85+ Friendsgiving recipes (in a really organized list)

Roast chicken

If your Friendsgiving is on actual Thanksgiving day, and it's a small gathering, you can also roast a chicken. Here's a recipe for herb-butter roasted chicken with a gravy from the pan drippings.

Make it entirely from scratch

Everything is homemade, including the sauce and fried shallots. They can all also be made ahead and assembled the day of, then finished in the oven, even if you bring this for a potluck.

Recipe: Green bean casserole from scratch follow these instructions for make-ahead green bean casserole.

Top with onion rings

This recipe from Simply Scratch walks you through making your own onion rings (pictured), or follow the recipe from Foodie Crush to use frozen. Get a tater tot version recipe from Mom of Timeout.

These are all interesting dishes to bring to dinner.

An umami bomb

These fresh green beans are blanched then sauteed with a miso-tahini sauce on the stovetop. Perfect if your oven is full of other Friendsgiving dishes.

Spice it up

This cajun green bean recipe is made from scratch and cooked entirely on the stovetop. It's spiced with Tony's Cajun Seasoning (worth buying, btw) and smoked paprika.

French onion soup mashup

Instead of mushroom based sauce topped with fried shallots, try making a french onion base and top the casserole with cheese. I can't imagine anyone would miss the traditional casserole. Get the recipe from Domestikated Life.

A healthier version for Friendsgiving

This version from Living Chirpy is fairly traditional, but healthier for two reasons. First, it doesn't have the marshmallows - instead it uses a modest amount of maple syrup. Second, it uses a lot less heavy cream, butter, and milk.

A savory recipe with bacon

The marshmallow topping is replaced with cooked bacon and fried jalapenos in this recipe (similar to French's fried onions). Some of the bacon grease is used to saute shallots that are mixed in with the sweet potatoes.

Sweet potato... souffle!

This butter-pecan sweet potato casserole has a souffle like consistency but is much easier to make. After boiling sweet potatoes, blend them up, then bake in a casserole dish.

Streusel topping

This recipe will still be sweet and a little dessert-like but has a delicious cinnamon streusel topping. The casserole is sweetened with maple syrup.

Traditional, but fancy!

Okay, maybe you don't want to give up that marshmallow topped goodness for your Friendsgiving feast. Impress your friends and make this recipe with toasted maple marshmallows.

Traditional, but stuffed

If you aren't making a lot of sides for your Friendsgiving this year, a baked stuffed potato is a good option because they can be pretty large. This marshmallow topped version is a nice mashup between new and traditional.

Maple cinnamon mashed

If you aren't making mashed potatoes, you have room on your menu for some mashed sweet potatoes. This version sticks with the traditional flavors, using cinnamon and maple syrup.

Add bourbon

If your Friendsgiving is an adult-only dinner party, try this recipe that adds some bourbon. It has similar flavors to the traditional casserole, but with a more sophisticated feel (and... bourbon!)

Let's make it dessert

Whether your serve this recipe during dinner or at dessert, your Friendsgiving guests will be delighted. Roasted sweet potato slices are covered with a homemade meringue and topped with an oatmeal cookie crumble. Sign me up!

Sweet & sophisticated

If you've never roasted grapes, you're missing out. It's one of my favorite fall treats. They work perfectly with the honey & goat cheese topping on these stuffed sweet potatoes. With some cleverness, you could turn this into a casserole too.

Twice baked

These twice baked sweet potatoes are lightly sweetened and then topped with an oatmeal-pecan crumble. They can even be made ahead of time and need about 15-20 minutes to reheat for dinner.

Sweet potato stacks

These sweet potato stacks are baked with butter, a tiny bit of brown sugar, and a whole lot of gouda cheese. The recipe is even make-ahead friendly and a great dish to bring to Friendsgiving (with a quick reheat in their oven).

Scalloped with bacon & gruyere

For another savory version that you can bring to Friendsgiving, make these herb scalloped sweet potatoes with bacon and gruyere cheese. The recipe also has make ahead instructions to save you some time before guests arrive.

