35 Easy Friendsgiving Food Ideas for 2024
Searching for some easy-to-make and super delicious Friendsgiving food ideas? If so, this guide is a must-read, featuring a hand-picked selection of the finest Friendsgiving menu inspiration to make your gathering unforgettable.
From appetizers and mains to sides and drinks, this list of simple Friendsgiving food ideas has everything you need for a complete holiday feast. There are old favorites along with a few fresh additions and delicious reimaginings of the classics, including turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.
You can share these ideas with your pals or use them to construct your own Friendsgiving menu. Everyone’s holiday is unique but no matter how you celebrate, these easy Friendsgiving food ideas mean that the whole gang can get in on the fun.
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35 Great Friendsgiving Menu Ideas
1. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
A classic pecan pie with the unmistakable fall flavor of pumpkin spice? It’s no wonder this pumpkin pecan pie has the top spot in our list of Friendsgiving food ideas. Combining two of the most-loved Thanksgiving desserts, you’ll keep all your guests happy with this delicious treat.
Cooking Time: 2 hours, including baking
Number of Steps: 13
2. Vegan Stuffing
This effortless vegan stuffing means that no one has to miss out on the best Friendsgiving food ideas. It features sourdough bread, Brussels sprouts and aromatic herbs. This is also a great dish to make from scratch or use up leftovers from another Thanksgiving meal.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of Steps: 9 steps
3. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is another classic Thanksgiving food and is a great addition to your Friendsgiving table. If you don’t have a family recipe to whip up, this keto-friendly green bean casserole is a great option. It features a thick mushroom sauce and salty bacon, both of which complement the green beans perfectly.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Number of Steps: 7
4. Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes
A brilliant accompaniment to other Friendsgiving food ideas on this list, brown sugar sweet potatoes have a fall-inspired richness from the addition of maple syrup and butter. If you have vegan guests, you can adjust this dish to suit everyone by using plant-based butter.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Number of Steps: 7
5. Green Bean Almondine
Not a fan of green bean casserole? Instead, opt to elevate the humble green bean by combining it with caramelized onions and toasted sliced almonds. Green bean almondine is quick to make and easy to scale up, making it one of our top Friendsgiving potluck ideas if you’re attending a large get-together.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Number of Steps: 10
6. Sausage Stuffing
Along with the turkey, stuffing is an essential food to bring to Friendsgiving. This sausage stuffing offers a unique twist to classic sage and onion. It’s made even more delectable with the addition of cornbread cubes which will perfectly soak up any gravy left on your plate.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of Steps: 10
7. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Turn the comfort food classic of macaroni and cheese into a more sophisticated and very seasonal Friendsgiving food by adding an autumnal, butternut squash twist. This butternut squash mac and cheese is so good that you’ll want to add it to your list of regular dinner party ideas no matter the time of year!
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Number of Steps: 15
8. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Put a new update on traditional Friendsgiving potluck ideas with this spicy and creamy cranberry jalapeño dip. You can serve it with chips, breadsticks, vegetables or smokies (appearing later in our list of Friendsgiving food ideas). If you have a mix of guests, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
While this recipe uses fresh cranberries to make a cranberry sauce, you could use jarred cranberry sauce if needed — a great way to use up an open jar from a family Thanksgiving meal if you’re celebrating Friendsgiving after the official holiday.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Number of Steps: 10
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Fragrant and full of warming fall spices, pumpkin cheesecake bars are a brilliant combination of pumpkin pie and cheesecake and also happen to be one of the most crowd-pleasing Friendsgiving food ideas. If you want to cut down the spice, you can substitute the ginger snaps for graham crackers.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Number of Steps: 13
10. Cranberry Brie Bites
If you’re looking for appetizer Friendsgiving menu ideas, cranberry and brie bites really fit the bill. They’re a fantastic party food and are quick to make using frozen puff pastry. This recipe also features a unique twist, topping each bit off with chopped pistachios for a hint of crunch.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Number of Steps: 11
11. Sweet Potato Cornbread
This innovative take on a classic cornbread is slightly sweet and lightly spiced with traditional fall flavors. Making sweet potato cornbread is one of our favorite Friendsgiving food ideas because it’s very simple to put together and the quantity can easily be increased if you’re serving a big group.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Steps: 7
12. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Cinnamon and apples are the best of culinary friends, so it’s only right that they made it onto our list of the top Friendsgiving food ideas. Whipping up a cinnamon roll apple pie adds an extra treat by combining pre-made (or homemade if you like) cinnamon rolls with a rich apple filling and a buttery pie crust to make a sweet and sticky pudding that will have everyone coming back for seconds. For extra convenience, a pre-bought pie crust works well too.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of Steps: 11
13. Candied Carrots
Tell yams to move over because there’s a new vegetable side in town: candied carrots. These spruced-up veggies are one of our top Friendsgiving food ideas due to their delicious taste and ease of preparation. Candied carrots also make a brilliant companion to the rich savory flavors of the stars of the show like turkey and mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Number of Steps: 5
14. Turkey Legs
A whole roasted turkey can be a bit overwhelming to cook and you may be stuck with lots of leftovers if you’re a smaller group. However, you can enjoy classic turkey on a smaller scale by serving turkey legs. The seasoning and brining take a little bit of time but it’s definitely worth it. And, as a bonus, there’s no fighting over the drumsticks!
