Friendsgiving isn’t just another dinner it’s a chance to cook from the heart for the family you choose. In this article, we’ll share an incredible collection of Friendsgiving recipes that balance tradition with personal flair. From show-stopping mains to crowd-pleasing sides and sweet finishes, each dish is meant to bring people together. Whether you’re the host or the guest, you’ll find recipes that are easy to prep, filled with flavor, and meant to be shared. Ready to turn this Friendsgiving into a meal to remember? Let’s get cooking.
Corrected Section: Why Friendsgiving Feels So Special
iving. Our apartment was cramped, the chairs were mismatched, and we didn’t even own a gravy boat. But we had one rule: everyone brought a dish they loved. What followed was the most comforting and laughter-filled night I’ve had around a table.
Friendsgiving recipes don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be real food that’s made with love, maybe a little butter, and best served warm with stories. It’s the stuffing your best friend made with spicy chorizo instead of sausage. The sweet potato casserole your roommate swore tasted better with marshmallows. The cranberry sauce your neighbor insisted be homemade.
The magic of Friendsgiving is in that mix. It’s about potluck-style tables where each dish carries a memory, and every bite brings a little more joy. The Friendsgiving recipes I’m sharing below are ones I’ve cooked, tweaked, and treasured over the years. They’re easy to make ahead, guaranteed to impress, and designed for sharing. They include classics like creamy mashed potatoes and new favorites like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
If you’re planning your first Friendsgiving this year don’t stress. We’ll walk through what to bring, how to plan a Friendsgiving menu, and which Friendsgiving recipes are perfect to make ahead. There’s no right way to do it just good food, good friends, and a little planning.
For even more easy Friendsgiving recipes, don’t miss the hearty options on CrockpotCravings’ dinner section or our reader-loved slow cooker fall favorites that bring comfort straight to the table.
Comforting Mains to Steal the Show
Turkey Alternatives That Still Feel Festive
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Friendsgiving Recipes That Will Wow Your Crew This Fall
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- This slow cooker apple crisp is an easy, make-ahead Friendsgiving dessert with warm spices and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker and place the sliced apples inside.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Pour over apples.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, and melted butter to make the crumble topping.
- Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until apples are soft and topping is golden.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- This recipe can be prepped a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to slow cook.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: America
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Turkey’s great but it’s not a rule. For Friendsgiving recipes, many hosts lean into cozy dishes like Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken or Maple Dijon Pork Loin. These are easier to prepare, especially if you’re short on oven space, and they bring bold flavors without requiring a culinary degree.
Try making a Crockpot Honey Glazed Ham with brown sugar and pineapple. It’s juicy, sweet, and sets your table apart. Or go vegetarian-friendly with a Stuffed Acorn Squash filled with quinoa, cranberries, and roasted pecans a hearty, colorful centerpiece that’s both satisfying and beautiful.
Need something a little unexpected? A Crockpot Italian Pot Roast adds savory depth, and you can prep it the night before just like our make-ahead tip section explains.
Pair these mains with sides from our Easy Holiday Dishes category to build your menu without overthinking it.
Crockpot Convenience for Hosting
Cooking for a crowd is no joke. That’s why crockpot-based mains are your Friendsgiving MVP. They free up your oven for other dishes and keep food warm for hours. A Slow Cooker Herb Butter Chicken basically bastes itself and smells amazing by the time guests arrive.
Check out our recipe for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs perfect as an appetizer or even a quirky main. They’re quick to make and always the first to vanish from the table. You’ll find more slow cooker heroes in our Top 10 Crockpot Recipes roundup to help plan your full spread.
Creative Twists on Classic Favorites
Every Friendsgiving table needs those dependable, crave-worthy sides that everyone scoops twice. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, and warm rolls. But the best Friendsgiving recipes take those staples and give them a playful upgrade.
Try Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes flavored with roasted garlic and cream cheese for extra richness. Or switch up stuffing with our Sausage & Apple Crockpot Stuffing, where sweet and savory flavors meld in each bite. It’s one of the best Friendsgiving recipes for feeding a crowd because it stays moist and warm right in your slow cooker.
For something green that actually gets eaten, Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with crispy bacon is a fan favorite. They’re oven-roasted, caramelized, and easy to prep a day ahead. If your guests like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Not sure what to pair with those dishes? We’ve got plenty of vegetarian-friendly slow cooker sides that fit right in.
