Friendsgiving is all about good food and spending time with your favorite people. Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dish to share, these easy Friendsgiving recipes have something for everyone.
You’ll find classic Thanksgiving sides, hearty casseroles, appetizers, and plenty of desserts. From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy dips to pumpkin pie and apple crisp, there’s no shortage of delicious ideas for your Friendsgiving menu.
How to Plan a Friendsgiving Potluck Menu
Just a little planning keeps your Friendsgiving potluck from turning into five desserts and no mashed potatoes. Here’s how I like to organize Friendsgiving food ideas for a group.
- Start with a simple balance. For 8 to 10 guests, aim for one or two mains (it’s common for the host to take care of the mains), four to six sides, a couple of appetizers, and two or three desserts. A quick group text so everyone can pick a category keeps things even.
- Encourage guests to choose dishes that travel well. Casseroles, dips, and slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese are easy to carry and keep warm. Cold dishes like Pinwheel Sandwiches or a Cheese Ball don’t need any oven time at all, which is helpful on a day when the kitchen is already busy.
- Make ahead when you can. Many of these easy Friendsgiving recipes can be prepped a day early, and no-bake treats like No-Bake Pumpkin Pie free up precious oven space. You’ll be glad to have more time to enjoy your friends.
Ready to start planning? Browse the categories below and pick whatever sounds fun to share.
Stephanie’s Favorite
If there’s one recipe on this list I recommend as a recipe to take to Friendsgiving dinner, it’s my chicken pot pie casserole.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole has a creamy chicken and vegetable filling with fluffy Pillsbury Grands biscuits on top. It has all that familiar pot pie flavor without the fuss of making a pie crust, and it’s ready in 40 minutes.
Easy Friendsgiving Appetizers
Easy Deviled Eggs
These Easy Deviled Eggs have a creamy Dijon filling with just the right amount of tang. I love that they take only 10 minutes when you’ve already got hard-boiled eggs ready to go.
Cheese Ball
Bacon, ranch, and plenty of cheese make this Cheese Ball a party favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and makes enough for 16 friends to enjoy.
Mini Cheeseball Bites
These Mini Cheeseball Bites are fun little party snacks with a creamy center and all sorts of sweet or savory topping options. One batch makes 30, so there’s plenty to share.
Baked Brie with Jam
Be the guest that brings something ‘fancy.’ This Baked Brie with Jam pairs warm, creamy cheese with sweet fruit preserves, and it’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This Spinach Artichoke Dip is thick, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. It’s a warm appetizer that always sounds good when there’s a table full of snacks.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
A little heat, plenty of cheese, and a crispy topping make this Jalapeno Popper Dip especially hard to resist. The bacon adds a salty bite that goes so well with the creamy filling.
Crockpot Meatballs
Just three ingredients give these Crockpot Meatballs their sweet, tangy sauce. I love the combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce, especially for a party appetizer.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
There’s a lot to love about these Bacon Wrapped Smokies. The crispy bacon, little sausages, and sweet brown sugar coating make every bite salty, smoky, and sweet.
Pigs in a Blanket
These Pigs in a Blanket have flaky crescent roll dough, juicy little sausages, and a buttery garlic topping. A batch makes 24, and they only take about 25 minutes.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
The flaky pastry and creamy, (slightly spicy) sausage filling make these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls such a good party snack. Each batch makes 32 little bites, which is handy when you’re bringing a dish for a crowd.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and a honey poppy seed sauce make these Ham and Cheese Sliders especially delicious. They’re hearty enough for hungry guests and ready in about 20 minutes.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
These Pinwheel Sandwiches have a creamy ranch spread and fresh, crunchy vegetables tucked into soft tortillas. I like that they’re a cold appetizer, especially when the rest of the menu is full of warm dishes.
Hanky Panky Appetizers
There’s something fun about bringing an old-fashioned party recipe like these Hanky Panky Appetizers to Friendsgiving. The cheesy sausage and beef mixture on little pieces of rye or pumpernickel bread makes a hearty, savory bite everyone will love.
Easy Friendsgiving Main Dishes
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast is juicy, full of herb flavor, and ready in about an hour. It’s a great option for a smaller Friendsgiving dinner, and makes enough turkey to serve about eight people.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Creamy chicken and savory stuffing make this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole feel right at home on a Friendsgiving table. I especially like that it uses a box of Stove Top stuffing and makes six hearty servings.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
There’s something so satisfying about a big dish of creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. The tender chicken, seasoned rice, and rich sauce make it a filling choice for feeding a group.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole has plenty of creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. I like that the smoky bacon flavor runs through the sauce instead of just sitting on top.
Crack Chicken Casserole
Ranch, bacon, chicken, and plenty of melted cheese make this Crack Chicken Casserole a seriously hearty dish for a crowd. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta, and there’s plenty of chicken, so every scoop has tons of flavor.
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Smoked sausage gives this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole a delicious savory flavor. The tender potatoes and green beans make it a complete meal in one dish, which is especially handy for a casual Friendsgiving.