Cooking Time: 33 hours, most of which is brining and cooking
Number of Steps: 7
15. Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
If you’re looking for flavorful and speedy Friendsgiving food ideas then this is the dish for you. Crispy Parmesan-crusted potatoes look impressive but are quick to make as microwaving the potatoes cuts down on cooking time.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Steps: 8
16. Pumpkin Butter
If you were given the task of bringing dinner rolls to your Friendsgiving meal then why not add a little extra spice by whipping up a jar of pumpkin butter? One of the more unique Friendsgiving food ideas, it also works as a cute thank-you gift for the host if not hosting yourself. It’s straightforward to make and transforms your bread rolls from a humble sidekick into a main event.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Number of Steps: 8
17. Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream
As a Thanksgiving essential, mashed potatoes had to make it onto our list of Friendsgiving food ideas. But these aren’t any plain spuds! Mashed potatoes with sour cream are taken up a notch by mixing the potatoes with both butter and tangy sour cream. Finish the dish with a heaping mix-in of scallions. You can cook your potatoes ahead of time and then microwave them before adding the cream and seasonings when you’re ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Steps: 4
18. Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Gravy is a Friendsgiving necessity and opting to bring vegan mushroom gravy is a great way to make sure everyone is included in the deliciousness. One of our top vegan Thanksgiving recipes, it’s full of rich umami flavors and goes very well with our vegan stuffing recipe above.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Number of Steps: 6
19. Black Bean Hummus
When it comes to Friendsgiving food ideas, you want something that’s quick to make and won’t keep you slaving over a hot stove on the day. Black bean hummus does just that as it keeps in the fridge for several days. It’s a real crowd-pleasing appetizer and is completely vegan too.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Number of Steps: 5
20. Apple Cranberry Sauce
No Friendsgiving meal would be complete without liberal spoonfuls of cranberry sauce to accompany your main meal. To boost the traditional version a little, try an apple cranberry sauce. It has a delicious kick from fresh apples and uses only five ingredients, so is another of many low-hassle Friendsgiving food ideas on our list.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Number of Steps: 4
21. Prosecco Mimosa
Not all of our Friendsgiving food ideas are food; there are also some excellent drink ideas to make your meal spread more elevated and memorable. Get the Friendsgiving party started as soon as your guests arrive by serving up flutes of festive prosecco mimosa made from just two ingredients — prosecco and orange juice.
This specific recipe features orange juice ice cubes which keep the drinks cool and add a hint of orange juice with each sip but feel free to simply mix the two straight from the fridge. If you’re feeling creative, you can add an extra touch, such as a little edible glitter or a splash of pomegranate cordial.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (once the juice is frozen)
Number of Steps: 3
22. Chocolate Chess Pie
Some of the gang like brownies and some like pie. How do you choose between them when you’re narrowing down your Friendsgiving food ideas? Answer: you don’t. You opt instead for this chocolate chess pie that’s a heavenly combo of gooey brownie and crisp pastry.
Cooking Time: 4 hours 15 minutes, including baking time
Number of Steps: 15
23. Vegan Pot Pie
This rich and comforting vegan pot pie is the perfect choice of food to bring to Friendsgiving. Suitable for vegans but loved by all, it’s a brilliant substitute for, or in addition to, turkey.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of Steps: 9
24. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
There’s always room for dessert at Friendsgiving, especially when it’s one (or two, it is a holiday after all) of these caramel apple cheesecake bars. A real hit among our Friendsgiving food ideas, these bars combine the fall flavor of apples with a satisfying cheesecake base.
