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Friendsgiving Menu & Gathering Ideas

This isn’t any ordinary Friendsgiving menu with recipe suggestions but a collection of hand-selected dishes and tips to help you, the host, put on a heart-warming feast with your closest friends and loved ones. 

If you’ve been browsing the internet for delicious ideas to make without the hassle of an actual Thanksgiving dinner- your search is over. I’ve got just the resources you’re looking for and more. 

table set for Friendsgiving dinner

What is Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is almost like a pre-game to the big day and includes friends, loveable neighbors, favorite coworkers, and people you wouldn’t normally see at your family’s celebration. Basically, it’s a chance to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort foods in a more relaxed environment with friends.

Best Friendsgiving Recipes

No need to prepare two full-out Thanksgiving meals in one month. Since it’s just you and the crew, the best Friendsgiving recipes are crowd-pleasing options that aren’t complicated or time-consuming to prepare. 

No need to overthink or do all the cooking yourself; a Friendsgiving menu is meant to be shared with the group. 

A good menu plan would be a couple of appetizers, one or two main courses, three to four sides, and two desserts. 

Lay out which/how many dishes you want for the meal, fill in the ones you plan to prepare, then share the rest of the list with your group. 

This way, everyone can sign up for the dish they’d like to bring or make a suggestion. It’s an excellent opportunity to try new things and possibly discover new favorite recipes. 

Laura serving Friendsgiving dinner

Friendsgiving Appetizers

Let’s kick things off with some mouthwatering recipes the crowd will love.
Any of these options will be a great start to the meal or end up on the main course plate, right next to the turkey- I’m looking at you Spinach Hummus Dip!

Greek hummus nacho platter with feta, chopped veggies, olives and pita bread

Greek Nachos

A gorgeous display of hummus and yummy toppings for your Friendsgiving table.

Make this recipe
spinach balls on a plate with ranch dressing

Baked Spinach Balls

With parmesan and Italian breadcrumb base, your friends will rave over this spinach-based recipe!

Make this recipe
three classic deviled eggs in a row

Classic Deviled Eggs

Everyone has that one friend who can eat an entire tray of these. Make extra!

Make this recipe
Cheddar Bacon Deviled Eggs | Do you have a favorite deviled egg recipe that you think it's genius and worth sharing?

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Plan on making extra deviled eggs? Toss in some bacon bits and watch the crowd go wild.

Make this recipe
These Fiesta Deviled Eggs were inspired by my love for taco night!

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

For those Friendsgiving guests who love deviled eggs and guacamole.

Make this recipe
large bowl of healthy hummus buffalo chicken dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This game-day dip has a secret ingredient that makes it the first thing to go at holiday gatherings.

Make this recipe

Friendsgiving Main Courses

The neat part about Friendsgiving is you can make whatever main course you desire. Since most of the crew will be going to a Thanksgiving celebration with a turkey, why not switch it up for this occasion? 

This could be roasted chicken leg quarters with my homemade turkey rub or a gorgeous pork loin roast. You could even go completely off the wall and whip up a pot of New Orleans-style gumbo- your guests will never forget that meal! 

baked whole chicken on a platter on top of roasted vegetables

Whole Roasted Chicken

If you don’t feel like roasting an entire turkey, try a whole chicken. It’s elegant, simple, and with my recipe- easy!

Make this recipe
chicken leg quarter on a plate with tomatoes and green beans

Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

The juiciest roasted chicken of your life! This makes a fabulous Friendsgiving main course for smaller crowds.

Make this recipe
large bowl of chicken sausage gumbo with rice

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

If you’re open to new and different things, a big pot of homemade Chicken & Sausage Gumbo will become a Friendsgiving tradition for your group.

Make this recipe
brown sugar and dijon pork roast with sweet potatoes and carrots

Brown Sugar Dijon Pork Roast

want to forgo the poultry for a different protein? This pork roast is an impressive dish and tastes just as good as it looks. Perfect for medium to large crowds.

Make this recipe

Friendsgiving Sides

It’s no secret that the sides are the most beloved part of Thanksgiving, and once a year isn’t enough- here’s your chance to get a double dose of your favorite dishes this holiday season.

large dish of cornbread stuffing

Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

Make this and you’ll be the favorite of all your Friendsgiving attendees.

Make this recipe
large serving bowl of sausage apple stuffing

Sausage Apple Stuffing with Cranberries

One bite and even the corn-bread stuffing lovers will fall in love.

