Friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for many and has grown in popularity throughout the years. Friendsgiving food ideas that do not include turkey, have opened the doors for friends and family to have gatherings either before Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving day. With plenty of numerous, creative, and delicious alternatives for those who want to shake things up from the classic centerpiece of turkey.
Friendsgiving food ideas that do not include turkey
Some traditional Thanksgiving favorites that don’t involve a turkey include mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and salads. But why not break away from these familiar dishes and create something new for Friendsgiving?
You could make a delicious lasagna with layers of ground beef, cheese, and noodles or a vegetarian-friendly vegetable stir-fry with fresh ingredients. Even a simple salad made with local greens can be dressed with nuts, fruits, and homemade dressing.
So, as you embark on this culinary adventure, let your Friendsgiving table tell a story of shared laughter, warm embraces, and a feast that defies tradition in the most delicious way possible. Friendsgiving food ideas, not turkey, are your passport to creating a celebration that is uniquely yours.
Why is it called Friendsgiving now?
Friendsgiving is a term that has gained popularity in recent years. The term itself is a clever portmanteau of “friends” and “Thanksgiving,” and it refers to a celebration of Thanksgiving with friends rather than family. While Thanksgiving traditionally involves gathering with family members to express gratitude and enjoy a festive meal, Friendsgiving offers a chance to extend the warmth and camaraderie of the holiday to chosen family, close friends, or even colleagues.
The origins of Friendsgiving are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have started as a casual gathering among friends who were unable to travel home for the Thanksgiving holiday.
It provided an opportunity for individuals who might not have family nearby or preferred to spend the day in a more relaxed setting to come together and share a meal. As the concept grew in popularity, it became a recognized term and a widely celebrated event.
Friendsgiving offers a chance for everyone to create their favorite holiday dish and build meaningful connections with their chosen family. Additionally, the rise of social media has played a role in popularizing Friendsgiving, with countless posts and photos shared online showcasing creative table settings, delicious dishes, and cherished moments of togetherness.
It has become a beloved tradition that celebrates the bonds of friendship and creates a sense of community during the Thanksgiving season. Whether it’s a potluck dinner, a themed gathering, or a simple meal shared with close friends, Friendsgiving allows individuals to express gratitude, enjoy good company, and create lasting memories.
What do you serve for Friendsgiving?
For Friendsgiving, you can serve a variety of delicious dishes such as roast chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed portobello mushrooms, vegetarian lasagna, grilled salmon, and more. There are endless options to cater to different dietary preferences and create a memorable feast. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Roast Chicken
Celebrate Friendsgiving with the timeless comfort of roast chicken. Succulent and golden, it’s a culinary hug for the senses. Imagine tender bites, infused with herbs, promising warmth and nostalgia.
The crackling skin gives way to juicy, flavorful meat—a simple masterpiece that turns any gathering into a feast. Friendsgiving becomes unforgettable with the classic allure of perfectly roasted chicken at its heart.
Honey Glazed Ham
Indulge in Friendsgiving warmth with honey-glazed ham, a sweet and savory alternative that is sure to please. Picture succulent ham, glistening with a golden honey glaze, creating a flavor symphony that dances on your taste buds.
Each slice promises a perfect blend of sweetness and savory richness, turning your celebration into a deliciously unforgettable occasion. Friendsgiving is complete with the delectable charm of Honey Glazed Ham.
BBQ Ribs
Spice up your Friendsgiving with BBQ ribs – a finger-lickin’ treat that’s beginner-friendly and irresistibly tasty. Whether you slather your ribs in classic BBQ sauce or a tangy marinade, the smoky flavor is sure to tantalize.
Easy to prepare, these fall-off-the-bone delights make Friendsgiving deliciously casual, giving everyone a reason to gather around and savor the simple joy of good food and great company. Little ones too will be happy when they see a plate of juicy BBQ ribs on the dinner table.
