30 Friendsgiving Recipes for a Memorable Meal

Friendsgiving thrives on variety, comfort, and dishes that spark conversation. The recipes below are easy to share, travel well, and fit a range of dietary needs so every guest leaves happy. Mix-and-match the starters, mains, sides, and sweets to build a table that feels abundant without demanding a professional chef’s schedule. Grab your grocery list and get ready to cook up memories.

1. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasting Brussels sprouts in a hot oven caramelizes their edges and tames any bitterness. A quick drizzle of maple syrup near the end adds sweetness that pairs perfectly with smoky bacon. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Serve straight from the sheet pan to keep the bacon crunchy.

2. Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry

Frozen puff pastry turns brie and cranberry sauce into two-bite appetizers that disappear fast. Simply cut pastry squares, press into a mini-muffin tin, add a cube of brie, and bake until puffy. Spoon tart cranberry sauce on top while the cheese is still molten. Garnish with a rosemary leaf for color.

3. Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

This silky soup starts with roasted butternut squash for deep flavor. Purée it with sautéed onions, vegetable broth, and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess without dairy. Fried sage leaves add an earthy crunch that feels special. Serve in small mugs so guests can sip while they mingle.

4. Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread

Pillowy dinner rolls baked close together form a loaf that guests can tear apart effortlessly. Brush each roll with melted butter blended with plenty of minced garlic and mixed herbs. The bread bakes up fragrant, making the whole house smell inviting. Set it in the center of the table as an edible centerpiece.

5. Deviled Eggs with Smoked Paprika

Hard-cooked eggs get a flavor kick from Dijon mustard, mayo, and a touch of pickle brine. Piping the yolk filling looks fancy but takes only a minute with a zip-top bag. A final sprinkle of smoked paprika adds color and subtle smokiness. Make them a day ahead and chill for stress-free serving.

6. Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans & Goat Cheese

Crisp apples and creamy goat cheese balance sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. Toss the greens in a simple maple-mustard vinaigrette just before dinner so they stay perky. The salad’s bright colors break up a plate full of beige holiday staples. It doubles easily for larger groups.

7. Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in the slow cooker keeps the meat moist and frees up oven space. Season with garlic, herbs, and a pat of butter, then let it simmer until tender. Strain the drippings, whisk with flour, and you have instant gravy. Slice just before serving to retain juices.

8. Citrus-Rosemary Spatchcock Chicken

Removing the backbone allows the bird to roast evenly in under an hour. A quick marinade of orange zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and rosemary infuses bright flavor. High oven heat crisps the skin while keeping the meat succulent. It’s a smart alternative if a whole turkey feels like overkill.

9. Honey-Glazed Ham

Pre-cooked hams only need reheating, yet a custom glaze makes them taste homemade. Whisk together honey, Dijon, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush repeatedly during baking for lacquered perfection. Leftover slices work beautifully in next-day sandwiches.

10. Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Earthy lentils, carrots, and mushrooms stand in for meat in this comforting casserole. Simmer the filling with tomato paste, thyme, and veggie broth until thick. Spread creamy mashed potatoes on top and bake until golden. Omni friends won’t miss the lamb at all.

11. Mushroom & Spinach Stuffed Acorn Squash

Roasting acorn squash halves creates a natural edible bowl. Fill them with garlicky mushrooms, wilted spinach, and fluffy quinoa for a well-rounded entrée. A sprinkle of Parmesan and breadcrumbs adds crunch. The presentation earns instant bonus points.

12. Classic Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Swap canned soup for a quick stovetop cream sauce made with mushrooms, garlic, and broth. Blanch fresh green beans so they stay vibrant. Assemble the casserole and bake until bubbly. Crispy fried shallots replace the usual canned onions for fresher flavor.

13. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

Velvety mashed sweet potatoes get a hint of orange juice and warm spices. Instead of marshmallows, a brown-sugar pecan topping bakes into a crunchy crust. The contrast of smooth and crisp keeps each bite interesting. Bake it ahead and warm just before dinner.

14. Cornbread & Sausage Dressing

Start with sturdy day-old cornbread to prevent sogginess. Brown sausage with onions and celery, then fold in the crumbled cornbread and chicken broth. Fresh sage and thyme provide classic holiday aroma. Bake until tops are crusty and centers stay moist.