Make this recipe
Creamy Southern Mashed Potatoes are the perfect Holiday side dish.

Southern Mashed Potatoes

A classic recipe that belongs on the table of your feast!

Make this recipe
part of a baking sheet filled with chopped beets, butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts, all roasted.

Roasted Fall Vegetables

The easiest way to make everyone at the table fall in love with veggies.

Make this recipe
large bowl of orange juice cranberry sauce

Orange Juice Cranberry Sauce

All I can say is, be prepared to share this recipe with your friends!

Make this recipe
roasted sweet potato stacks in a glass baking dish

Sweet Potato Stacks

Layered with a brown-butter and grated Parmesan cheese, this is a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes.

Make this recipe
plate of roasted parsnips

Roasted Parsnips

This recipe is a little sneaky. It looks average, but the caramelized edges and flavor will have your Friendsgiving peeps competing for the last few pieces.

Make this recipe
Large winter salad in a bowl

Winter Salad

The best way to amp up a side salad? Top with tender roasted veggies and a sweet-tangy Dijon vinaigrette.

Make this recipe
popover being held over a muffin tin

Easy Popovers

Perfect to sop up the last few drops of gravy or soup. Warning: these will be the first to go.

Make this recipe
Overhead photo of roasted cauliflower soup topped with cauliflower florets

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Soup lovers will rejoice over the rich flavors of curry spice and roasted cauliflower.

Make this recipe
large bowl of orange colored spiced butternut squash soup

Chai Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

A beautiful addition to any Friendsgiving table- bonus points for topping it with crème fraîche.

Make this recipe
large white bowl of parmesan polenta

Creamy Polenta

Trying new recipes to serve to your friends can be dangerous unless it’s this Parmesan polenta.

Make this recipe

Best Desserts for Friendsgiving

No Friendsgiving is complete without a few desserts, and this is a perfect time to indulge in some different ideas you may not see on a usual Thanksgiving spread.

From frozen treats to baking goods- any of these options would be the cherry on top of a successful meal!

pumpkin cookies on a cooling rack frosted with cream cheese icing

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are chocked full of tangy cranberries and toasted walnuts.

Make this recipe

Frozen Pumpkin Pie

Why do we love this option? It can be made ahead and kept in the freezer until your guests arrive.

Make this recipe
pumpkin swirl brownies being cut into large pieces

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

Pumpkin and chocolate lovers rejoice! We have an option for you.

Make this recipe

Mini Apple Pies

For those friends who only want a bite or two of dessert.

Make this recipe
sliced apples with cinnamon on a roasting pan

Roasted Cinnamon Apples

P-E-R-F-E-C-T over vanilla ice cream or a slice of plain cheesecake.

Make this recipe
fudgy brownies, cut into squares

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

A square of the chocolatiest, fudgiest brownie makes a spectacular dessert. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for optimal enjoyment.

Make this recipe

Hosting Friendsgiving

Hosting a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving party of any size can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.

Not only do you want to choose the right recipes, but there’s also the unnerving idea of fitting everything in one oven or feeling lost when it comes to cooking all. That. Food.

Been there, done that.

And it’s the reason why I created an entire menu and guide to help anyone master the art of hosting a Thanksgiving, or in this case, a Friendsgiving feast.

In my Thanksgiving Meal Plan, you will find various recipes for every course with directions and tips so anyone can prepare them with delicious results.

It gets better- the meal prep guide directs you step-by-step on which elements to prepare ahead and how to organize the oven the morning of the big day, so every dish is hot and ready to serve when guests arrive.

Grab your copy so you can host this Friendsgiving like a pro! 

Thanksgiving Dinner Meal Plan & Guide

Inside this eBook, you’ll find 23 Thanksgiving recipes for easy entertaining. PLUS, done-for-you daily holiday prep, helpful kitchen notes, and hour-by-hour timing instructions for Thanksgiving day.

This digital download is like hiring a kitchen assistant to plan out an incredibly delicious menu for your family.

thanksgiving menu in ipad
I Need This!

More Best Of

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  • Peach Breakfast Recipes
  • Vegetable Side Dishes
  • Savory Breakfast Ideas

Reader Interactions

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  1. Sarah

    November 21, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    My most memorable thanksgiving was ten years ago now. Our first born was just three months old and the family thought we should host since our new apartment was so spacious. I remember feeling nervous, it would be my first thanksgiving for so many things. The house was filled with love and laughter and I was so happy to have my own little family. I will never forget that thanksgiving :-).

