My Friends Beg Me To Host Friendsgiving Because I Make These 20 Things
Friendsgiving is a cherished tradition where friends come together to celebrate gratitude, delicious food, and each other’s company. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for hosting an unforgettable Friendsgiving feast, thanks to the 20 delectable dishes I prepare. From savory classics to innovative twists, each dish brings something special to the table. Let’s explore the culinary delights that make my Friendsgiving the talk of the season.
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that elevate any meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor come from perfectly roasted garlic cloves, which add depth to the dish.
Each bite is a symphony of buttery goodness, with subtle hints of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s the kind of side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, yet stands out on its own.
Perfect for Friendsgiving, these mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, ensuring guests leave the table satisfied and smiling.
2. Maple-Glazed Carrots
Maple-glazed carrots are a delightful addition to any Friendsgiving table. The sweet, sticky glaze made from pure maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Roasted to perfection, these carrots have a tender texture and a slight caramelization that adds an irresistible touch.
Garnished with fresh thyme, they offer a burst of freshness that complements their sweetness. A favorite among guests, these carrots are not just a side but a highlight of the meal.
3. Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry orange relish brings a refreshing tang to the Friendsgiving feast. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
This relish is not only vibrant in color but also in taste, offering a burst of citrusy freshness.
It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with turkey and stuffing, adding a pop of color and flavor to the plate. Guests will find themselves reaching for seconds of this lively relish.
4. Herbed Stuffing with Sausage
Herbed stuffing with sausage is a staple at my Friendsgiving table. The savory blend of herbs and the hearty addition of sausage make this stuffing a standout dish.
Each bite is a delicious mix of textures and flavors, from the softness of the bread to the richness of the sausage.
Infused with sage and thyme, this stuffing complements the main courses perfectly, bringing a touch of traditional comfort to the meal.
5. Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Cream
Pumpkin soup with spiced cream is a warm, inviting starter for Friendsgiving. The velvety texture of the soup is achieved by blending roasted pumpkin with aromatic spices.
Each spoonful delivers a comforting blend of flavors, with the spiced cream adding a hint of warmth and complexity.
Garnished with crunchy pumpkin seeds, this soup is not only delicious but also visually appealing, setting the tone for a cozy and satisfying meal.
6. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant side that’s always a hit at Friendsgiving. The crisp-tender green beans are sautéed with buttery, crunchy almonds.
A hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness to the dish, balancing the richness of the almonds.
This dish is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful and memorable for guests.
7. Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney
Baked brie with cranberry chutney is an indulgent appetizer that sets the tone for a festive Friendsgiving. The creamy brie is baked until gooey, offering a luscious texture.
Topped with tangy cranberry chutney, this dish is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Served with slices of fresh baguette, it’s perfect for sharing and sets the stage for a meal filled with warmth and joy.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crust
Sweet potato casserole with pecan crust is a sweet, comforting dish that’s synonymous with Friendsgiving. The creamy sweet potatoes are perfectly seasoned and topped with a crunchy pecan crust.
This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the smoothness of the potatoes and the crunchiness of the pecans.
It’s a dessert-like side that brings a touch of indulgence to the meal, ensuring it remains a favorite year after year.
9. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon are a savory delight that transform this often-overlooked vegetable into a Friendsgiving favorite. The sprouts are sautéed until caramelized, enhancing their natural flavor.
Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese provides a touch of richness.
This dish is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together, making it a must-have on the Friendsgiving menu.
10. Apple Cider Glazed Turkey
Apple cider glazed turkey is the star of the Friendsgiving table. The succulent turkey is roasted to perfection, with a glaze made from sweet apple cider.
This glaze imparts a subtle sweetness and beautiful sheen to the turkey, enhancing its natural flavors.
Garnished with fresh rosemary and apple slices, this dish not only tastes amazing but also looks as impressive as it sounds, making it the centerpiece of the celebration.
11. Cornbread with Honey Butter
Cornbread with honey butter is a timeless classic at Friendsgiving. The golden, crumbly cornbread is enhanced by a generous drizzle of sweet honey butter.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors, with the honey providing a touch of sweetness that complements the savory cornbread.
This dish is a comforting addition to the meal, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia that guests cherish.
12. Spiced Apple Sangria
Spiced apple sangria is a refreshing, festive beverage perfect for Friendsgiving gatherings. This drink combines crisp apple cider with white wine and a blend of warm spices.
Slices of fresh apples and oranges add a burst of flavor, while cinnamon sticks infuse the sangria with a cozy aroma.
Served chilled, it’s a delightful way to toast to friendship and the joys of the season, making it a favorite among guests.
13. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars are a sweet ending to the Friendsgiving feast. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling.
Each bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the crunch of the pecans to the smoothness of the filling.
Perfectly portioned, these bars offer a taste of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, shareable form, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dessert.
14. Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
Garlic herb dinner rolls are a must-have at Friendsgiving, adding a touch of homemade goodness to the meal. These rolls are soft and fluffy, with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Served warm, they are perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying on their own.
Their inviting aroma and delicious taste make them a staple on the Friendsgiving table, bringing comfort and joy to guests.
15. Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that elevates any Friendsgiving menu. The risotto is cooked to perfection, with tender grains of rice enveloped in a rich, savory sauce.
The addition of roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.
Garnished with sage leaves and Parmesan cheese, this risotto is a luxurious, satisfying side that guests will love.
16. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
Chocolate hazelnut tart is a decadent dessert that concludes the Friendsgiving meal on a sweet note. The tart features a buttery crust filled with a rich chocolate hazelnut cream.
Topped with a glossy ganache and garnished with roasted hazelnuts, it’s a visual and culinary delight.
Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a memorable treat that leaves guests eagerly awaiting the next Friendsgiving.
17. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Roasted beet salad with goat cheese is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for Friendsgiving. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese.
Mixed greens add a fresh crunch, while a balsamic glaze ties all the flavors together.
This salad not only looks stunning with its array of colors but also offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that guests will appreciate.
18. Rosemary Roasted Chicken
Rosemary roasted chicken is a flavorful, succulent dish that’s always a hit at Friendsgiving. The chicken is seasoned with fresh rosemary and lemon, infusing it with aromatic flavors.
Roasted to perfection, it boasts a crispy skin and juicy meat, making it irresistible.
This dish provides a wonderful alternative to turkey, offering guests a delicious, comforting option that embodies the essence of the celebration.
19. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
Vanilla bean panna cotta with berry compote is a light, elegant dessert that impresses at Friendsgiving. The smooth, creamy panna cotta is infused with the rich aroma of vanilla beans.
Topped with a vibrant berry compote, it offers a delightful contrast of flavors and colors.
This dessert is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, leaving guests satisfied and delighted.
20. Lemon Thyme Roasted Asparagus
Lemon thyme roasted asparagus is a simple yet flavorful side perfect for Friendsgiving. The asparagus spears are roasted until tender, then tossed with fresh lemon zest and thyme.
This dish offers a bright, refreshing taste that complements the richness of other dishes on the table.
Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of elegance to the meal.