Thanksgiving Menu: Host a Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends

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

Wishing for a more subtle turkey recipe for your Friendsgiving menu? That’s nacho problem anymore. Our turkey-topped nacho recipe features crisp pita chips topped with fresh mint, pomegranate seeds, turkey (of course), and a sprinkling of feta cheese. This atypical dish is a simple reminder of what we’re most grateful for during the holiday season: making new memories with cherished friends.

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

When you're among friends, there's no need to impress with the whole bird. Simplify this Thanksgiving main attraction 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.

Offer guests something different from the run-of-the-mill Thanksgiving side dish 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.

Want to plan ahead for your Friendsgiving celebration? Make these cheesy, crunchy pastries two days before the big Thanksgiving dinner. As your guests begin to arrive, simply reheat in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes to make them warm and crisp. The tasty appetizer pairs well with a glass of Thanksgiving wine, or save them for the main meal: The savory bites perfectly accompany any turkey recipe.

Bring a light 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-based classic.

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. Keep the side salad fresh by assembling the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon as guests arrive to your Friendsgiving celebration.

Homemade pumpkin ice cream can take your Friendsgiving dessert ideas to the next level. Not only is this holiday treat delectable with apple, pear, or oatmeal pie, but once it's made, the ice cream can be stored in the freezer for later.