13 Easy Friendsgiving Food Ideas & Recipes

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.

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?

• 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.

St Pierre’s Favorite 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.

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.

8. 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.

12. 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.