Friendsgiving is all about coming together with your loved ones to share gratitude — and delicious food. Whether you’re hosting or attending a potluck, the right dish can elevate the celebration. These 10 recipes, from creative spins on classics to bold new ideas, will ensure your Friendsgiving is festive and flavorful.
Roasted Honey-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a delicious makeover when roasted to crispy perfection with a drizzle of honey and bacon, transforming them into an irresistible side dish that even the most reluctant veggie eater could not resist. Lightly coat the greens with honey, olive oil and seasoning before popping them into the oven to roast.
As the brussels sprouts roast, scatter chopped bacon bits throughout to give the dish a smoky, salty flavor. The combination of the sweet-sticky honey and rich-crunchy bacon makes this dish always a standout. These will be gone in no time!
What you need: Brussels sprouts, bacon, honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper
Bruschetta
A timeless favorite, bruschetta brings fresh and vibrant flavors to the Friendsgiving smorgasbord. You can dice ripe tomatoes or seek a pre-made bruschetta spread (I’m a fan of the Trader Joe’s one), spreading it over some toasted bread (optionally smothered in this garlic dip). The crispy bread adds crunch to the tangy and juicy tomato mixture. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, ideal for people to munch on.
What you need: Baguette, cherry tomatoes or pre-mixed bruschetta spread, garlic, basil
Pozole
For a chilly evening, this hearty Mexican soup will warm you and your friends right up. Pozole is a rich, flavorful broth made with hominy, pork and a combination of chilies that bring a heat to the dish. It’s the perfect comfort food to serve as the weather turns cooler, and the best part is, it’s easy to make in large batches, perfect for a potluck or large group. Top it off with some fresh ingredients like lime wedges, cilantro and radishes for an extra zing. This deeply satisfying dish will keep everyone cozy and content.
What you need: Pork shoulder, pork broth, white hominy (dried corn kernels), garlic cloves, ancho chilies, chili powder, oregano
Maple-Roasted Carrots
Sweet maple syrup and tender carrots make the perfect autumn duo. Along with the sweet glaze, toss the carrots in other savory spices to add an earthy dimension to the veggies. Roasting the carrots for about 20 minutes brings out their natural sweetness, making it a simple dish to prepare but one that is packed with flavors. Add a sprinkle of thyme on top, and you have a gorgeous, light plate that complements heavier dishes.
What you need: Rainbow carrots, maple syrup or honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme or rosemary
Cajun Turkey Wings
These Cajun turkey wings are a twist on the classic Thanksgiving bird. With a smoky, sharp Cajun seasoning blend, these wings will pack a punch with a combination of savory spices. As the wings roast, they will become wonderfully crispy on the outside while maintaining tender meat. These wings are perfect for those who crave something with a kick, moving beyond the traditional turkey to something exciting and full of character. You can serve it with a cooling dipping sauce to offset the heat.
What you need: Turkey, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, olive oil
Cheesy Potato Bake
Perhaps the most simple dish on this list, a cheesy potato bake is also one of the most comforting. This dish combines layers of sliced potatoes with cheese, milk and seasonings of your choice. Want to spice things up? Add chili oil crunch.
The beauty of this dish is in its ability to balance simplicity and indulgence. The cheese melts through the crevices of each layer, while a golden-brown crust forms on top. Whether you use fancy Gruyère, cheddar or a combination, you can serve it to nothing short of approval.
What you need: Potatoes, milk, cheese
Paella
Bring a little flair to Friendsgiving with a one-pot Spanish wonder. Paella features a bed of saffron rice that soaks the aromatic flavors of a savory broth, creating a flavorful base that creates a crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan known as the socarrat. In the dish is a combination of seafood, chicken and vegetables. It’s a force visually while also being incredibly flexible, in terms of adding or substituting proteins. The dish feels both casual and elegant, making it an ideal centerpiece at the table.
What you need: Saffron rice, boneless chicken breast, chicken stock, shrimp, chorizo, bell pepper, parsley, olive oil, onions, garlic
Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with some butternut squash. The squash adds a velvety, sweeter taste that makes the dish even more smooth. Top it off with some toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch that contrasts the cream. It’s simple, quick and bursting with fall flavors.
What you need: Butternut squash, pasta, (a lot of) cheese — cheddar, Gruyère, gouda —, breadcrumbs
Peking Duck
Move over, turkey — there’s a new star at the Friendsgiving table. Peking duck is an absolute showstopper with its perfectly crispy skin, tender meat and savory flavor. Traditionally served with a hoisin sauce and sliced scallions sandwiched in a soft bao bun, this dish can bring a bold twist to your holiday spread. You can easily find all ingredients at local Asian markets like H Mart or 99 Ranch Market. If you’re short on time, consider pre-cooked duck from a Chinese restaurant — no need to worry about marinating and roasting. Either way, this impressive dish will elevate your celebrations and leave people wanting more.
What you need: Peking duck, hoisin or oyster sauce, green scallions, bao buns
Layered Pumpkin Panna Cotta
If you have a few extra hours before the function, this panna cotta is the way to spend it. The elegant Italian dessert is a perfect blend of richness and seasonal flavor. It stacks two layers on top of each other: the silky, pumpkin-spice and the vanilla base. It’s beautiful and has a wonderful flavor balance, too. You don’t need to bake anything or use any heat.
What you need: Heavy cream, sugar, gelatin, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice