13 Easy Friendsgiving Food Ideas & Recipes
“Discover 13 delicious and hassle-free Friendsgiving food ideas to make your celebration magnifique”
Friendsgiving, the beloved holiday gathering that combines the warmth of Thanksgiving with the camaraderie of friendship, is becoming a cherished tradition for many. Here at St Pierre, we’ve curated a Friendsgiving food list that covers everything from easy Friendsgiving food ideas to creative food themes. Whether you’re celebrating with friends in college or just looking for stress- free and delicious Friendsgiving food ideas, we’ve got you covered. From classic dishes with a twist to fall flavors and favorites that add a unique touch to your gathering, our Friendsgiving food ideas have been compiled to inspire you and make your Friendsgiving magnifique.
Friendsgiving is all about togetherness, and our goal is to help you create a delightful experience for you and your friends without the stress.
Explore our Friendsgiving food themes to discover creative ways to elevate your menu, and find easy Friendsgiving food ideas that suit your taste and dietary preferences.
What is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a celebration where friends come together to give thanks, share a hearty meal, and create lasting memories. It’s a time to appreciate the friendships that enrich our lives, and, of course, indulge in some delicious dishes. While it doesn’t replace the traditional Thanksgiving with family, it adds an extra layer of gratitude and fun among friends.
Friendsgiving usually takes place in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Day, providing a chance to celebrate with friends before the family-oriented holiday. Unlike Thanksgiving, which has a set date celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Friendsgiving doesn’t have an official date. Instead, it’s a flexible gathering that can happen at various times.
Many opt to host it before the official Thanksgiving, especially if they plan to travel home to be with family during the holiday. Others may even co-opt the traditional Thanksgiving and label it as Friendsgiving when celebrating with a close-knit group of friends.
What do you serve at a Friendsgiving?
While Thanksgiving often centers around classic dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, Friendsgiving embraces a more eclectic and creative approach to dining.
Friendsgiving menus are known for their diversity. Hosts and guests have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of dishes, including international cuisine, fusion recipes and comfort food classics.
Friendsgiving spreads are as unique as the individuals who contribute
Instead of the traditional whole turkey, Friendsgiving may feature alternatives like roasted chicken, duck, or even dishes that cater to various dietary preferences such as vegetarian or vegan options. Side dishes at Friendsgiving gatherings can be playful and inventive. You might find dishes like sweet potato fries, macaroni and cheese variations, or creative takes on stuffing, showcasing individual culinary flair.
Allowing for the inclusion of global flavors and ingredients, you might decide on dishes influenced by Mexican, Italian, Asian or Mediterranean cuisines, adding an exciting twist to the meal. You may find that Friendsgiving often follows a potluck-style approach, where guests bring their favorite dishes to share. Which further encourages a diverse spread and highlights each person’s unique culinary contributions.
Should Friendsgiving be a potluck?
Potlucks are a great way to celebrate Friendsgiving, especially in college or workplace settings. They work well because they offer a wide range of food choices to cater to everyone’s tastes. With a potluck, the responsibility of preparing the entire meal is shared among guests, which can be a big relief, especially for busy students or coworkers. It’s also a budget-friendly option, which can be a big help for students or colleagues looking to save money.
Potlucks bring people together, encouraging a sense of community and togetherness while allowing everyone to showcase their cooking skills and try new dishes. Plus, they are inclusive, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions. Potlucks make Friendsgiving less stressful for the host, so it’s a win-win for everyone, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
How to host a stress-free Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is all about celebrating with friends and enjoying delicious food without the stress. Here are some basic tips on how to prepare stress-free Friendsgiving food, and remember, all the recipes here are intended to be easy:
- Plan Ahead: start planning your Friendsgiving well in advance. Create a guest list, set a date, and decide on the menu. Having a plan in place will help you stay organized and reduce last-minute stress.
- Potluck Style: consider making your Friendsgiving a potluck. This way, everyone can contribute a dish, making it easier on the host and ensuring a variety of food options. Just coordinate with your friends to avoid duplicate dishes and a good spread of sweet and savory, appetizers, entrées, sides and desserts.
- Easy Recipes: ppt for simple recipes that don’t require advanced culinary skills or a lot of time. Think roasted chicken instead of a whole turkey or dishes that can be prepared in advance.
- Delegate Tasks: don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. Ask friends to help with setting the table, bringing drinks, or assisting in the kitchen. Friendsgiving is a collective effort, and everyone can pitch in.
