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Are you in charge of hosting Friendsgiving this year? Don't panic! To plan a proper feast, there are plenty of Friendsgiving food ideas to try. And think of it this way: You've either got the chance to share some of your family's favorite recipes or invite friends to bring a dish and share theirs, potluck-style. Either way, it's a win-win. Luckily, there are plenty of classic Thanksgiving potluck ideas that will happily feed a smaller crowd on Friendsgiving.
First, no one expects a whole roasted bird so it's much easier to cook turkey in the air fryer or try a different turkey recipe to mix it up. Next, make sure all of the Thanksgiving side dishes get their moment to shine: baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and candied carrots. You'll want to serve a few appetizers (think: small bites, bread basket ideas, and party dips) and a signature drink or two (apple cider cocktails and mocktails, included). And at the very end of dinner, a dessert should make its appearance.
And now's the time to try non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas because, well, it's not the traditional feast. Ask your friends to bring their best Thanksgiving casseroles, a cultural dish they learned to make from their grandparents, or even a TikTok-famous recipe that will get the table talking. The point is to feed your whole crew—might as well have fun while doing it! (Don't forget the Friendsgiving games in between the snacking, too.)
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Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Stacy Allen
Everyone arrives hungry, so here's the perfect welcome snack! This charcuterie board is customizable to guests' preferences. Ours is stocked with deli meats, cheeses, pumpkin hummus, and fresh fall fruits like pears and persimmons.
Looking for a dessert that's seasonal, elegant, and downright satisfying? Put a fun twist on classic tiramisu! Espresso‑soaked ladyfingers are layered with pumpkin-mascarpone filling and topped with crushed gingersnaps.
Everybody loves a cheese ball! This one is coated with pecans, and decorated with cheese straws, crackers, and peppers to resemble the cutest little turkey. It makes for the most celebratory appetizer.
Raise a glass to another year's worth of friendship with a round of these martinis. They're sweet enough to be a drink at the table or the final toast that doubles as dessert.
Though you don't need to serve a whole turkey on Friendsgiving, a roasted turkey breast is a great way to enjoy the holiday staple. It'll be on the table in a fraction of the time!
What's better than mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes that are loaded with bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and potato chips, of course! Everyone will be asking for this casserole recipe.
Why choose between having apples or cranberries for dessert when you can have the best of both worlds in one pie? Serve each slice with a scoop of ice cream for a real triple threat.
With crisp lettuce, tart pickled apples, creamy blue cheese, smoked almonds, and a shaken-up dressing, this salad will brighten up any holiday feast. It will be a complimentary and cleansing bite to all the heavier options.
This quick and easy appetizer is a simple addition to any party. You can even whip it up when unexpected friends show up at the door. They'll love the smooth, creamy texture and crispy pancetta topping!
Not all dips have to be savory. One dunk of a graham cracker in this sweet spread and everyone will be convinced it's the best idea ever. It tastes like pumpkin cheesecake!
This cozy spiced cake is made in a sheet pan so it's perfect for feeding a crowd. It even has a marshmallow creme frosting and chopped pecans for garnish.
A veggie side dish has never looked better! That's especially when it's dressed up with a cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and buttery cracker topping. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
While other butternut squash dishes go the sweet route with a candy-like pecan topping, this one is more savory. It has cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, kale, and crunchy almonds sprinkled on top.
If you like the idea of a charcuterie board but want to make it easier for everyone to grab and go, make these skewers! They're loaded with cheese, meat, and veggies and are super easy to assemble and serve.
Everyone loves cornbread! And this pudding-like casserole is so easy to throw together. You start with boxed corn muffin mix and a few cans of corn. It gets even better with a drizzle of hot honey.
For those who don't love turkey will change their minds when they dig into a slice of this cozy comfort. Plus, meatloaf goes with all the same yummy sides you'd expect like mashed potatoes.
Think you have no time to whip something up? Think again! This three‑ingredient wonder takes a mere ten minutes to make. Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips and you're done.