Friendsgiving Menu Ideas: Easy Dishes for Your Friend Feast

Friendsgiving brings the warmth of Thanksgiving together with the fun, casual vibe of gathering with your chosen family. Whether you're hosting a potluck or cooking everything yourself, this guide provides menu ideas perfect for a relaxed, festive celebration with friends.

From creative twists on classics to easy make-ahead dishes and potluck-friendly options, we'll help you plan a Friendsgiving that's all about good food, great friends, and zero stress.

What Makes Friendsgiving Different

More Casual:

• Less formal than family Thanksgiving
• Experimental dishes welcome
• Mix of traditional and creative
• Relaxed dress code

Potluck-Friendly:

• Everyone brings something
• Shared responsibility
• Variety of dishes
• Lower cost per person

Creative Freedom:

• Try new recipes
• Non-traditional flavors okay
• Themed menus work
• Dietary preferences easier to accommodate

Flexible Timing:

• Weekend before Thanksgiving
• Lunch or dinner works
• Can be shorter or longer
• No family traditions to follow

Potluck Coordination Strategy

Host Provides:

• Turkey or main protein
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Beverages
• Table settings

Guests Bring:

• Side dishes (assigned)
• Desserts
• Appetizers
• Wine or beer

Coordination Tools:

• Create shared Google Doc or spreadsheet
• Assign categories to avoid duplicates
• Note dietary restrictions
• Include reheating instructions needed

Fun Friendsgiving Themes

Taco Thanksgiving:

• Turkey tacos
• Cranberry salsa
• Sweet potato nachos
• Pumpkin churros

Southern Comfort:

• Fried turkey
• Mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Sweet tea
• Pecan pie

Pizza Party Thanksgiving:

• Thanksgiving pizza with all the toppings
• Various pizza flavors
• Simple sides
• Fun and casual

International Fusion:

• Korean BBQ turkey
• Italian stuffing with sausage
• Mexican street corn
• Thai-inspired salad

Easy Main Dishes

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Easier than whole turkey, perfect for smaller groups.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (6-7 lbs)
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter with chopped herbs and garlic
2. Rub under and over turkey skin
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Roast at 350°F for 1.5-2 hours
5. Internal temp 165°F

Advantages:

• Cooks faster than whole turkey
• All white meat for white meat lovers
• Easier to carve Serves: 8-10

2. Slow Cooker Pulled Turkey

Set it and forget it turkey option.

Ingredients:

• 6 lbs turkey thighs
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Onion, celery, carrots
• Herbs and seasonings
• Slider buns

Instructions:

1. Place turkey and vegetables in slow cooker
2. Add broth and seasonings
3. Cook on low 6-8 hours
4. Shred meat
5. Serve on slider buns with gravy

Potluck perfect: Easy to transport No oven needed: Frees up space

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Budget-friendly alternative to turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic, lemon, herbs
• Root vegetables

Instructions:

1. Arrange chicken and vegetables on sheet pan
2. Drizzle with olive oil, season
3. Roast at 425°F for 35-40 minutes

Easy: One-pan meal Affordable: Much cheaper than turkey Serves: 10-12

4. Vegetarian Wellington

Impressive meatless centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• Puff pastry
• Mushrooms, spinach, nuts
• Cheese
• Herbs

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, spinach, nuts
2. Season well
3. Wrap in puff pastry
4. Bake until golden

Vegetarian: Satisfies non-meat eaters Elegant: Looks impressive

5. Honey-Glazed Ham

Easy, crowd-pleasing protein.

Ingredients:

• Pre-cooked spiral ham
• Brown sugar and honey glaze
• Mustard
• Cloves

Instructions:

1. Score ham
2. Brush with glaze
3. Bake at 325°F until heated through
4. Glaze every 15 minutes

Simple: Minimal prep Delicious: Sweet and savory

For more easy main dishes, see our easy dinner ideas.

Creative Side Dishes

6. Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Bar

Interactive sweet potato station.