Cooking Time: 5 hours 55 minutes, most of which is chilling time
Number of Steps: 15
25. Totchos
Totchos, or tater tot nachos, are a fun and innovative spin on classic nachos and one of the best Friendsgiving food ideas to have ready when everyone arrives. Best of all, you can customize them to suit your gang completely or even put out a selection of toppings for your guests to load up the tater tots with.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Number of Steps: 8
26. Turkey Burger Bites
Forget spending all day roasting a turkey, these burger bites are a fab alternative and a speedy dish when you’re seeking Friendsgiving food ideas. Made with ground turkey, they offer a unique twist to your meal and are a great choice if everyone has had a full turkey at an early family event. Don’t want more turkey? Use ground beef instead to make a more classic burger bite.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Number of Steps: 10
27. Dirty Shirley Temple
Even if you’ve curated a selection of the best wine for Thanksgiving to serve, it never hurts to have a few cocktails up your sleeve on the day. This Dirty Shirley Temple is a grown-up take on the classic mocktail but can be easily made non-alcoholic if you have little ones at your dinner.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Number of Steps: 5
28. Pull Apart Bread
Break bread with your nearest and dearest by cooking a loaf of this deliciously cheesy pull-apart bread. It’s a terrific Friendsgiving food idea as it’s made from a pre-bought loaf, saving you valuable time on the day. If your gang doesn't like sourdough, you can change to a different loaf — just make sure not to skimp on the salted butter.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Number of Steps: 11
29. S’mores Dip
If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert among these Friendsgiving potluck ideas, then stop right there — s’mores dip is it! It’s made with gooey chocolate and unctuous marshmallow which is scooped up using sweet toasted tortilla chips or just stick to classic graham crackers. It’s messy, fun and superb for a shared celebration.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Number of Steps: 10
30. Potato Salad With Bacon
Sides can be an afterthought when it comes to Friendsgiving food ideas but not this one. This German-inspired potato salad with bacon features crispy bacon, sliced green onions and a tangy vinaigrette which makes it an excellent add-on to the main dishes.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Number of Steps: 7
31. Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These bacon-wrapped smokies three ways are one of the best finger foods to put out before the main meal or can work as an added meaty side. Your friends will be able to choose between plain smokies wrapped in bacon or those coated with a teriyaki glaze or barbecue jalapeño sauce. They’re a brilliant addition to our list of Friendsgiving food ideas as it’s very easy to make a big batch before the day. You can also personalize the recipes to suit your group’s tastes.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Steps: 16
32. Hawaiian Mac Salad
Everybody loves a pasta salad and this Hawaiian mac salad makes a great addition to any list of Friendsgiving food ideas. Super simple and hassle-free to make, this is a knockout side dish for any table.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Number of Steps: 4
33. Pumpkin Pie Cookie
Pumpkin pies in miniature? Sounds ‘gourd’ to us! These bite-sized pumpkin pie cookies are infused with a warming spice and make the ultimate end to a Friendsgiving feast.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of Steps: 12
34. Jalapeño Poppers
Whether you want to have snacks on hand to nourish kitchen helpers or you’re looking for snack inspiration while watching Thanksgiving football, these keto jalapeño poppers are a quick and spicy addition to our list of Friendsgiving food ideas. Featuring a garlic cream cheese filling and a bacon coating, they go super with any of the cocktails mentioned on this Friendsgiving food ideas list and are sure to be a hit if added to a potluck table.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Steps: 8
35. Pomegranate Martini
Toast everyone’s health with a round of festive pomegranate martinis. Another non-food item in our list of Friendsgiving food ideas, the ruby red color of these cocktails makes them an eye-catching addition to the table. The sweet flavor also makes them a good choice for pre or post-dinner drinks.
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Number of Steps: 6
Elevate Friendsgiving With Culinary Experiences
Friendsgiving is a special celebration and a time for rest and relaxation. However, we appreciate it can also be stressful, as you try to make sure that everyone is catered for. Cooking classes near you can help to provide you with technical know-how, and some handy hints and tips, to effortlessly make your own Friendsgiving food ideas and holiday classics.
You’ll learn skills in a relaxed environment from a pro chef so, when it comes to the big day, you’ll be ready for anything. There’s also a range of online cooking classes that allow you to benefit from chef instruction while using your own kitchen and equipment.
If you fancy taking a complete break from cooking this year, talented private chefs near you can make a stunning multi-course in your home. Hiring a private chef is simple and ultra-convenient and means that you all have to think about enjoying the Friendsgiving celebrations with your loved ones.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. It’s a chance to share good times and great food with family and friends who are like family. A potluck-style meal means that everyone can contribute and no one has to spend the day in the kitchen.
Our Friendsgiving food ideas can give you everything you need to plan your complete meal. Start with a few appetizers and move on to a smorgasbord of mains and sides. Don’t forget a drink to toast the day too. With these simple-to-follow recipes, that can be easily adapted to suit larger groups and different tastes, you’ll find that this is really a Friendsgiving to remember.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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