that is sure to be a hit at your Friendsgiving. The rich, sweet filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecans for a delightful end to your meal.
Simplify Your Baking
Baking a pecan pie can be simplified by using a premade pie crust. This lets you focus on the filling, which is the star of the show.
Personalize Your Pie
Feel free to personalize your pecan pie. You could add chocolate chips for a chocolate-pecan variation, or drizzle with caramel sauce for added richness.
14. Pumpkin Soup
A Creamy Starter
Begin your Friendsgiving meal with a creamy pumpkin soup. This warm, comforting dish sets the tone for the feast to come.
Collaborate in Cooking
Preparing the soup can be a collaborative effort. Have one person scoop out the pumpkin while another person handles the blending. This way, you’ll have fun and get the job done.
Tailor to Your Taste
Customize the soup to your liking. You can add some heat with chili flakes, a touch of sweetness with honey, or some cream for extra richness.
15. Caramelized Onion and Bacon Tart
A Decadent Appetizer
Kick off your Friendsgiving with a caramelized onion and bacon tart. This savory appetizer will get everyone’s taste buds ready for the main course.
Enjoy the Cooking Process
Caramelizing onions can be a long process, but doing it with friends makes it enjoyable. Assign the task of frying the bacon to another friend for a smooth cooking process.
Add Your Personal Touch
Feel free to modify this recipe as per your liking. Add some goat cheese for a tangy twist, or try it with different types of onions for a varied flavor profile.
16. Charcuterie Board
A Festive Starter
Start your Friendsgiving with a festive charcuterie board. Filled with a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts, it’s an appetizer that offers something for everyone.
Create Together
Creating a charcuterie board can be a fun activity to do together. Let everyone bring a few of their favorite items to include on the board.
Customize to Your Liking
There are no strict rules when it comes to building a charcuterie board. Include a mix of textures and flavors, and don’t forget some gluten-free and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
17. Pumpkin Roll
A Sweet and Spicy Dessert
The pumpkin roll is a dessert that will make your Friendsgiving meal memorable. Its soft, moist texture, combined with the sweet cream cheese filling, is truly irresistible.
A Collaborative Dessert
Making a pumpkin roll can be a fun and collaborative process. Let your friends help with the rolling and filling, making it a shared experience.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add your own twist to this pumpkin roll. Try adding some chopped nuts to the filling, or spice it up with cardamom or ginger.
18. Mulled Wine
A Cozy Beverage
Mulled wine is a great beverage to serve at your Friendsgiving gathering. The warm, spiced wine will keep everyone cozy and set the mood for a festive evening.
An Interactive Experience
Preparing mulled wine can be an interactive experience. Let everyone smell the spices and taste the wine as it simmers, creating anticipation for the final result.
Customize to Taste
You can customize your mulled wine by using your favorite red wine and adding your preferred spices. Cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks are popular choices, but don’t hesitate to experiment with others. You can also add a splash of brandy or amaretto for extra warmth.
19. Bruschetta
An Italian Staple
Start your meal with a burst of fresh flavors with some classic Italian bruschetta. Crunchy bread slices topped with a mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil – it’s simplicity at its finest.
A Collaborative Prep
Preparing bruschetta is easy and can involve multiple people. Have one person toast the bread while another chops the tomatoes and basil. Making the dish together adds to the fun of Friendsgiving.
Add Your Twist
You can experiment with your bruschetta toppings. Consider adding mozzarella, feta, or prosciutto for added flavors and textures.
20. Butternut Squash Soup
A Comforting Bowl
A velvety butternut squash soup is a great way to start your Friendsgiving meal. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor are a comforting delight for the cold season.
Engage Your Friends
Have your friends help with peeling and chopping the squash, or even roasting the seeds for a crunchy garnish. This way, everyone gets to contribute to the meal.
Customize to Suit
You can add some spice with a dash of chili powder or a hint of sweetness with some maple syrup. Try adding a swirl of cream or some croutons for extra richness and texture.
21. Cheese Fondue
A Sociable Dish
Cheese fondue is not just a delicious dish, it’s also a great way to get everyone involved. Dipping various foods into a communal pot of melted cheese is a fun and social experience.
Involve Everyone
Let everyone choose and bring their favorite foods for dipping. From bread and vegetables to meats and fruits, the possibilities are endless.
Customize Your Fondue
The beauty of cheese fondue is its flexibility. You can experiment with different types of cheeses and add spices like nutmeg or white pepper. A splash of white wine can also add depth to the flavor.