Base:

• Mashed sweet potatoes

Toppings:

• Marshmallows
• Pecans
• Brown sugar
• Bacon bits
• Cinnamon butter

Setup:

• Warm sweet potatoes in serving dish
• Arrange toppings in small bowls
• Let guests customize

Interactive: Fun and customizable Potluck: Easy for guests to bring toppings

7. Mac and Cheese Three Ways

Comfort food elevated.

Classic:

• Sharp cheddar
• Creamy sauce

Bacon Ranch:

• Bacon, ranch seasoning
• Cheddar and mozzarella

Buffalo Chicken:

• Shredded chicken
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese

Instructions:

• Make large batch of base mac and cheese
• Divide into three pans
• Mix in different flavors
• Bake until bubbly

Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves mac and cheese Variety: Three options in one

8. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Even brussels sprout haters love these.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• Balsamic vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast Brussels sprouts at 425°F for 25 minutes
2. Cook bacon until crispy
3. Mix balsamic and maple syrup
4. Toss everything together

Converts skeptics: Delicious flavor Make-ahead: Reheat before serving

9. Cranberry Brie Bites

Elegant appetizer in phyllo cups.

Ingredients:

• Mini phyllo cups
• Brie, cubed
• Cranberry sauce
• Pecans
• Fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Place brie cube in each phyllo cup
2. Top with spoonful cranberry sauce
3. Add pecan piece
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes
5. Garnish with thyme

Easy: Minimal prep Impressive: Looks fancy Make-ahead: Assemble hours before baking

10. Cornbread Stuffing Muffins

Individual portions, easy serving.

Ingredients:

• Crumbled cornbread
• Sausage
• Celery, onion
• Chicken broth
• Eggs, butter

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients
2. Fill muffin tins
3. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes

Portion control: One per person Crispy: More edges than traditional stuffing Potluck: Easy to transport

Fun Twists on Classics

11. Mashed Potato Bar

Interactive, customizable side station.

Base:

• Classic mashed potatoes (keep warm in slow cooker)

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Bacon bits
• Sour cream
• Chives
• Gravy
• Caramelized onions
• Ranch seasoning

Setup:

• Label each topping
• Provide serving spoons
• Keep potatoes warm

Interactive: Guests build their own Accommodating: Everyone gets what they want

12. Green Bean Casserole Cups

Individual servings with crispy topping.

Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Cream of mushroom soup
• French fried onions
• Muffin tin

Instructions:

1. Mix green beans and soup
2. Fill muffin cups
3. Top with fried onions
4. Bake until bubbly

Portion control: One per person Crispy: More fried onions per serving

13. Cranberry Sauce Variations

Offer three different flavors.

Classic:

• Cranberries, sugar, orange juice

Spiced:

• Add cinnamon, cloves, ginger

Boozy:

• Add red wine or bourbon

Instructions:

• Make three small batches
• Label each flavor
• Let guests choose

Easy: All made same way Variety: Something for everyone

Shareable Appetizers

14. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Turkey-themed grazing board.

Components:

• Sliced turkey and ham
• Cheese variety
• Crackers
• Grapes, figs, dried cranberries
• Nuts
• Olives
• Cranberry sauce (for dipping)
• Honey

Arrangement:

• Create turkey shape with ingredients (optional)
• Provide small plates and napkins
• Let guests graze

Easy: No cooking required Impressive: Looks amazing

15. Pigs in a Blanket (Thanksgiving Style)

Mini sausages wrapped in crescent dough.

Variations:

• Classic cocktail sausages
• With cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning on top

Instructions:

1. Wrap sausages in crescent dough triangles
2. Brush with egg wash
3. Sprinkle with seasonings
4. Bake until golden

Kid-friendly: Appeals to all ages Easy: Simple to make in bulk

Dessert Ideas

16. Pie Bar

Multiple pie flavors, small slices.