Grilled Salmon
Dive into Friendsgiving with grilled salmon – a delightful twist that’s fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Imagine perfectly grilled fillets, kissed by a zesty marinade, offering a seafood sensation that’ll make your celebration a splash.
Friendsgiving gets a taste of the extraordinary with this simple yet scrumptious grilled salmon delight.
Cauliflower Steak
Cauliflower steak is an excellent Friendsgiving food idea, offering a unique twist on traditional holiday fare. This vegetarian alternative, known for its meaty texture, provides a hearty and flavorful option for those celebrating together.
Seasoned and roasted cauliflower slices make a delicious addition to the festive table, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters, making it a versatile and inclusive choice for the occasion.
Pork Tenderloin with Vanilla Apple Chutney
For a Friendsgiving feast that’s sure to impress, consider serving roast pork tenderloin with vanilla apple chutney. This is a delectable and sophisticated dish that combines the succulence of roasted pork tenderloin with the sweet and tangy flavors of vanilla-infused apple chutney.
This chutney, made with fresh apples, fragrant vanilla bean, and a touch of spices, adds a delightful twist to the traditional Friendsgiving spread. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will leave your friends craving for more and make your Friendsgiving truly memorable.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Lemon garlic shrimp scampi is a Friendsgiving delight, bringing a burst of coastal flavors to the festive table. Succulent shrimp, sautéed in a luscious blend of garlic, butter, and zesty lemon, create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to your Friendsgiving celebration, ensuring smiles around the table.
Smoky Chipotle Pork Ribs
Spice up your Friendsgiving with smoky chipotle pork ribs. These succulent ribs are marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, they make a bold and unforgettable addition to your Friendsgiving feast, adding a touch of smokiness and spice to the celebration.
Get ready for a finger-licking, memorable Friendsgiving experience.
Teriyaki Steak Tips
Elevate your Friendsgiving with teriyaki steak tips, a flavorful twist on festive feasting. These tender steak bites marinate in a rich teriyaki sauce, infusing them with a sweet and savory essence.
Perfectly grilled or seared, these tips make for a mouthwatering addition to your Friendsgiving spread, offering a delightful departure from traditional flavors. Bring a touch of Asian-inspired flair to your celebration and savor the festive fusion.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers
Add a burst of freshness to Friendsgiving with grilled lemon-herb chicken skewers. These skewers feature succulent chicken pieces marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a flavorful and light dish.
Perfectly grilled, they offer a delightful alternative to traditional holiday fare, bringing a touch of brightness to your Friendsgiving feast. Easy to share and savor, these skewers are sure to be a hit at your celebration.
Grilled Flank Steak With Chimichurri
Impress your Friendsgiving gathering with grilled flank steak with chimichurri. This dish stars a succulent flank steak, grilled to perfection, and topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. The chimichurri, made with fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy vinegar, infuses the steak with a burst of bold, zesty flavor.
This crowd-pleasing main course is a delightful departure from traditional holiday fare, adding a touch of South American flair to your Friendsgiving celebration.
Lasagna
Celebrate Friendsgiving with a classic comfort food favorite – lasagna. Layered with pasta, rich meat or vegetable sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, lasagna offers a hearty and indulgent centerpiece for your gathering.
Its familiar, comforting taste is sure to bring warmth and smiles to your Friendsgiving feast, making it a beloved choice for sharing and savoring with friends.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a perfect addition to your Friendsgiving menu. This creamy and savory Italian dish combines Arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and a flavorful broth, creating a velvety and earthy risotto.
Its luxurious texture and rich umami taste make it an ideal side dish or vegetarian main course for your Friendsgiving celebration, providing a warm and inviting flavor that pairs wonderfully with the holiday season.
Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail
Elevate your Friendsgiving feast with a crab-stuffed lobster tail. This decadent dish features lobster tails generously filled with delicious crab stuffing, blending the delicate sweetness of lobster with the rich flavors of crab.