Make-Ahead Sides = Less Stress
If you want to enjoy your own party, make-ahead recipes are your secret weapon. Dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel can be fully assembled the day before and baked just before guests arrive.
Even gravy can be done early with our prep-ahead turkey gravy no last-minute scrambling.
Many of the best Friendsgiving recipes for sides come together in slow cookers or baking dishes, which makes transport and reheating a breeze. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these options mean more time sipping cider and less time stuck at the stove.
From mashed to roasted, savory to sweet, these Friendsgiving-ready sides are comforting, reliable, and impossible to resist.
Simple Desserts That Steal the Show
No Friendsgiving is complete without something sweet and easy Friendsgiving recipes for dessert are the real heroes when time is tight. Think gooey, spiced, and warm-from-the-oven kinds of treats that make people linger a little longer at the table.
Our Crockpot Apple Crisp is one of the most easy Friendsgiving recipes you’ll ever try. Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Top it with a buttery oat crumble, let it slow-cook for a few hours, and you’ve got dessert that smells like fall and tastes like home.
For chocolate lovers, try Slow Cooker Fudge Brownies. They’re rich, dense, and a little bit indulgent just like dessert should be. Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel, and you’ll wish you made a double batch.
And don’t underestimate the power of no-bake options. Our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups are creamy, festive, and ready in 15 minutes. Plus, they travel well, making them perfect for potluck-style gatherings.
Need more inspiration? Visit our Desserts collection for additional easy Friendsgiving recipes that don’t require a culinary degree.
Make It Ahead, Serve It Fresh
Many Friendsgiving desserts can be made the night before so you’re not scrambling to bake during the main event. The No-Bake Oreo Pumpkin Pie is a crowd-pleaser you can chill overnight. And pies like pecan, apple, or pumpkin are easy to reheat just before serving.
Make things even more fun with a DIY dessert board add cookies, mini tarts, and candied nuts. It’s a casual, help-yourself approach that fits the laid-back spirit of Friendsgiving perfectly.
With these easy Friendsgiving recipes, dessert becomes more than the end of the meal it’s the sweet memory your guests will take home.
Plan the Menu Like a Pro
You don’t have to cook everything on Friendsgiving day. With a little prep and a few make-ahead Friendsgiving recipes, you can enjoy the celebration without stress.
Build your menu with a mix of oven-baked, cold, and slow cooker dishes. Then label what can be made ahead like Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, or dessert and what’s best fresh. Our Holiday Slow Cooker Planner helps you organize timing and prep notes.
Most make-ahead Friendsgiving recipes reheat perfectly, and dishes like our Cheesy Spinach Dip stay warm in the slow cooker all night. Ask guests to bring sides or drinks to keep it easy and fun. The less you cook last minute, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the moment.
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FAQs About Friendsgiving Recipes
What is a Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a casual gathering of friends to share a Thanksgiving-style meal, typically held before or after the traditional holiday. It’s about creating community, celebrating chosen family, and sharing comforting dishes in a relaxed setting.
What are the best recipes to bring to a Friendsgiving?
The best Friendsgiving recipes to bring are dishes that travel well and can be made ahead. Think slow cooker stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, or no-bake desserts. Appetizers like spinach dip and crockpot meatballs are always crowd favorites.
How do I plan a Friendsgiving menu?
Start by choosing a main dish (turkey, chicken, ham, or vegetarian centerpiece), then add a balance of sides one or two starchy, something green, and a dessert. Use make-ahead Friendsgiving recipes to spread out prep and reduce stress. Don’t forget to delegate ask friends to bring drinks, rolls, or a dessert.
What are good make-ahead dishes for Friendsgiving?
Top make-ahead Friendsgiving recipes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, slow cooker mac and cheese, and most pies or crisps. These dishes reheat beautifully and save time on the big day.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned Friendsgiving pro, these Friendsgiving recipes bring warmth, flavor, and ease to the table. From slow-cooked mains to make-ahead sides and simple sweets, each recipe is designed to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your people.
The beauty of Friendsgiving is in its flexibility no rules, just good food and good company. Bookmark your favorites, prep ahead, and savor the little moments around the table. This year, your Friendsgiving will be one to remember.