22. Cider Punch
A Festive Drink
No Friendsgiving is complete without a festive drink, and cider punch fits the bill perfectly. The combination of apple cider, sparkling water, and warming spices makes for a delightful and refreshing beverage.
Read also: 22 Eggplant Recipes
Enjoy the Process
Making cider punch is simple and can be done as a group. Let your friends help with the slicing of the apples and oranges and the mixing of the punch.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to modify this recipe to your liking. You could add some bourbon for an alcoholic version or throw in some cranberries for a pop of color and tangy flavor.
23. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
A Luxurious Appetizer
Baked brie with cranberry sauce is a luxuriously creamy and tangy appetizer that’s perfect for a festive occasion like Friendsgiving.
Involve Your Friends
Have your friends help with wrapping the brie in puff pastry and baking it to golden perfection. Someone else can prepare the cranberry sauce for a collaborative cooking experience.
Add Your Personal Touch
Feel free to adjust this recipe to your liking. You could add some nuts or dried fruits to the cranberry sauce for added texture, or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
24. Creamed Spinach
A Creamy Side Dish
Complement your Friendsgiving main course with a side of creamy, comforting spinach. This classic dish, made with fresh spinach leaves, cream, and garlic, is sure to win over even the most avid vegetable skeptics.
A Group Effort
Preparing creamed spinach can be a collaborative effort. While someone is handling the main dish, others can wash, chop, and cook the spinach. This way, everyone has a hand in the meal.
Customizable
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. Consider adding cheese for extra creaminess, or throw in some chopped onions or nutmeg for additional flavor.
25. Mini Cornbread Muffins
A Southern Favorite
Bring a taste of the South to your Friendsgiving table with these mini cornbread muffins. With their light, fluffy texture and slight sweetness, they make the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
A Collective Activity
Making cornbread muffins can be a fun group activity. While one person mixes the batter, another can prepare the muffin tin. Once baked, these mini treats can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven.
Add Your Flavors
Feel free to mix in some extras like jalapenos for heat, cheese for richness, or even some corn kernels for added texture. Cornbread muffins are versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
26. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
A Thanksgiving Classic
No Friendsgiving is complete without a classic stuffing. This version, featuring savory sausage and sweet apples, provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Group Fun
Let your friends help with chopping the ingredients and mixing them together. You can even delegate the job of checking on the stuffing as it bakes to perfection in the oven.
Make It Unique
The beauty of stuffing is that it’s extremely customizable. Swap out the sausage for a vegetarian alternative, use a different type of bread, or experiment with other add-ins such as cranberries, walnuts, or herbs.
27. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A Nutritious Side
Put a healthy twist on a classic side dish with mashed sweet potatoes. High in vitamins and fiber, these are not only tasty but also a great addition to your Friendsgiving spread.
Involve Your Friends
Making mashed sweet potatoes can be a collective effort. While someone peels and chops the potatoes, another can take care of boiling and mashing them. This creates a fun, collaborative cooking experience.
Personalize Your Dish
Customize your mashed sweet potatoes to your liking. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, or some orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
28. Green Beans with Almonds
A Crunchy Side
Add some crunch to your Friendsgiving spread with green beans and almonds. The tender-crisp beans and toasted almonds create a delightful contrast in textures that’s sure to be a hit.
A Shared Task
Involve your friends in the process by having them help with trimming the green beans or toasting the almonds. This makes the cooking process more engaging and fun.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. You could add garlic for a flavor punch, lemon zest for a fresh twist, or even some bacon bits for a savory edge.
29. Spiced Hot Chocolate
A Cozy Beverage
End your Friendsgiving celebration on a warm note with a cup of spiced hot chocolate. The rich chocolate flavor combined with warming spices makes this the perfect drink for a chilly evening.
A Group Effort
Have your friends help with making the hot chocolate. Someone can heat the milk while another mixes in the chocolate and spices. Served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s a comforting treat everyone will love.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this recipe to your preference. You could use dark chocolate for a less sweet version, add a touch of vanilla extract for added flavor, or even spike it with some rum or liqueur for an adults-only version.
Conclusion
I hope list of Friendsgiving recipes inspires you to cook up a storm for your next gathering. These flavorful dishes offer a blend of classic holiday tastes and exciting new culinary explorations, ensuring there’s something to satisfy everyone’s palate. The added opportunity for group cooking further strengthens bonds and creates cherished memories.
Remember, Friendsgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about the shared experience, love, and gratitude that truly flavor these recipes. So, invite your friends over and make your Friendsgiving celebration a gastronomic delight that goes beyond the plate!