15. Macaroni & Cheese with Gruyère Crunch

A blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère elevates this childhood favorite. The cheese sauce coats every elbow noodle without feeling heavy. A topping of buttered panko and extra Gruyère forms a crisp lid. Bake until the sides bubble enthusiastically.

16. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Slow-roasting garlic turns it sweet and mellow, perfect for mashing into potatoes. Use Yukon Golds for a naturally buttery texture. Warm milk and sour cream ensure silkiness without lumps. Top with chives for a pop of color.

17. Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries

Toasting the rice in a little olive oil before simmering deepens its nutty taste. Fresh thyme and bay leaf infuse the cooking liquid. Dried cranberries stir in at the end for jewel-like bursts of sweetness. The dish holds up well at room temperature, handy for buffet service.

18. Brown Butter Carrots with Thyme

Browning butter adds toasty notes that make ordinary carrots stand out. Steam or boil until just tender, then finish them in the nutty butter. A pinch of fresh thyme brings subtle earthiness. They reheat beautifully in the microwave if needed.

19. Pomegranate Glazed Salmon

Simmer pomegranate juice with a little honey until syrupy, then brush it over salmon fillets. Baking at high heat locks in moisture while the glaze becomes glossy. The dish offers a welcome lighter option among heavier fare. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for sparkle.

20. Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberries burst as they simmer with orange zest, sugar, and a splash of bourbon. The alcohol cooks off, leaving subtle caramel notes. Make the sauce up to a week early; flavors meld as it chills. Serve cold or at room temperature beside turkey and ham.

21. Pumpkin Risotto

Arborio rice absorbs vegetable broth ladle by ladle, creating its own creaminess. Stir in pureed pumpkin, nutmeg, and Parmesan near the end for autumn flair. A final pat of butter gives extra sheen. Keep the risotto slightly loose so it doesn’t stiffen on the buffet.

22. Maple Cornbread Muffins

These tender muffins combine cornmeal with just enough flour for lift. Maple syrup replaces part of the sugar, adding depth and moisture. Bake in a standard muffin pan for easy portioning. They’re delicious warm with butter or used to mop up sauces.

23. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Dry white wine, apple cider, and a dash of brandy form the base of this crowd-pleasing punch. Floating fruit infuses the drink while acting as a snack. Chill it at least two hours so flavors marry. Set out a ladle and let guests serve themselves.

24. Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Mocktail

Not everyone wants alcohol, so this bubbly option feels just as festive. Mix cranberry juice, ginger beer, and a splash of lime over ice. Top with sparkling water for lively bubbles. It pairs nicely with rich dishes thanks to its tart kick.

25. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Silky pumpkin custard flavored with cinnamon and cloves bakes in a flaky pastry shell. Blind-baking the crust keeps the bottom crisp. Cool the pie completely so slices cut cleanly. A swirl of whipped cream is the only garnish it needs.

26. Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

Chunky apples bake down with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender. The oat-pecan topping crisps up while the fruit softens. Right before serving, pour warm salted caramel sauce over everything. It’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

27. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

A shortbread crust is pressed into a pan, then topped with a gooey chocolate-pecan filling. Baking in bar form means no tricky pie slicing. The bittersweet chocolate keeps sweetness in check. Bars store well for several days, perfect for leftovers.

28. No-Bake Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Crushed gingersnaps and butter form a spicy base that sets in the fridge. The filling blends cream cheese, vanilla, and whipped cream for airy texture. Since it’s no-bake, oven space stays free for other dishes. Chill at least four hours so slices hold their shape.

29. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Swap a second-day slump for comfort by tucking diced turkey, carrots, and peas into a creamy sauce. Store-bought puff pastry makes a flaky lid with minimal effort. Bake until the top is deeply browned and the filling bubbles at the edges. It freezes well for a future cozy night.

30. Make-Ahead Gravy

Good gravy doesn’t have to depend on last-minute drippings. Roast turkey wings with onions and carrots, then simmer with broth to build flavor. Thicken the strained liquid with a roux and stash it in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding pan juices if you have them, for stress-free serving.