When Friendsgiving comes around, there are those who are ambitious with their meal contributions and others, perhaps those who are culinarily challenged, who are just trying to get by. Their main focus is getting to the dinner on time or figuring out what to wear, and their contributory dishes are often a hurried afterthought.
Rather than being the friend that brings wine or a store-bought pie, prepare these reliably tasty homemade dishes. When we say easy, we actually mean easy, with few ingredients and quick, simple steps. Not only will you make it to Friendsgiving on time, but your dish will be a holiday standout.
Appetizers
Charcuterie Board
Instead of cooking, try consolidating. Charcuterie boards are the easiest way to make an appetizer for a large group that requires minimal effort without looking like it. Boards usually consist of various complementary ingredients: cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, dried meats, dried fruit, jam, olives, etc. To make it more autumn-themed, opt for pumpkin flavors, rosemary, and cranberry flavors. Anything will work, as long as you arrange them thoughtfully.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A dip is a classic party dish, and spinach and artichoke is a crowd favorite. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a show-stopping appetizer in just a few steps.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz room temperature cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3-4 garlic pressed garlic cloves
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 10 oz chopped frozen spinach defrosted without liquid
- 10 oz artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, spinach and artichoke hearts in a large bowl.
- Coat a baking dish in cooking spray and add in the mixture. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or parmesan on top for a crispy layer.
- Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.
- Serve with chips, bread, or vegetables.
Friendsgiving Nachos
Nachos are a kitchen staple for those living in an ingredient household: they’re easy, versatile, and delicious. These nachos are Thanksgiving-themed and open to any interpretation, depending on what leftover ingredients you have in store: Just arrange some tortilla chips on a large baking sheet and top with shredded turkey, cheese, mashed potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. No exact quantity is needed, so trust your eye. Bake at 425 for about 10 minutes. Drizzle gravy, cranberry sauce, and some scallions or pickled jalapenos on top. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish to chow down quickly with your friends.
Main Dishes
Mac N’ Cheese
Warm and decadent, everybody loves mac n’ cheese. Use the below recipe for a mouthwatering dish that will leave all your friends asking for seconds.
Mac n’ Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb noodles of choice
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 3 tbs all purpose flour
- 3 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3-4 cloves minced garlic
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar
- 1 cup Colby Jack
- 1/ cup Gouda
- 5 tbs creamed cheese
- Seasoning: dry mustard, smoked and regular paprika, salt, cayenne, nutmeg, pepper
Instructions
- Boil your noodle shape of choice (elbows or shells recommended).
- Meanwhile, in a heated skillet, stir butter and flour until golden. Add in the various cheeses and season with spices.
- Transfer cooked noodles into a baking dish. Pour in the cheese sauce.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees then broil until golden.
Sweet Potato Casserole
There is a fine line between a main dish and dessert, but this dish combines both. This sweet potato casserole is simple, delicious and will make a great addition to your Friendsgiving meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- Chopped pecans
- Cinnamon salt, pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and coat a large baking pan with butter.
- Place sweet potatoes in boiling water, simmer until fork tender, and drain.
- Mash potatoes in a large bowl and mix with brown sugar, vanilla, butter and spices.
- Spread evenly onto baking pan and layer on marshmallows. Add pecans (optional).
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fully heated and the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown.
Dessert/Drinks
Apple Cocktails
Upgrade the drink situation with festive apple-based cocktails that you can bring over in a pitcher. Check out this link for the range of recipes that taste of autumn and Friendsgiving.
Turkey Strawberries
This fun dessert will be the eye candy of Thanksgiving, no pun intended. The only ingredients needed are strawberries, mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks, and milk or dark chocolate for melting. Wash whole strawberries (clean off the critters, if you know you know) and place evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Wrap the tip of the pretzel sticks with a marshmallow. Dip in melted chocolate and use as adhesive to add pretzel stick to each side of one strawberry. Coat each strawberry in remaining melted chocolate and place in freezer until solid. For a better visual take a look below at @maydeline.v‘s recipe on TikTok.
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