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.
Got leftover turkey after your Friendsgiving spread? Check out our 25 Leftover Turkey Recipes to Make After Thanksgiving.
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Baked Cream Cheese Dip With Jalapenos
A make-ahead dip you can bake right before you leave, then serve warm at the gathering.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Easy to transport in a covered container and always gone within the first ten minutes.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Cheesy Sheet Pan Nachos
A fun, casual appetizer that fits the lower-key vibe of a Friendsgiving better than a formal spread.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Carrots In Air Fryer
A quick air-fryer side if you're short on oven space with everyone bringing a dish at once.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Individual No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Jars
Already portioned into individual servings, so there's no cutting or serving needed once you arrive.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
FAQ
How do I organize a Friendsgiving potluck?
Claim the main yourself and let everyone else pick a category, appetizer, side or dessert, so you do not end up with five pies and no vegetables.
What food travels well?
Anything served at room temperature, baked in the dish it travels in, or assembled on arrival. Avoid things that need frying or a hot oven at someone else's house.
How do I keep a dish warm on the drive?
Wrap it in a towel inside a box or a cooler. A casserole straight out of the oven holds its heat that way for about an hour.
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
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.
MAKE THE RECIPE
Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
Did You Like This Article?
Leave a comment below and share it on Facebook, Pinterest!
More Recipe Collections
- 15 Cozy Fall Drinks to Make Instead of the Coffee Shop
- 24 High Protein Dinners for a Fresh Start in January
- 21 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes by Day
- 19 Make-Ahead Christmas Dinner Recipes
See more Recipe Collections →
Comments
No Comments