Friendsgiving marks the beginning of a season filled with delicious food, good company, and gatherings with loved ones. I find joy in hosting Friendsgiving as it allows me to plan the menu and enjoy the company of my closest friends without much stress. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season surrounded by wonderful people. If it’s your first time hosting, I have some useful tips and favorite Friendsgiving recipes to share with you.
First and foremost, it’s essential to create a well-rounded menu and ensure there’s enough food for all guests. A typical Friendsgiving menu consists of 1-2 appetizers, a main dish, 2-3 sides, 1-2 desserts, and beverages of your choice. Depending on the number of guests, you may need to adjust the quantity of food, but this serves as an excellent starting point for meal planning and assigning dishes for guests to bring. When it comes to the main dish, a general rule of thumb is to have 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. If you opt for a different main course, aim for 1-1.5 servings of that dish per person, allowing everyone the option for seconds or leftovers to take home.
To assist you in planning your ideal menu, here are some easy-to-prepare Friendsgiving recipes for appetizers, sides, main dishes, desserts, and cocktails.
Friendsgiving Appetizer Recipes
While finalizing the main course preparations in the kitchen, it’s ideal to have one or two appetizers, with a possible third depending on the number of guests. These appetizers are festive, flavorful, and complement a pre-dinner cocktail perfectly.
Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board
No holiday gathering is complete without a charcuterie board. When assembling your Friendsgiving board, include seasonal ingredients like pecans, apples, cranberries, and figs alongside meats and cheeses for a festive touch.
Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Brie
This pumpkin-shaped baked brie serves as a delightful standalone appetizer or a wonderful addition to your Friendsgiving charcuterie board. It features a classic baked brie recipe with an added step to give it a pumpkin appearance. Pair it with apples or crackers, and top it off with apple butter or pumpkin butter for an extra sweet taste!
Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
While spinach dip is always a hit, these spinach-stuffed mushrooms offer an elevated twist to the classic appetizer. Despite their gourmet appearance, these savory snacks only require about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes in the oven.
Baked Tomato and Goat Cheese Dip
This flavorful dip combines roasted tomatoes, garlic, goat cheese, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Accompany it with toasted crostini or store-bought bagel chips or crackers for a delightful appetizer option.
Friendsgiving Main Recipes
When traditional Thanksgiving dinners come to mind, a large turkey typically takes center stage. However, for Friendsgiving, consider a simpler turkey recipe or explore non-traditional main course options.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This hassle-free turkey recipe eliminates the need for roasting an entire turkey in the oven. The preparation involves seasoning the turkey, followed by placing it in the slow cooker, allowing you to focus on other dishes or enjoy the company of your friends until mealtime.
Roasted Vegetable Butternut Squash Lasagna
For a vegetarian-friendly dish that still captures the essence of the season, opt for this vegetable lasagna featuring peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and butternut squash. Seasoned with a blend of fall spices, this dish offers a subtle sweet flavor to complement the savory vegetables.
Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce
This flavorful pork tenderloin dish is an excellent choice for any dinner gathering, including Friendsgiving. It boasts a rich flavor profile, from the spice rub to the savory glaze and Dijon cream sauce. Despite its gourmet appearance and taste, this dish requires only about an hour to prepare from start to finish.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Cooking turkey in an air fryer significantly reduces preparation time while producing a flavorful dish comparable to oven-roasted turkey. This recipe features common seasonings found in most kitchens, making it a convenient option—just add the turkey and enjoy the results!
Friendsgiving Side Dish Recipes
While the main course is vital, the side dishes often steal the show. Consider these recipes to give classic holiday sides a modern twist.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Revamp Brussels sprouts by roasting them with balsamic vinegar, honey, pecans, and parsley, creating a delightful blend of sweet, crispy, and caramelized flavors.
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
This delectable sweet potato casserole, prepared in a slow cooker, features a flavorful pecan topping made with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and pecans, adding an extra layer of taste to the dish. Utilizing a crockpot frees up oven space for appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Comprising apples, kale, quinoa, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and pecans, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Topped with an apple cider vinaigrette, it delivers a tangy punch.
Friendsgiving Dessert Recipes
Leave room for dessert because no Friendsgiving is complete without a delicious treat. While pie is a staple, here are some simple yet delightful dessert options.
Classic Pumpkin Pie
The timeless pumpkin pie recipe is a must-have at any Friendsgiving. This traditional dessert is easy to make, especially with pre-made crust. Optional garnishes like leftover pie crust leaves and sugared cranberries enhance the pie’s presentation, giving it a bakery-like finish.
Easy Apple Cobbler
Similar to apple crisp in flavor, this apple cobbler features a sweet and fluffy topping, perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Homemade Caramel Apples
Caramel apples not only make a delicious dessert but also serve as a fun activity at Friendsgiving. Create a DIY caramel apple dessert bar with apples, warm caramel for dipping, and an array of toppings like candies, chocolate, and nuts.
Friendsgiving Cocktail Recipes
No Friendsgiving celebration is complete without a seasonally fitting drink to complement the meal. Whether it’s batch cocktails or handcrafted mocktails, these recipes will elevate your Friendsgiving menu.
Chai Espresso Martini
For a perfect after-dinner cocktail, indulge in a Chai Espresso Martini made with homemade chai honey syrup and non-dairy milk, adding a delightful twist to your Friendsgiving drinks.
Honeycrisp Apple Cider Sangria
This apple cider sangria is simple to make and incorporates seasonal ingredients such as apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, Honeycrisp apples, and a spiced honey simple syrup, delivering a delightful blend of autumn flavors.
Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail
For a non-alcoholic batched drink, consider this flavorful Thanksgiving punch made with apple cider, orange juice, fresh fruit, seasonal spices, and ginger ale, creating a festive mocktail option. If desired, offer spiced rum or bourbon for guests looking to add a kick to their drink.
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Embrace the delightful combination of apple and cranberry with this apple cranberry Moscow mule. Crafted with cranberry