    Reply
  2. Sandra D.

    November 21, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    My most memorable Thanksgiving was when we smoked our first turkey. It was delicious! We cook it that way every year now.

    Reply
  3. Amy Wahl

    November 21, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    I always watched the Macy’s Day parade on tv and would call my grandma to talk about each float.

    Reply
  4. Kathy Coy

    November 21, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    My most memorable Thanksgivings were when I was younger and we would go out to my grandma’s where all the cousins came and we played all day long and had wonderful food.

    Reply
  5. Marion

    November 21, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Helping my mom in the kitchen, making pies and gravy. I know do this with my little ones passing on the traditions and recipes.

    Reply
  6. Be

    November 21, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Just participated in the 2nd annual Friendsgiving last week…I think it’s great to spend time with friends that we wouldn’t typically see around the table and share in laughter. Truly thankful for the group of friends that I have and to get the opportunity to share a holiday with them.

    Reply
  7. Melissa

    November 21, 2017 at 3:28 am

    I just love cooking, eating, and spending time with my family.

    Reply
  8. Melissa

    November 20, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    Thanksgiving has always been a small affair, mostly because the family is small.

    Reply
  9. Melanie

    November 20, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I am the baker in the family. Every year I love going to my Parents home and getting to bake pies and make my favorite salads and side dishes. Last year I completely flopped on the pie crust! It was as if I had never made a crust in my life and I have been doing this since I was a teenager, I’m older than 38 but younger than 42. At least the inside was very nummy! I always make extra crust for my Mom to use later when I’m not around. She did. I had forgotten to throw the horrible failed crust away and she made pie with it but couldn’t figure out why She was struggling with it, lol. The occasion was for my Aunt and Uncle. At least, they enjoyed sharing stories of all of their kid’s, collectively, and The Not So Joys of Cooking food that they have had to eat. Well, this year my Mom has already bought costco pies. I am thankful that I can safely travel and not need to be anxious about pies. Are they going to let me in the kitchen at all? Lol. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  10. Erin

    November 20, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Our tradition is to keep a thankfulness calendar the whole month of November. We always do something different every year for Thanksgiving Day but the calendar is something all 6 of us share and I keep them to look back on years past.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      November 21, 2017 at 11:58 am

      I love this tradition!

      Reply
  11. Sadia Mustofa

    November 20, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Every year we cook a whole chicken for Thanksgiving instead of Turkey. I help my mom out making the other dishes and at the end of the day, my grandmother and my aunt and uncle and cousin come over to my house. I remember how there were so many leftovers, that I’d take some of it to school for lunch in my pyrex container.

    Reply
  12. Meshia Horn

    November 20, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    I love Thanksgiving. It’s a great holiday to spend with the ones you love. I enjoy eating with my family and catching up on old times. I love seeing the kids gather and play.

    Reply
  13. Claudia

    November 20, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    I love my husband’s stuffing! I need to learn how to make it 🙂

    Reply
  14. Candy Conrad

    November 20, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    Love all your recipes Laura!
    The past couple of years we have gone to our friends’ ranch for Thanksgiving. Everyone brings their horses and a dish to share. We ride in the morning and then eat! It’s a lot of fun!

    Reply
  15. Angie

    November 20, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    My favorite tradition is each having the opportunity to put into words what we are grateful for! This tradition started as I child and now as a mom, with children of my own, it feels my soul to hear my kids express gratitude for family, friends, good food and so many other heartwarming sediments.

    Reply
  16. latanya

    November 20, 2017 at 1:28 pm

    each year, everyone gets to say what they are thankful for and it is special to me because it helps to show what other things I can be thankful for.

    Reply
  17. Amy J.

    November 20, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    My family always invited “strays” to join us for dinner. I didn’t realize til the kids started asking this year, but apparently watching the parade has become an important tradition to the them :).

    Reply
  18. Faith M

    November 20, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Favorite tradition was watching the parade in the morning and then after eating watching movies.

    Reply
  19. Lisa

    November 20, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    Now that my two eldest are in college, I love having them home for the holidays and sharing our day with their girlfriends.

    Reply
  20. Talia B

    November 20, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I have a thankfulness journal. Each year I write down what everyone is thankful for and go back and read the best from previous years.

    Reply
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