Friendsgiving Menu: Host a Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends

Reinvent your Friendsgiving turkey recipe by making these quick and easy burgers. This juicy turkey burger topped with fresh vegetables will delight friends and serve as the casual, comforting star of your Friendsgiving menu. Don’t forget to offer classic Thanksgiving sides with the meal—like mashed potatoes and cranberries—to balance this new turkey recipe with old traditions.

In need of a more subtle turkey recipe for your Friendsgiving menu? That’s nacho problem anymore. Our turkey-topped pita chip platter is layered with fresh mint, pomegranate seeds, turkey (of course), and a sprinkling of feta cheese. This nontraditional Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a simple reminder of what we’re most grateful for during the holiday season: making fresh memories with cherished friends.

Delight guests with a turkey-shape snack that's sweeter than Thanksgiving pie. These chocolate-covered marshmallow treats are topped with a classic peanut butter cookie then decorated with candies to create a too-cute turkey dessert. Our easy-prep sweet also makes a perfect Friendsgiving activity for everyone to assemble.

When you're among friends, there's no need to impress with a whole bird. Simplify your traditional Thanksgiving turkey by serving turkey breasts instead of the entire roast. Our delicious turkey recipe is easy to prepare and comes topped with a crunchy glaze made from a spicy rub and tangy cranberry sauce (another Thanksgiving favorite).

Offer guests something different from the traditional Thanksgiving side dishes on your Friendsgiving menu. This cauliflower recipe is served gratin-style and loaded with creamy, buttery, nutty Fontina cheese—you won't even miss the cheesy mashed potatoes. This recipe makes 12 servings to feed your whole crew, so if you're having a small Thanksgiving dinner, there'll still be plenty of cheesy goodness left over the next day.

Want to plan ahead for your Friendsgiving celebration? Make these cheesy, crunchy pastries two days before the big dinner. As your guests arrive, simply reheat in the oven 5 to 10 minutes to warm and crisp them up. This tasty appetizer pairs well with a glass of Thanksgiving wine before the meal, or save them for the table. The savory bites also perfectly accompany any turkey recipe. They're a great example of why we love make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes so much: They're huge time-savers on Turkey Day!

Bring a colorful side dish to the table this Thanksgiving with our savory wild rice dressing. Not only is this Friendsgiving recipe a great alternative to your usual heavy stuffing, but it has all the flavors you crave from the bread-base classic. Served alongside turkey, this easy dressing might end up being the star of your Thanksgiving menu!

Thanksgiving pie recipes receive a lot of attention, but pie isn't the only Thanksgiving dessert worth serving at the end of your feast. Get double duty out of this recipe: Serve first as Friendsgiving dessert topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, and again as breakfast muffins for overnight guests. Simply save a few unfrosted cupcakes, and voilá—it's a two-in-one recipe perfect for every Friendsgiving menu!

Impress your Friendsgiving guests with a homemade salad dressing that tastes better than any store-bought version. The delicious smoky ranch dressing that tops this Thanksgiving salad recipe can be prepped the day before for a stronger flavor. This versatile salad pairs perfectly with any turkey recipe, too. Keep the side salad fresh by assembling the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon as guests arrive to your Friendsgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving pumpkin recipes are always a must, but this Thanksgiving dessert puts a twist on traditional pumpkin pie. Serve it up solo or use it as a partner for pie; homemade pumpkin ice cream can take any Friendsgiving dessert ideas to the next level! The holiday treat is delectable with apple, pear, or oatmeal pie, and once it's made, the ice cream can be stored in the freezer for later. Leftovers, here we come!