Baked to perfection, it creates a luxurious and impressive centerpiece that adds a touch of indulgence to your celebration. The crab-stuffed lobster tail will surely be a show-stopping delight, making Friendsgiving truly memorable.
Homemade Meat Loaf
For a comforting and classic addition to your Friendsgiving table, serve up homemade meatloaf. This savory dish, made with a blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings, is baked to perfection. Sliced and served with a rich glaze, it offers a hearty and familiar taste that evokes warmth and togetherness.
Homemade Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser, bringing a sense of home-cooked comfort to your Friendsgiving celebration.
Green Bean Casserole
As a Friendsgiving side dish, green bean casserole is a cherished classic. It showcases tender green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, crowned with crispy fried onions. This dish embodies comfort and tradition, offering a perfect complement to the Friendsgiving feast.
Its familiar flavors evoke a sense of togetherness, making Green Bean Casserole a delightful addition to the celebration.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a quintessential Friendsgiving side dish, embodying comfort and indulgence. This classic recipe features fluffy potatoes whipped to perfection with butter, cream, and seasonings. The result is a lusciously smooth and velvety texture that pairs perfectly with various main courses.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, adding a rich and comforting element to your Friendsgiving table and ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash is a delectable Friendsgiving side dish that adds a touch of autumnal warmth to your table. Halved acorn squash, seasoned and roasted until caramelized, delivers a sweet and savory flavor.
This simple yet elegant dish complements the holiday spread with its rich, tender flesh. Roasted Acorn Squash is a perfect embodiment of fall, making it a delightful and visually appealing addition to your Friendsgiving feast.
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Bring a touch of sweetness to your Friendsgiving table with maple-glazed sweet potatoes. This side dish features tender sweet potato slices coated in a luscious glaze made from pure maple syrup, butter, and warm spices.
Roasted to perfection, the result is a caramelized exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes offer a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth, making them a standout addition to your Friendsgiving celebration.
Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes
For a Friendsgiving side dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, try garlic butter hasselback potatoes. In this dish, whole potatoes are thinly sliced and roasted with a savory garlic butter mixture.
The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft and buttery interior. These potatoes not only add a touch of elegance to your table but also provide a burst of rich flavor, making them a memorable addition to your Friendsgiving feast.
Creamy Cheddar Jalapeño Corn Casserole
Kick up the flavor at your Friendsgiving feast with creamy cheddar jalapeño corn casserole. This delightful side dish combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of jalapeños and the richness of creamy cheddar. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect blend of spicy and savory, adding a bold and comforting element to your celebration.
Creamy Cheddar Jalapeño Corn Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making Friendsgiving even more memorable.
Kale Cranberry Salad
For a vibrant and healthy addition to your Friendsgiving table, consider kale cranberry salad. This salad combines the earthy flavors of fresh kale with the tartness of cranberries, along with the crunch of nuts and the creaminess of cheese, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
It’s a colorful and nutritious option that brings a refreshing balance to the holiday spread, making it a wonderful choice for Friendsgiving.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Add a touch of natural sweetness to your Friendsgiving feast with honey-glazed carrots. In this side dish, tender carrots are cooked to perfection and then coated in a luscious honey glaze.
The result is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Honey-glazed carrots bring a vibrant and colorful addition to your table, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for Friendsgiving.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a Friendsgiving side dish that’s both elegant and delicious, serve up balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts. These little gems are bathed in a savory balsamic glaze and roasted to perfection, creating a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender insides.
With their rich, tangy flavor, balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts add a gourmet touch to your Friendsgiving feast, making them a flavorful and memorable addition to the holiday table.
Corn Soufflé
Bring a touch of elegance to your Friendsgiving table with corn soufflé. This delightful side dish features sweet corn mixed with a light and airy soufflé base, creating a fluffy and flavorful concoction. Baked to a golden perfection, it offers a savory and comforting addition to your celebration.
Corn Soufflé is a crowd-pleaser with its deliciously creamy texture and rich corn flavor, making it a standout dish for your Friendsgiving feast.