Apple cider mashed

Instead of using a bunch of dairy to make mashed sweet potatoes, use apple cider for a perfect fall-themed dish to bring. These apple cider mashed sweet potatoes are also topped with crispy onions.

Made with tahini & a coffee-maple glaze

I saved the most unique Friendsgiving recipe option for last. These mashed sweet potatoes are made with tahini (sesame paste) and then topped with a coffee & maple syrup glaze.

Rosemary mashed Yukon Golds

This mashed potato recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which are between starchy Russets and waxy Reds. They are less likely to turn gluey if overcooked. If you use a potato ricer, you'll also get a perfect texture without needing to peel the potatoes.

Garlic & a hint of horseradish

Garlic mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic, but what if you added in just a little bit of horseradish for a surprise twist. These would pair especially well if you're making a beef roast for dinner.

Boursin mashed & baked

Potatoes are boiled and then mashed with a container of Boursin cheese. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked until toasty. This is a perfect recipe to make ahead (or bring to Friendsgiving), then finish baking for 30-40 minutes before dinner.

Mix in Blue cheese or Gorgonzola

Cheesy mashed potatoes never disappoint, but make it even more interesting with blue cheese (or a milder Gorgonzola). This mashed potato recipe pairs especially well if you're making a lamb or beef roast for dinner.

French onion mashed

This is one of my favorite mashed potato recipe ideas for an adult Friendsgiving, because you can load up on onions (which tend to make kids very unhappy). Caramelize onions on the stovetop for about an hour, and mix into mashed potatoes.

Toasted sesame

Mix toasted sesame oil into your mashed potatoes for a subtle spin on a classic recipe this year. Top with sesame seeds for a pretty presentation. These potatoes will pair great with gravy.

Green Goddess

Packed with herbs, these Green Goddess mashed potatoes turn green. The recipe calls for parsley, chives, and tarragon (slight licorice flavor) - but I'm confident any herb combination will work. They'll hold gravy just the same.

Use purple potatoes

Buy those little purple fingerling-type potatoes at the store (or farmers market) to make some fun-colored mashed potatoes. They are a waxy potato, and if you are worried about over boiling them, you can always steam them instead.

Boiled in white wine

That's right, add some pinot gris or sauvignon blanc to your boiling water so the potatoes absorb some of the flavor. Mix in some goat cheese to pair with the wine flavors, and you have a winning recipe for your Friendsgiving feast.

Load it up!

Okay, these are sort of mashed, but who doesn't love loaded mashed potatoes? This recipe can be made ahead to save you time (and hassle) finishing up the rest of dinner. Simply put it all together, cover it, then bake it before serving.

Roasted with everything bagel seasoning

Crispy, roasted potatoes are hard to pass up for any dinner party. The everything bagel seasoning is always a crowd-pleaser and still goes well with gravy for those who want to smother them!

Roasted with Romesco sauce

If you're willing to make another sauce in addition to gravy for Friendsgiving, try this recipe. Romesco sauce is made from pureeing roasted red peppers and spices and it's quick to make!

Smashed with stout-cheddar sauce

These can be served with dinner or eaten as an appetizer. To make the smashed potatoes, first boil them, then smash, then roast to make them crispy. The cheese sauce cooks on the stovetop in under 10 minutes.

Smashed with spicy guac

These smashed potatoes are more unconventional than the other Friendsgiving recipes, but no less delicious. The guacamole is a nice touch that isn't full of cheese or dairy - your stomach will probably thank you!

Scalloped potatoes

Make scalloped potatoes for Friendsgiving to really treat your guests. Few people make them at home because of the work involved to slice the potatoes thin, make the sauce, and bake. But if you have the time, it will be enjoyed by all!

Hasselback

For most Friendsgiving feasts, a whole potato would be too big of a serving. But if you aren't making a ton of sides, this could be a fun recipe to try. An for what it's worth - the gravy will gladly fall between each and every slice.

