37 Friendsgiving Food Ideas for 2025
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 recipes. It is the perfect occasion to experiment and try out some of these Friendsgiving food ideas.
Categories:
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.
Grab it now on Instacart
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. Herby lamb
Category: Main dish
Lamb may be underrated as a holiday dish in North America, but it is popular in many regions worldwide and deserves a spot at the table. If you’re looking for a low-stress, flavorful holiday meal, try slow-cooking lamb with rosemary, garlic and a splash of red wine. For a traditional take, serve it with a mint sauce, like in this herb-crusted lamb breast with mint sauce recipe.
5. Butternut squash risotto
Category: Main dish
Butternut squash is deliciously versatile and makes a satisfying meat-free main or side dish. Prepare it in a risotto so you can cook it ahead, giving yourself more time to relax and socialize on the day. If you’re reheating the risotto before serving, add about ¼ cup of broth or water for every cup of risotto. This restores moisture to prevent a gluey texture
6. 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! Form the stuffing into bite-sized balls, then wrap each one in a strip of streaky bacon before baking until crispy.
7. 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. Serve with crackers or a sliced baguette for a tasty appetizer.
8. Hasselback sweet potatoes
Category: Side dish
Elevate roasted sweet potatoes 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.
9. 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!
10. Sweet potato and caramelized onion bake
Category: Side dish
Need a crowd-pleasing sweet potato dish? Try a sweet potato and caramelized onion bake. Layer slices of sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes and caramelized onion in an oven-safe dish. Pour in a cup of cream and bake until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top in the last few minutes of baking time.
11. Brussels sprouts and bacon mash
Category: Side dish
For possibly one of the best Friendsgiving dishes, mix cooked Brussels sprouts and fried bacon into your creamy mashed potatoes. For convenience, you can order ready-made mashed potatoes.
12. Friendsgiving roast vegetables
Category: Side dish
Create a healthy vegetable side with two Thanksgiving staples: Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Lightly roast the veggies before arranging them on a salad platter or in a wide bowl. Dress them with a simple sweet-and-tangy vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, honey and Dijon mustard.
13. Brussels sprouts casserole
Category: Side dish
Make a dreamy, creamy casserole featuring Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Place your cooked vegetables in a roasting dish and cover them with a white sauce, such as a French-style béchamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle grated Gruyere, Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top before roasting in the oven.
14. Garlic and brown butter green beans
Category: Side dish
Whip up a garlicky green bean recipe that adds a little more flair to an otherwise boring dish. Sauté the steamed beans in browned butter and garlic.
15. Stuffing muffins
Category: Side dish
For the stuffing lovers, use your favorite stuffing recipe to make muffins instead of filling the turkey. Spoon your stuffing mixture into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are crisp and golden.
16. Festive Brussels sprouts
Category: Side dish
Sauté Brussels sprouts with toasted walnuts and cranberries or dried cherries for a festive twist on a classic side dish. This vibrant combination not only adds color to your table, but also infuses the dish with delightful flavors and textures.
17. Kale salad with cranberries and almonds
Category: Side dish
Salads are much-appreciated lighter dishes among the typically heavy holiday favorites. This kale salad with cranberries and almonds provides a pop of color to the table while maintaining a minimal ingredient list. Leftover turkey can also be added for a light, protein-packed meal the next day.
18. Air-fryer potatoes
Category: Side dish
The humble potato is one of the most versatile vegetables on any Friendsgiving menu. Toss them in the air fryer for a quick, low-fuss dish with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. Try making roasted potatoes, Parmesan potatoes or even baked potatoes in your air fryer to complement your turkey and trimmings.
19. Creamy corn casserole
Category: Side dish
For a super-easy side dish that even a novice cook could manage, try a creamy corn casserole. This rich dish comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and bakes in about 45 minutes. Use low-fat cream cheese and milk to lighten it up.
20. Cranberry whipped feta dip
Category: Side dishes
Prepare the perfect holiday-themed appetizer with a delicious whipped feta dip. Top it with cranberry compote or homemade cranberry sauce and serve with sliced bread, vegetables or crackers for a satisfying snack.
21. Cheesy sausage balls
Category: Side dish
File this one under “easy appetizers” — you can truly pull off this recipe at the last minute if you find yourself in a pinch. Cheesy sausage balls are great as a Friendsgiving appetizer or side. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice for extra flavor and fun.
