Friendsgiving is less formal than the big family meal - it's about everyone bringing something easy that travels well. Here's a mix of appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks from my own recipe box that are perfect for a potluck-style gathering with friends.
Appetizers
Easy Holiday Charcuterie Board
A build-your-own board of cheese, cured meats, and fruit that takes zero cooking — good for a potluck where you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive.
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Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Travels well and reheats easily, which makes it a solid pick for a dish you're bringing to someone else's kitchen.
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Baked Cream Cheese Dip With Jalapenos
A make-ahead dip you can bake right before you leave, then serve warm at the gathering.
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Spicy Deviled Eggs
Easy to transport in a covered container and always gone within the first ten minutes.
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Cheesy Sheet Pan Nachos
A fun, casual appetizer that fits the lower-key vibe of a Friendsgiving better than a formal spread.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A make ahead cheese ball rolled in chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Set it out with crackers and it holds up on the table all afternoon.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Spinach Artichoke Dip
The creamy, cheesy baked dip that is always the first thing gone at a party. Bake it in a dish you can carry straight to the potluck.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Baked Pears With Blue Cheese
Pear halves baked with blue cheese, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. An easy appetizer that still feels a little dressed up.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Sides
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole (Without Marshmallows)
A Thanksgiving classic that's just as welcome at a casual Friendsgiving table.
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Carrots In Air Fryer
A quick air-fryer side if you're short on oven space with everyone bringing a dish at once.
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Green Bean Casserole (No Mushrooms)
Made without canned soup, so it holds up well if it's sitting out on a potluck table for a while.
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Copycat Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Warm biscuits are always a hit, and this batch is easy to double if you're feeding a big group of friends.
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Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, buttery pull apart rolls with a bread machine option and a by hand option. Bake them ahead and warm them just before dinner.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (No Cheese)
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce until tender with a golden top. No cheese needed, and it travels well.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
A one pan side of roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli finished with toasted pecans, a little maple syrup, and citrus.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Chopped Apple Kale Salad
A crunchy salad of massaged kale, crisp apples, and parsnips in a sweet and savory miso mustard dressing. A fresh contrast to all the rich dishes.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Desserts
Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll
A dessert that looks more impressive than the effort it actually takes — good for showing up with something that looks store-bought.
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Individual No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Jars
Already portioned into individual servings, so there's no cutting or serving needed once you arrive.
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Rustic Apple Galette With Caramel Sauce
A free-form tart that doesn't need a pie dish, making it easy to transport and serve straight from the pan.
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More Friendsgiving Ideas
Puff Pastry Brie Bites
Mini puff pastry shells filled with brie, fig jam, and toasted pecans — a bite-sized, individually-portioned take on baked brie that's easy to pass around at a potluck.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Apple Cider Sangria
White wine and apple cider steeped overnight with cinnamon sticks and star anise, then topped with ginger beer right before serving — a big-batch drink that serves a crowd.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Whipped Feta Dip
Feta and Greek yogurt blended smooth with olive oil and lemon in about 5 minutes — a fast dip to bring if you're short on time.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Apple Cider Cocktail
Bourbon, apple cider, and ginger beer over ice with a cinnamon stick garnish — an easy make-your-own bar setup for guests to build themselves.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Cornbread Stuffing
Cubed cornbread mixed with sautéed onion, celery, and fresh herbs, then baked until golden — a different spin on stuffing if the usual bread version is already someone else's dish.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Whole carrots roasted until caramelized, finished with a fresh herb gremolata and a tahini drizzle — a colorful side that stands out on a potluck table.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Focaccia Bread
A wet, olive oil-rich dough dimpled and topped with rosemary and flaky salt — good for tearing apart and passing around the table.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Pumpkin Tiramisu
A no-bake dessert layering pumpkin mascarpone cream with chai-spiced ladyfingers — make it the night before so it's ready to go when you arrive.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Easy Apple Crisp
Cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery oat streusel — a lower-effort alternative to pie that still feels like a proper fall dessert.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Cake-like cookies made with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice — easy to transport since there's no delicate crust or filling to worry about.
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Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
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