Duchess potatoes

Duchess potatoes are f-a-n-c-y, but easier to make than you might think. Yukon Golds are boiled, then mashed. Add a couple eggs and then pipe (or plop) them onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Sourdough & fennel

Let's mix things up right off the bat and use sourdough and fennel in this stuffing recipe. Fennel has a light licorice flavor. Keep the fennel fronds and add them to the top for a pretty presentation when serving.

Use Texas Toast

Big, thick, garlicky Texas Toast is the foundation of this stuffing. It also includes a generous amount of sausage, sure to be a crowd please at your Friendsgiving dinner.

Cornbread with the works

This cornbread stuffing recipe mixes in sausage, apples, pecans, and cranberries. I've made a version of this several times and can never get enough. Personally, I consider leftovers to be a complete meal (carb, meat, veggies and fruit!).

Use croissants!

Go for gold with this herby-mushroom stuffing made with croissants. Their buttery goodness will mix right in with the herbs, kale, and best of all - gruyere cheese. Most stuffings don't pair well with cheese... until this one.

Wild mushrooms

If your group of friends love mushrooms, try this wild mushroom stuffing. You can usually find assorted mushrooms at Whole Foods and Trader Joes, including shiitake, oyster, and sometimes maitake.

Wild rice stuffing

For a change of pace, try this wild rice stuffing. It's bursting with flavor from the combination of mushrooms, cranberries, butternut squash, and pecans. Bonus: leftovers make a full meal!

Port wine & nuts

This port-infused nut stuffing does not hold back. It has four kinds of nuts, sourdough bread, rice, and a ton of herbs (not to mention the wine). A unique recipe for your Friendsgiving menu - that's for sure!

Roasted delicata squash

If you want a really easy, seasonal recipe for Friendsgiving, try roasting delicata squash. They don't need to be peeled (really, it's one of the few!).

Roasted maitake mushrooms

These might be hard to track down, but if you can find them at a farmers market or a Whole Foods, they are deliciously crunchy and salty. Roasted maitake mushrooms easily crisp up in the oven (similar to how broccolini crisps up).

Butternut & apple bake

This vegetable tian recipe uses butternut squash, apples, and fennel mixed with olive oil, then baked. It's easy to make and looks beautiful served on your table.

Broccoli au gratin

That's right, instead of a potato gratin, make it with broccoli. It's flavored with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and mixed with a cheesy sauce then baked. What's not to love?

Brussels sprouts with bacon & maple

This Brussels sprouts recipe first cooks bacon in a pan, then cooks the Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat, then tossed with maple syrup. Get more Brussels sprout recipe ideas or learn how to fix bitter Brussels sprouts.

Rosemary & cinnamon beets

Fresh beets are tossed with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and cinnamon, then baked for an hour. Top with chopped nuts and goat cheese to elevate them even more.

Make a fall salad

Salads add a nice acidity to a dinner that usually rich with dairy and fat. Try this kale & honeycrisp salad, or any number of recipes you come across. If you're bringing it to Friendsgiving, use Pink Lady apples, which are slow to brown even when cut up ahead of time.

With pears

Pears cook down to a soft consistency in this low-sugar pear cranberry sauce. They also add a sweet touch that balances out the tart and bitter flavors of the cranberries - allowing you to use less sugar so more fruit flavor comes through.

With grapes

For an unconventional fruit, add grapes to your cranberry sauce. This recipes roasts them in the oven, and you can serve it warm or toss it into the fridge to serve the next day. If you've never had roasted grapes, you're missing out!

Go floral with hibiscus

Buy some dried hibiscus flowers to make a fun, floral cranberry sauce this year. You should be able to find them at some grocery stores, specialty grocers, and online shops (especially that sell herbs for making tea).

Spiced with jalapenos

Take any cranberry sauce recipe and add in some jalapenos to spice it up. Thanksgiving isn't know for spicy dishes, so it's fun to add it to the menu with a smaller side like this. Looking for a specific recipe to follow - try this one.

Replace sugar with maple syrup

Add some depth to the cranberry sauce with maple syrup. This recipe replaces all of the added sugar with maple syrup and I imagine it's delicious. I might be trying it this year!

Booze it up for Friendsgiving!

I have several boozy recipes for you to try - it's so hard to choose just one. Sake & ginger (pictured), hard cider, or apple and bourbon. Alcohol can amplify some of the natural bitterness in cranberries, but there's ways to fix that.

Pumpkin creme brulee

This pumpkin creme brulee recipe also incorporates some maple syrup and bourbon. You can take it up a notch and torch the top with Wood Fired Maple Sugar from Burlap & Barrel (which I can personally assure you is incredible). Use my link to get $10 off your first order (if you close the signup window, look for the notice at the top of the screen to claim it later).

Pumpkin tiramisu

A pumpkin tiramisu is definitely a fancy Friendsgiving recipe option, but it's arguably easier to make then pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is mixed with whipped mascarpone, then layered with espresso-dipped cookies, and chilled. No baking required.

Pumpkin roll

To make a pumpkin roll like this, you bake cake batter on a large baking sheet so it spreads thin. While still warm, roll it up with a cream cheese frosting, and enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Leveled up pecan pie

This nut tart uses pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts, baked with an orange-infused honey cream filling. Throw some chocolate in for good measure and you have a winning dessert.

Pecan pie cobbler

Forget the pie crust and bake a pecan cobbler. A batter is poured over the pecan pie mixture, topped with extra pecans, and then baked. Definitely worth a spot on your Friendsgiving table.

Pecan pie brownies

The recipe for these brownies is incredible flexible (and easy). Make the brownies from scratch or use a boxed mix if you're short on time, and top with pecan pie filling. A great recipe to bring to Friendsgiving since it can sit on the counter.

A sourdough twist on a classic

If you just can't pass up a classic apple pie, try this sourdough version. The recipe walks you through each step and provides two crust options. One is sourdough and cheddar, and one is regular sourdough.

Apple cider bundt cake

This is an easy apple cake recipe and on the lighter side - you know, in case you had a big meal right beforehand. It also uses no butter or oil, but is still moist and is rated 5 stars. I bet it's incredible with a cup of coffee.

Make some empanadas

These dulce de leche apple empanadas are baked using pie crust. They can be snacked on while you play games after dinner. People can graze when they get snackish instead of waiting on the official dessert serving time.

Nantucket cranberry pie

Skip the cranberry sauce and serve this Nantucket cranberry pie for Friendsgiving. It's like a dense cake, but also a cobbler. The tart cranberries balance the sugary cake and whipped cream.

Cranberry cheesecake

In my opinion, cheesecake is best with a fruit topping. This cranberry cheesecake recipe keeps with the holiday theme - and the tart cranberries cut through the richness of the cheesecake.

Make ahead gravy

This Turkey gravy recipe is made ahead of time without pan drippings. It's flavored with butter and fresh herbs, and thickened with flour so you can control the consistency. Make ⅓ to ⅔ cup per person.

Cider sage gravy

I've made this cider sage gravy in the past and it's as delicious as it sounds. It's seasonal and pairs well with other Friendsgiving recipes, including roasted chicken and pork.

Peppercorn gravy

A peppercorn gravy would be delicious if you're cooking beef, but also just as good on chicken, pork tenderloin, and mashed potatoes. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated on the stove (or kept warm in a crock pot).

Fried sage

Add a plate of fried sage to your dinner table for garnishes on the meat, mashed potatoes, and just about everything. Or crumble it up and put in a cute dish with a spoon. Either way, everyone will be delighted.

Fancy breadcrumbs for crunch

This breadcrumb recipe uses whole grain bread, pecans, pumpkin seeds, rosemary, and butter. Use these to add crunch to the top of mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad.

Rosemary salt

Everyone prefers different salt levels, but often hold back on salting homemade food for fear of offending the host. But if you put out a homemade herb salt, it's not only encouraging, but tasty! When using fresh rosemary, chop it really fine because it's not very chewable.