22. Pumpkin spice vinaigrette
Category: Sauces and dressings
For a fresh side dish, toss together greens, blanched asparagus and steamed green beans. Then top with a festive pumpkin-spice vinaigrette made from pumpkin puree, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey and pumpkin spice. If you’re short on time, you can always use a bottled vinaigrette dressing.
23. Cognac cranberry sauce
Category: Sauces and dressings
Want a flavorful take on a traditional cranberry sauce recipe? Make it with brown sugar, orange juice, a generous splash of cognac and a few pinches of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.
24. Pumpkin gnocchi
Category: Pasta
If you have some time on your hands, make gnocchi from scratch. Substitute some of the mashed potatoes in a classic homemade gnocchi recipe with canned pumpkin before forming your gnocchi. Fry the cooked gnocchi in a delicious butter and sage sauce. Sprinkle toasted, chopped hazelnuts and Parmesan over the top just before serving.
25. Pumpkin ravioli
Category: Pasta
If you prefer a simpler Friendsgiving pasta dish, add some pumpkin ravioli to your cart. All you need to do is make a quick sauce to go with it. For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the pasta before serving.
26. Baked mac and cheese
Category: Pasta
No Friendsgiving is complete without a batch of this baked mac and cheese. The creamy cheese combined with the crispy breadcrumbs creates the ultimate comfort food. Try swapping the elbow macaroni for chickpea pasta to cater to certain dietary restrictions.
27. Pecan and caramel cheesecake
Category: Dessert
Add a seasonal twist 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 skills, add a ready-made cheesecake to your Instacart order.
28. Bite-sized apple pies
Category: Dessert
Make individual apple pies using ready-to-fill pastry shells. These miniature pies are not only delicious but also perfect for a sweet ending to your Friendsgiving. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
29. Pumpkin spice cookies
Category: Dessert
For an easy, no-bake, bite-sized dessert, try a fun spin on pumpkin spice cookies. Dip your favorite cookies in white chocolate or spread it on top and let them set. Melt orange candy melts, stir in pumpkin spice seasoning and drizzle the mixture over your cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
30. Friendsgiving bread and butter pudding
Category: Dessert
Give your favorite bread-and-butter pudding recipe a Thanksgiving twist with pumpkin puree and spices. Substitute a portion of the milk and cream in your custard with pumpkin puree. Then add ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of allspice before pouring the mixture over the bread. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top for extra holiday flair!
31. Pumpkin pie
Category: Dessert
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving tradition and remains delicious for a few days if you’re looking for something leftover-proof. This pumpkin pie recipe uses a pre-made crust for simplicity, but feel free to make it with your homemade crust. If you prefer fresh pumpkin over canned pumpkin, roast and puree a sugar pumpkin for this recipe.
32. Buttery pecan pie bars
Category: Dessert
Pairing a crumbly shortbread base with a rich pecan filling, these buttery pecan pie bars are sure to be a hit on the dessert table. The bars are generally served cool, so you can bake them a day before your gathering. To make them gluten-free, make a 1:1 switch from regular flour to gluten-free flour.
33. 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.
34. Friendsgiving sangria
Category: Drinks
Add a festive touch to your celebration with a refreshing sangria! Combine red or white wine with seasonal fruits like apples, oranges and cranberries — plus a splash of brandy — for a drink that pairs perfectly with all your favorite Friendsgiving food ideas.
35. Hot toddy
Category: Drinks
A hot toddy is the ultimate comforting drink. Made with warm whiskey or rum, honey, lemon and spices, this soothing cocktail will keep you toasty at any chilly outdoor gathering.
36. Homemade lemonade
Category: Drinks
Serve a refreshing homemade lemonade at Friendsgiving. 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-ups.
37. Spiced apple cider
Category: Drinks
This fall classic beverage goes down well in cold weather. Make spiced apple cider and serve it hot to Friendsgiving guests. For those who want an extra kick, add a splash of rum, bourbon or brandy.
Fuss-free Friendsgiving feasting
The holidays can be chaotic, with lots of cooking, gift-giving and event planning. Given all the parties, potluck dinners and family events happening, try some of these Friendsgiving food ideas to simplify your celebration.
Save time and energy by ordering your groceries online through Instacart. Select your Friendsgiving feast ingredients from retailers near you. Choose between pickup or delivery to your door within two hours!
37 Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Ingredients
Mel Hull
Author
Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