- Prep in Advance: prep as much as you can in the days leading up to Friendsgiving. Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meats ahead of time to save time on the big day.
- Time Management: create a schedule for the day, including cooking and serving times. Stick to it as closely as possible to ensure everything is ready when your guests arrive.
- Keep it Casual: Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be formal. Embrace a casual atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy themselves. You can even use disposable plates and utensils to make cleanup a breeze.
- Dietary Considerations: check with your guests in advance for any dietary restrictions or allergies. Plan your menu to accommodate these needs so everyone can enjoy the meal.
- Focus on Fun: remember that Friendsgiving is about enjoying each other’s company. Don’t stress too much about achieving perfection in your dishes. The joy is in sharing and celebrating together.
- Enjoy the Moment: once everything is set up and the food is served, take a moment to appreciate the company of your friends. Enjoy the meal, share stories, and create lasting memories together.
Friendsgiving Recipes
In the spirit of sharing and giving, the St Pierre team has curated a selection of mouth-watering Friendsgiving recipes to inspire your celebration, using our magnifique range of brioche and French bakery products. Explore our collection of delectable dishes and find the perfect recipes to make your Friendsgiving memorable. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, our recipes cater to all skill levels.
Friendsgiving Appetizer & Snack Ideas
Kick off your Friendsgiving celebrations with a burst of flavor. Friendsgiving is all about togetherness, gratitude and, of course, incredible food. Whether you’re hosting a potluck-style gathering or a more formal affair, our appetizers and snacks are designed to make your Friendsgiving extra special.
1. Turkey Sliders
This tasty Thanksgiving recipe incorporates all the classic trimmings and our delectable St Pierre Brioche Slider Rolls. The best part? Our Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are highly adaptable, allowing you to customize them to your heart’s content. This is perfect if you’re hosting your Friendsgiving celebrations after Thanksgiving, as you can always use leftover turkey and any other complimentary ingredients.
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sliders
“Add a touch of Parisian flair to your delicious Thanksgiving leftovers”
View recipe
2. Pumpkin Soup with Grilled Cheese
Packed with the delightful tastes of fall, this comforting pumpkin soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting idea for a Friendsgiving appetizer. Using lightly sweet slices of our Brioche Loaf, overflowing with melted cheese, and dipped into a homemade pumpkin soup – it’s a combination that’s destined to be a beloved favorite.
Salmon & Avocado Brioche Holidays Wreath
“This refreshingly colorful Holidays Wreath recipe idea will bring an added touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving celebrations.”
View recipe3. Salmon & Avocado Brioche
Improve your Friendsgiving festivities with this wonderfully vibrant Holiday Wreath recipe.
It adds a touch of elegance to your celebration. Get creative with St Pierre Brioche Burger Buns, smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado to craft a magnifique Holiday Wreath centerpiece for your dining table.
Perfectly presented on a spacious round platter, it’s designed for sharing with your dear friends, making it an excellent choice for a Friendsgiving breakfast or brunch.
For smaller versions of these delicious treats, you could use our Brioche Slider Rolls.
4. Spiced Honey Butter Toast
Add a magnifique touch to your Friendsgiving celebration with something sweet and spiced. Imagine savoring the irresistible flavors of this Spiced Honey Butter Toast on a crisp fall morning with your friends on Friendsgiving. Slices of our Brioche Loaf, toasted to perfection with crisp and caramelized edges and . Treat your loved ones to this exquisite breakfast or brunch – a true holiday season delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Friendsgiving Dinner Ideas
We’ve selected a variety of delectable dishes and creative twists on Thanksgiving classics to ensure your Friendsgiving dinner is a memorable and flavorful experience.
5. Grilled Pulled Pork Burgers
What’s there not to adore? Succulent grilled pulled pork and zesty slaw nestled within our Brioche Burger Buns, perfect for your Friendsgiving dinner! These burgers are also great for those looking for something with a little extra spice thanks to the jalapeno slaw, although you can just use regular slaw for those who aren’t keen on spicy food.
Grilled Pulled Pork Burgers With Jalapeño Slaw
“An American classic with a French twist”
View recipe
6. Turkey & Pancetta Chestnut Burgers
These Pancetta, Turkey and Chestnut Burgers are a true embodiment of holiday flavors, making them an essential addition to your Friendsgiving menu.
These burgers capture all the delightful tastes of a holiday roast, complete with turkey and chestnuts, encased within a gently sweet Brioche Burger Bun.
