27 Friendsgiving Food Ideas for 2024

A Friendsgiving feast is a Thanksgiving-inspired meal enjoyed with close friends. And the great thing about it is that there are no rules. While stuffed turkey and mashed potatoes are adored Thanksgiving staples, you do not have to bow to tradition when planning your Friendsgiving menu. It is the perfect occasion to experiment and try out some of these Friendsgiving food ideas. 

Categories:

• Main dish
• Side dishes
• Sauces and dressings
• Pasta
• Desserts 
• Drinks

1. Slow cooker turkey breast

Category: Main dish

If you don’t have the time or energy to cook a whole turkey, why not try slow-cooker turkey breast instead? Cooking your turkey breast in a slow cooker is a clever way to keep the meat moist and tender.

2. Air fryer chicken

Category: Main dish

This might be a controversial one, but if you’re looking for a fast and easy alternative to turkey, consider air fryer chicken. If you’re not sure how to use an air fryer, simply season your chicken, pop it in the air fryer and voilà! You’ll have crispy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. 

3. Mushroom Wellington

Category: Main dish

If you’re looking for a meatless main, a mushroom Wellington is a perfect option. It’s beautiful, delicious, and hearty. Sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and herbs are encased in flaky puff pastry, creating a savory and satisfying centerpiece. Slice it up and serve it with a rich mushroom gravy for a show-stopping main course that will impress your guests, whether they’re vegetarians or not.

4. Bacon-wrapped stuffing

Category: Side dish 

If you are on canapés duty, take your amazing Thanksgiving stuffing recipe to the next level by wrapping it in bacon! Wrap balls of stuffing in a strip of streaky bacon and bake in the oven.

5. Pumpkin hummus

Category: Side dish 

Another super canapé Friendsgiving food idea: Make a Thanksgiving-inspired pumpkin hummus by blending pumpkin puree into your favorite go-to hummus recipe.

6. Hasselback sweet potatoes

Category: Side dish

Take your roasted sweet potatoes to the next level by cutting them in Hasselback style. For extra flavor, brush the Hasselback sweet potatoes with garlic and herb butter before baking them in the oven.

7. Grand Marnier sweet potatoes

Category: Side dish

For a grown-up vegetable dish, candy your sweet potato bake with an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier instead of marshmallows. It’s kind of like a Southern sweet potato casserole recipe with a twist! 

8. Sweet potato and caramelized onion bake

Category: Side dish

For a crowd-pleasing sweet potato dish, make a sweet potato bake with caramelized onion. Layer slices of sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes and caramelized onion in an oven-proof dish. Pour over a cup of cream and bake until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top in the last few minutes of baking time.

9. Brussels sprouts and potato bake

Category: Side dish

For possibly one of the best Friendsgiving side dishes, mix cooked Brussels sprouts and fried bacon into your creamy mashed potatoes. For convenience, you can order ready-made mashed potatoes.

10. Friendsgiving roast vegetables

Category: Side dish

Make a healthfy vegetable side with two Thanksgiving staples: Brussels sprouts and sweet potato. Lightly roast the veggies before arranging them on a salad platter or in a wide bowl. Dress it with a simple sweet and tangy vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, honey and Dijon mustard.

11. Brussels sprouts casserole

Category: Side dish

Make a dreamy, creamy casserole of Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Place your cooked vegetables in a roasting dish and cover with a white sauce like a French-style bechamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle grated Gruyere, Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the top before roasting in the oven.

12. Garlic and brown butter green beans

Category: Side dish

Make a garlicky green bean recipe to add a little more flair to an otherwise boring dish. Fry the steamed beans in browned butter and garlic.

13. Stuffing muffins

Category: Side dish

For the stuffing lovers, use your favorite stuffing recipe to make muffins instead of filling the turkey. Place your stuffing mixture into cupcake liners and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until crisp and golden on top.

14. Festive Brussels sprouts

Category: Side dish

Sauté your Brussels sprouts with toasted walnuts and cranberries or dried cherries for a festive twist on a classic dish. This vibrant combination not only adds color to your table but also infuses the dish with delightful flavors and textures.