Offer:

• Pumpkin pie
• Apple pie
• Pecan pie
• Chocolate cream pie

Setup:

• Pre-slice all pies
• Provide small plates
• Whipped cream station
• Let guests try multiple flavors

Potluck perfect: Everyone brings a pie Variety: Something for all tastes

17. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Easy dessert with graham crackers and cookies.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth
2. Mix in remaining ingredients
3. Chill 2 hours
4. Serve with graham crackers, gingersnaps, apple slices

No-bake: Easy dessert Make-ahead: Better after sitting

18. Apple Crisp

Warm, comforting, crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups sliced apples
• Cinnamon, nutmeg
• Oat crumble topping
• Butter, brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Toss apples with spices
2. Make crumble topping
3. Top apples with crumble
4. Bake until bubbly
5. Serve with ice cream

Easier than pie: No crust needed Serves a crowd: Stretch with ice cream

Drink Ideas

19. Friendsgiving Punch

Large-batch cocktail for easy serving.

Fall Punch:

• Apple cider
• Ginger beer
• Bourbon
• Cinnamon sticks
• Apple slices

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in large dispenser
2. Add ice
3. Let guests serve themselves

Easy: Make once, serve all night Festive: Looks and tastes seasonal

20. Hot Chocolate Bar

Cozy after-dinner treat.

Base:

• Hot chocolate

Toppings:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Peppermint sticks
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate shavings
• Cinnamon sticks

Setup:

• Keep hot chocolate warm in slow cooker
• Arrange toppings in small bowls
• Provide mugs and spoons

Dessert drink: Fun ending to meal

Planning Timeline

2 Weeks Before:

• Set date, send invitations
• Create potluck sign-up sheet
• Plan menu for dishes you're making

1 Week Before:

• Confirm headcount and dietary needs
• Shop for non-perishables
• Order turkey or main protein

3 Days Before:

• Make cranberry sauce
• Bake pies
• Prep casseroles (don't bake)

1 Day Before:

• Shop for fresh items
• Prep vegetables
• Set up serving areas
• Chill beverages

Day Of - Morning:

• Start turkey or main dish
• Bake casseroles
• Set up appetizer area
• Create drink station

Day Of - 1 Hour Before:

• Reheat sides as guests arrive with dishes
• Final table setup
• Put out appetizers

For more party planning, see our holiday meal prep tips.

Potluck Success Tips

Communication:

• Clear assignments
• Share timing (when to arrive)
• Reheating needs
• Serving dish provided or needed

Oven Space:

• Coordinate who needs oven
• Stagger baking times
• Have slow cooker available
• Some dishes room temperature okay

Serving:

• Provide labels for dishes
• Note allergens
• Keep dietary options separate
• Have serving utensils ready

Budget-Friendly Friendsgiving

Save Money:

• Potluck style splits costs
• Skip expensive decorations
• Use what you have for serving dishes
• BYOB for alcohol
• Simple desserts

Cost Breakdown (Host Portion):

• Turkey: £25-35
• Sides: £20-30
• Drinks: £20-25
• Total: £65-90 for hosting 12-15 people

For more budget tips, see our budget meal prep guide.

Games and Activities

Before Dinner:

• Gratitude jar (write what you're thankful for)
• Thanksgiving trivia
• Cornhole or yard games
• Music playlist of everyone's favorites

During Dinner:

• Go around table sharing funny stories
• Friendsgiving bingo
• Toast tradition

After Dinner:

• Board games
• Movie marathon
• Bonfire (weather permitting)
• Photo booth area

The Bottom Line

Friendsgiving is about celebrating chosen family with good food and zero pressure. Whether you go traditional, creative, or somewhere in between, the goal is connection, not perfection.

Choose a manageable menu, leverage potluck contributions, prep what you can ahead, and focus on enjoying time with your friends. The best Friendsgivings happen when everyone relaxes and has fun.

Start with 3-4 recipes from this guide, coordinate potluck assignments, and create your own Friendsgiving tradition with your friend group.

For more entertaining ideas, explore our easy dinner ideas and make-ahead meals.

Happy Friendsgiving!