7. Leftover Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
This magnifique savory dish is a great way to take your Friendsgiving to a whole new level by putting leftover ham to good use with these sumptuous Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches.
Elevating the ham’s flavor with a festive ginger and orange glaze, these sandwiches effortlessly transform your holiday leftovers into a truly magnificent treat.
Leftover Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
“A delicious way to use up food from Christmas, these festive sandwiches bring together leftover ham and St Pierre brioche in a magnifique savory dish.”
View recipe8. Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Buns
How about adding a touch of Parisian flair to your Friendsgiving meal using our Brioche Burger Buns? Craft a delectably stuffed sandwich, brimming with delights. Infused with a herby mayo, zesty chili cranberry sauce, and meats and veggies, all snugly nestled within a Brioche Bun.
Leftovers Thanksgiving Dinner Buns
“Take your leftovers to new heights with St Pierre Brioche.”
View recipeTop Tip: Brioche Stuffing
Use your Thanksgiving leftovers and our Brioche Loaf (or any of our brioche that you might have to hand) to create a delicious side dish to your Friendsgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 1 St Pierre Brioche Loaf
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 cups diced yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp fresh sage
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp salt
Steps
- Cut the St Pierre Brioche Loaf into cubes and toast at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, or starting to brown.
- Beat together the 2 eggs and 1 ½ cups of the broth.
- Over medium heat, melt the butter, then add in the garlic and mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot). Sauté for 10 minutes, then add in the chopped herbs and combine.
- Add in toasted brioche cubes and remaining 1 ½ cups of broth, then stir gently. Top with the egg mixture and combine again.
- On an oiled baking pan, add the stuffing mixture in an even layer and cover with foil. Bake for 40 degrees at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
*Can be made up to 2 days in advance, store in the fridge
Friendsgiving Dessert & Sweet Ideas
Indulge your sweet tooth and add the perfect finishing touch to your Friendsgiving feast with our collection of Friendsgiving desserts & sweet ideas. From classics with a twist to creative and decadent treats, explore these dessert inspirations that will make your Friendsgiving celebration even sweeter.
9. French Toast Casserole
Transform a beloved classic into a Parisian delight. Discover our recipe for French Toast Casserole, where delicate and buttery brioche meets the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a delectable dish to enjoy with your loved ones.
10. Cinnamon Twist French Toast
Experience a delightful twist on the timeless classic of French Toast with a touch of cinnamon spice. Drenched in luscious toffee sauce and crowned with slices of ripe bananas, this is an indulgent treat that will delight your friends tastebuds.
11. White Chocolate Cherry Almond Brioche
Infuse your Friendsgiving dessert with a hint of Parisian sweetness, requiring minimal effort.
Explore our recipe for White Chocolate, Cherry and Almond Tear and Share – a festive masterpiece bursting with flavor that’s bound to steal the show.
White Chocolate Cherry Almond Brioche To Share
“Add a touch of Parisian sweet indulgence to your Festive desserts, with minimum effort.”
View recipe12. Pecan Maple Cinnamon Twist
Our Brioche Cinnamon Twistworks perfectly for a Friendsgiving potluck. And in this recipe featuring maple and pecans, you can easily create something delicious and showstopping featuring classic fall flavors all of your friends will fall in love with.
13. Eggnog French Toast
Take a beloved holiday beverage and blend it with the essence of French toast to craft a festive spin on a cherished classic sweet dish. Crowned with warmly spiced caramelized oranges and generously drizzled with toffee sauce, this is the perfect indulgence for your Friendsgiving celebration.
More Thanksgiving Inspiration
As you enjoy your Friendsgiving journey filled with appetizing dishes and sweet treats, remember that the heart of this celebration lies in the joy of sharing and gratitude. Whether you’re exploring our Parisian-inspired recipes or diving into scrumptious desserts, St Pierre is here to improve your Friendsgiving experience.
For more inspiration, be sure to check out our other Thanksgiving-themed blogs: 10 Ideas for a Successful Thanksgiving for a guide to hosting a memorable Thanksgiving gathering. Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to discover mouthwatering desserts that will sweeten your Thanksgiving feast. Or our Parisian Thanksgiving Ideas for a touch of French elegance and flavor in your Thanksgiving celebration.
We wish you a Friendsgiving filled with warmth, laughter and delicious moments shared with cherished friends. If you do try out any of our recipes, make sure to take a photo and tag @StPierreUSA on Instagram and Facebook.