15. Pumpkin spice vinaigrette

Category: Sauces and dressings

For a fresh side dish, make a salad with greens, blanched asparagus and steamed green beans. Then make a festive pumpkin spice vinaigrette with pumpkin puree, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey and pumpkin spice. Or if you’re short on time, you can always use a bottled vinaigrette dressing.  

16. Cognac cranberry sauce

Category: Sauces and dressings 

For a flavor-packed cranberry sauce recipe, make it with brown sugar, orange juice, a generous dash of cognac and a few pinches each of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.

17. Pumpkin gnocchi

Category: Pasta

If you have some time on your hands, make gnocchi from scratch. Substitute some of the mashed potatoes in a typical homemade gnocchi recipe with canned pumpkin before forming your gnocchi. Fry the cooked gnocchi in a delicious sauce of butter and chopped sage. Sprinkle toasted, chopped hazelnuts and Parmesan over the top just before serving.

18. Pumpkin ravioli

Category: Pasta

For pumpkin with a twist, pop these pumpkin ravioli in your cart. All you need to do is make a quick sauce to go with it. For an extra bit of deliciousness, you can sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the pasta before serving.

19. Baked mac and cheese

Category: Pasta

It’s impossible to host or attend Friendsgiving without a batch of this baked mac and cheese recipe. The creaminess of the cheese combined with the crispness of the breadcrumbs creates the ultimate comfort food. Try swapping the elbow macaroni for chickpea pasta to cater to all dietary restrictions.

20. Pecan and caramel cheesecake

Category: Dessert

Add a festive touch to your favorite creamy cheesecake recipe. Drizzle the baked cheesecake with salted caramel sauce and roasted pecans. If you are short on time or baking talent, pop a ready-made cheesecake into your Instacart.

21. Bite-size apple pies

Category: Dessert

Make individual apple pies with these ready-to-fill pastry shells. These miniature pies are not only delicious but also perfect for a sweet ending to your Friendsgiving celebration. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

22. Pumpkin spice cookies

Category: Dessert

For an easy, no-bake, bite-size dessert, make a fun spin on pumpkin spice cookies. Dip your favorite cookies in white chocolate or spread it on top and set them aside to firm up. Melt orange candy melts and stir in some pumpkin spice. Drizzle this mixture over your cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

23. Friendsgiving bread and butter pudding

Category: Dessert

Give your favorite bread-and-butter pudding recipe a Thanksgiving twist with the addition of pumpkin puree and spices. Substitute a portion of the milk and cream that makes up your custard with pumpkin puree. Then add half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg and a quarter teaspoon of allspice before pouring it over the bread. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top for extra festive flair!

24. Pumpkin spice lattes

Category: Drinks

Warm up your fall celebration with cozy pumpkin spice lattes. This classic drink blends espresso with creamy milk, pumpkin puree and warm spices like nutmeg. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that perfect autumn vibe.

25. Friendsgiving sangria

Category: Drinks

Add a festive touch to your Friendsgiving celebration with a refreshing sangria! Combine red or white wine with seasonal fruits like apples, oranges and cranberries, and a splash of brandy for a drink that pairs perfectly with all your favorite Friendsgiving food ideas. 

26. Hot toddy

Category: Drinks

A hot toddy is the ultimate comforting drink for chilly gatherings. Made with warm whiskey or rum, honey, lemon and spices, this soothing cocktail is perfect for warming up at your next event.

27. Homemade lemonade

Category: Drinks

Serve up a refreshing homemade lemonade for your gathering. Whether you’re going for a mocktail or cocktail version, simply mix fresh lemon juice, water and sugar, and jazz it up with herbs like mint or a splash of vodka for the grown-up crowd.

Fuss-free Friendsgiving feasting

Thanksgiving falls right between Halloween and Christmas. With all the parties, potluck dinners and family events happening, try some of these Friendsgiving food ideas to simplify your celebration. 

One way to save time and energy is to order your groceries online enabled through Instacart. Select your Friendsgiving feast ingredients from retailers near you. Choose between pickup or delivery to your door within two hours!