Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to come together with your closest friends and create special new traditions. Whether you want to reimagine Thanksgiving on your own terms or simply appreciate quality time with friends, Friendsgiving allows you to celebrate gratitude in a way that is uniquely yours.

With Friendsgiving fast approaching, now is the moment to start planning a heartfelt Friendsgiving gathering. But what exactly should you serve at this special feast? To take the hassle off hosts, most Friendsgivings are celebrated potluck style, with guests bringing a variety of delicious dishes to pass. To inspire your menu, here are 25 crowd-pleasing Friendsgiving food ideas. From easy appetizers to hearty main dishes and festive desserts, these recipes are sure to be new favorites.

Main Courses

Here are some great main courses for Friendsgiving that serve as alternatives to the classic turkey or put a unique spin on it. There are also vegetarian options for guests who do not eat meat or anyone else who would like to try it. Consider how many main courses are necessary based on the amount of people that are attending and remember to delegate certain people to each dish.

• Turkey Meatballs: A twist on the traditional turkey, served as bite-sized meatballs with cranberry dipping sauce
• Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast: This is a juicy and flavorful alternative to a whole turkey for those who prefer white meat or want some tradition without the hassle; perfect for smaller gatherings
• Maple Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory entrée that is traditional and perfect for groups to enjoy
• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, and veggies that are tantalizing both to the eye and the appetite
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: Another vegetarian option bursting with flavor that includes quinoa, baby spinach, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, dried sage, salt, and pepper all stuffed in squash 
• Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: A flavor-filled main course that is easier to prepare than a whole turkey 

Vegetable Sides/Appetizers

These next Friendsgiving food ideas present an interesting way to prepare healthy side dishes. They all involve taking typical vegetables and enhancing them with signature Thanksgiving flavors.

• Honey Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots tossed in a honey glaze for a touch of sweetness
• Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad: Fresh greens mixed with apples, cranberries, and nuts, topped with a vinaigrette
• Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A flavorful and healthy side dish
• Pumpkin Soup: Creamy and flavorful, a perfect appetizer for the occasion

Classic Sides

You can never go wrong with whipping out the classics when planning a Friendsgiving dinner. These sides are perfect for those who want to keep some of the tradition within their celebration. Recipes for these sides are also easily accessible. Or try adding your spin to them.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic
• Cornbread Stuffing: A southern twist on traditional stuffing
• Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, a comforting favorite
• Sourdough Bread Rolls: Homemade rolls are always a hit
• Collard Greens and Ham: A classic side that emits hearty, healthy, and homey flavors 
• Green Bean Casserole: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser

Sweet Side Dishes/Desserts

Do not forget dessert for your Friendsgiving food ideas. The Thanksgiving season is the time to bring out all the autumnal flavors like pumpkin, pecans, and apples. Try creating either one of these bite-sized treats or a whole dish to add some sweetness to your meal.

• Cranberry Orange Relish: A zesty side that complements many dishes
• Pecan Pie Bars: All the deliciousness of pecan pie in a handheld bar form
• Apple Crisp: Warm, spiced apples with a crispy topping
• Pumpkin Cheesecake: Creamy, indulgent and perfect for the season
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A simple yet elegant dessert option
• Cranberry Brie Bites: Little bites of puff pastry topped with brie and cranberry sauce
• Sweet Potato Casserole: With marshmallow or pecan topping, it’s a sweet delight

Drinks

Typical drinks like sweet tea or apple/other fruit juice pair great with all these Friendsgiving food ideas, but here are two options for when you want to step it up a bit. Consider fall-infused wine for an all-adults event, or go with good ol’ apple cider for non-drinkers.

• Mulled Wine: Warm and spiced, perfect for a cozy gathering
• Caramel Apple Cider: A sweet and comforting non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink option

If you like these Friendsgiving food ideas and are looking for a good recipe, consider checking out food blogger Meiko Temple’s blog “Meiko and the Dish,” where she and 18 other Black food bloggers put together a list of the best recipes for Friendsgiving food ideas. Many of them align with or are similar to the ideas above.