Cowboy Casserole
This Cowboy Casserole has seasoned ground beef, a creamy filling, lots of cheese, and crispy tater tots on top. It’s a hearty crowd-pleaser with a little kick from the Rotel tomatoes.
Ravioli Lasagna
Frozen cheese ravioli makes this Ravioli Lasagna surprisingly easy, with no boiling or thawing required. You still get layers of pasta, sauce, and bubbling cheese, and one pan serves eight.
Classic Friendsgiving Side Dishes
Stuffing
This homemade Stuffing is full of savory herbs, tender bread, and all those familiar Thanksgiving flavors. Fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme give it a wonderful aroma that makes the whole meal feel special.
Cornbread Dressing
The slightly sweet cornbread and savory herbs make this Cornbread Dressing a delicious Southern-style holiday side. I love the mix of cornbread and French bread, which gives it such a satisfying texture.
Cranberry Sauce
Fresh orange and warm spices give my homemade Cranberry Sauce a bright, sweet-tart flavor. It takes just 25 minutes and makes enough for 10 servings. A true classic that feels special and a bit fancy.
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy Corn Casserole has a soft, moist center and a buttery golden crust. The Jiffy corn muffin mix keeps it ridiculously easy to make.
Southern Corn Casserole
Sweet corn, melted cheddar, and Jiffy corn muffin mix make this Southern Corn Casserole rich and cheesy. It has just six ingredients and makes 10 servings, which is great for a holiday gathering.
Corn Pudding
This old-fashioned Corn Pudding has a soft, creamy texture and a buttery sweetness. It’s a Southern favorite that brings plenty of corn flavor to the Friendsgiving table.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheddar sauce make this Broccoli Rice Casserole especially satisfying. I like that it serves eight and has that familiar cheesy casserole flavor people love.
Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese
This Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese gets its incredibly smooth, creamy sauce from Velveeta and cheddar. The slow cooker makes it a convenient choice when oven space is limited.
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
Three kinds of cheese, tangy sour cream, and a buttery crumb topping make this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese seriously rich. I love the combination of creamy pasta and that golden, crunchy topping.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
The smoky bacon gives this Bacon Mac and Cheese an extra savory bite. It’s loaded with homemade cheese sauce and has plenty of flavor in every forkful.
Shells and Cheese
Small pasta shells hold onto the rich, creamy sauce in my homemade Shells and Cheese recipe. It’s ready in 20 minutes and serves eight hearty servings, which makes it an easy addition to a busy Friendsgiving menu.
Apple Pie Baked Beans
Apple pie filling is the surprise ingredient in these Apple Pie Baked Beans. The sweet apples, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce make an unexpectedly delicious combination.
Easy Friendsgiving Potato Recipes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
My version of Creamy Mashed Potatoes are smooth, fluffy, and wonderfully buttery. I love how rich they taste, especially with a little extra butter melting into the top.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Cream cheese, sour cream, and melted cheese give these Cheesy Mashed Potatoes an extra creamy texture. They’re rich, savory, and make enough for 10 servings.
Mashed Potato Casserole
This Mashed Potato Casserole has all the flavors of a loaded baked potato, including bacon, cheddar, and sour cream. I love the creamy potatoes with those salty bits of bacon mixed throughout.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Frozen hash browns make this Cheesy Potato Casserole especially convenient for a holiday meal. The creamy, cheesy potatoes have a crunchy cornflake topping that makes every serving delicious.
Scalloped Potatoes
These Scalloped Potatoes have tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes covered in a creamy cheddar sauce. The melted cheese between the layers makes them especially rich.
Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
Crispy bacon and plenty of melted cheese make these Bacon Scalloped Potatoes a deliciously indulgent side. The tender potato slices have a creamy sauce, with smoky bacon flavor in every serving.
Smashed Red Potatoes
These Smashed Red Potatoes have crisp, golden edges and soft, fluffy centers. I love the savory herb flavor and all those crunchy little bits around the edges.
Easy Friendsgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole has tender green beans in a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, with crispy fried onions on top. There’s bacon and Parmesan in the sauce, too, giving it plenty of savory flavor.
Smothered Green Beans
A sweet brown sugar glaze and crispy bacon give these Smothered Green Beans their Southern-style flavor. The combination of sweet, salty, and smoky makes them especially tasty.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Fresh green beans, tender baby red potatoes, and smoky bacon make this Green Beans and Potatoes recipe a hearty holiday side. It’s ready in 45 minutes and has plenty of savory flavor from the onions and broth.
Sweet Potato Casserole
The creamy brown sugar sweet potatoes in this Sweet Potato Casserole have a topping of crunchy pecans and sweet marshmallows. I love that combination of soft, buttery potatoes and toasted sweetness.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Maple syrup and cinnamon give this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans its warm holiday flavor. The creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy sugared pecans make such a delicious combination.
