In recent years, Friendsgiving has become one of the most anticipated events in the fall season. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, share stories, laughter, and delicious food.
Unlike Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a more flexible holiday that allows you to experiment with different dishes and flavors. If you’re looking for some crowd-pleasing ideas for your upcoming Friendsgiving celebration, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 18 easy and delicious Friendsgiving food ideas that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Butternut Squash Hummus
Butternut squash hummus is a creamy and healthy dip that’s perfect for any Friendsgiving gathering. It’s a unique twist on traditional hummus that adds a subtle sweetness and nuttiness to the flavor. To make butternut squash hummus, you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: pepitas, pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut the butternut squash into small cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast the butternut squash in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with pepitas, pomegranate seeds, or chopped parsley.
Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or crackers.
2. Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
These cheesy sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a savory and satisfying appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your Friendsgiving celebration. They’re easy to make and only require a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 24 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
3. Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini
Pumpkin goat cheese crostini is an elegant and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any fall gathering. It’s a great way to incorporate pumpkin into your Friendsgiving menu without going overboard. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped chives, pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, goat cheese, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture onto each crostini.
- Garnish with chopped chives or pomegranate seeds if desired.
4. Pumpkin Thanksgiving Sangria
Pumpkin Thanksgiving sangria is a festive and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any Friendsgiving celebration. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your beverage menu. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
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According to a survey by Empower (formerly Personal Capital), in 2022, one-third of Friendsgiving celebrators planned to skip turkey due to the rising costs of the bird, leaving more room for trying out unique side dishes, desserts, or drinks.
This highlights the changing nature of Friendsgiving and how it has become a more flexible holiday that allows people to celebrate in their own creative way. The importance of food remains constant, but people are more willing to experiment with different dishes and flavors than ever before.
5. Turkey Charcuterie Board
If you’re still looking for a way to incorporate turkey into your Friendsgiving menu without cooking a whole bird, try making a turkey charcuterie board.
It’s a great way to showcase different types of turkey meats and pair them with complementary cheeses, fruits, and nuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Assorted turkey meats (such as sliced turkey breast, turkey salami, turkey pepperoni)
- Assorted cheese (such as brie, cheddar, goat cheese)
- Assorted fruit (such as grapes, strawberries, pears)
- Assorted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Crackers or sliced baguette
Instructions:
- Arrange the turkey meats, cheese, fruit, and nuts on a large cutting board or platter.
- Add crackers or sliced baguette for serving.
- Encourage guests to create their own flavor combinations.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Kale Apple Salad with Bacon
Roasted sweet potato and chickpea kale apple salad with bacon is a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving.
It combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and apples, the savory crunch of bacon, and the earthiness of kale and chickpeas. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red onion, kale, apple, and bacon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Cranberry Brussels Sprout Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cranberry Brussels sprout stuffed acorn squash is a colorful and flavorful vegetarian main dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. It combines the sweetness of acorn squash, the tartness of cranberries, and the earthiness of Brussels sprouts. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Drizzle the acorn squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake the squash in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add Brussels sprouts and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in dried cranberries, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Stuff each acorn squash half with the Brussels sprout mixture.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