Candied Carrots
These Candied Carrots have a glossy brown sugar and honey glaze with just a hint of spice. They’re tender, buttery, and ready in about 25 minutes.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
A buttery brown sugar sauce gives these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots their sweet, rich flavor. I like that they only take 20 minutes, especially when there’s already so much happening in the kitchen.
Roasted Vegetables
The crispy golden edges and balsamic-garlic seasoning make these Roasted Vegetables especially flavorful. The vegetables stay tender in the middle, with just the right amount of caramelization on the outside.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
This Parmesan Roasted Broccoli has a lovely balance of roasted flavor, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon. It takes just 30 minutes, and I love the little bit of heat from the red pepper flakes.
Creamed Spinach
This Creamed Spinach has a silky, rich sauce made with cream cheese and half-and-half. The fresh spinach keeps it tasting bright, and the whole dish takes just 15 minutes.
Scalloped Pineapple
Sweet, tangy pineapple and buttery bread make this Scalloped Pineapple a fun addition to the Friendsgiving table. It has a soft, almost bread-pudding texture with lightly caramelized edges.
Easy Friendsgiving Salads
Broccoli Apple Salad
Crisp apples and crunchy broccoli give this Broccoli Apple Salad a fresh, sweet-and-savory flavor. The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together, and it makes eight servings.
Apple Slaw
This Apple Slaw is crisp, refreshing, and just a little sweet from the fresh apples. The creamy dressing has a nice tang, and one batch makes enough for 10 people.
Pea Salad
This Pea Salad has crisp peas, cubes of cheese, and plenty of smoky bacon in a creamy dressing. It’s an old-fashioned potluck favorite with lots of flavor and crunch.
German Potato Salad
The warm bacon dressing gives this German Potato Salad its delicious tangy flavor. I love how the tender potatoes soak up the dressing, with just a little sweetness balancing out the vinegar.
Macaroni Salad
This Macaroni Salad has a creamy dressing with a little tang and just enough sweetness. The crunchy vegetables and tender pasta make it a familiar favorite for potlucks and family gatherings.
Cranberry Jello Salad
Tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans make this Cranberry Jello Salad a fun holiday favorite. It has a bright, fruity flavor and makes enough for 10 servings.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
There’s no lettuce in this Strawberry Pretzel Salad, just layers of sweet strawberry Jello, creamy filling, and a salty pretzel crust. I love that sweet-and-salty combination, especially with the crunchy base.
Watergate Salad
This fluffy Watergate Salad has a sweet pistachio flavor and a light, creamy texture. It’s a fun old-fashioned dessert salad that takes just 10 minutes to put together.
Easy Friendsgiving Breads
Dinner Rolls
These homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of buttery flavor. One batch makes 20 rolls, so there’s plenty for everyone at the table.
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives give these Bacon Cheddar Biscuits plenty of savory flavor. The buttery herb topping makes them especially delicious, and they’re ready in about 26 minutes.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
This Pull-Apart Garlic Bread has soft, fluffy bread with plenty of garlic butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. I love how every piece gets a little of that rich, garlicky flavor.
Easy Friendsgiving Desserts
Pumpkin Pie
This classic Pumpkin Pie has a creamy, warmly spiced filling and a buttery, flaky crust. I love that it starts with a premade pie crust, so there’s no need to fuss with homemade pastry.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
These Mini Pumpkin Pies have creamy pumpkin filling, warm spices, and buttery little crusts. One batch makes 54 bite-sized pies, which is perfect for a big Friendsgiving dessert table.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie has a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake-style layer, and a fluffy pumpkin filling. I love that it doesn’t need the oven, especially when there’s a whole holiday dinner to prepare.
Pecan Pie
The rich, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans make this Pecan Pie a holiday favorite. It has a beautiful glossy top and a filling that holds together nicely when sliced.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake has a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a gooey pecan filling. It’s rich, nutty, and absolutely packed with holiday flavor.
Pumpkin Roll
The soft pumpkin cake and sweet cream cheese filling make this Pumpkin Roll a beautiful holiday dessert. I love the pretty swirl in every slice, especially with a little powdered sugar on top.
Pumpkin Delight
This Pumpkin Delight has a crunchy pecan and graham cracker crust with layers of fluffy pumpkin and cream cheese filling. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and makes nine generous servings.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
A box of spice cake mix makes this Pumpkin Dump Cake especially easy. The creamy pumpkin filling, buttery topping, and crunchy pecans make it a delicious fall dessert.
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
Warm cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping make this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp a cozy fall favorite. I love the contrast between the soft, tender apples and the golden, crunchy topping.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This Caramel Apple Dump Cake starts with cake mix and takes only about 10 minutes of prep. It’s full of sweet apple and caramel flavor, and one pan serves 12 people.
Pecan Dump Cake
A box of cake mix makes this Pecan Dump Cake surprisingly simple, with just 10 minutes of prep. The soft, gooey pecan filling and buttery golden topping make it wonderfully rich.
Chocolate Lasagna
This Chocolate Lasagna has an Oreo cookie crust with creamy layers of chocolate pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping. It’s a cool, chocolatey dessert that makes 12 servings.
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