Friendsgiving has become one of fall’s most beloved traditions. This relaxed, friend-focused celebration offers all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving without the pressure of perfecting heirloom recipes.

Whether you're hosting your first Friendsgiving or you're a seasoned pro, creating a memorable menu is the key to an unforgettable evening.

The beauty of Friendsgiving lies in its flexibility. Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, there are no strict rules about what must appear on the table. This freedom allows you to experiment with creative twists on classic dishes, introduce international flavors, or simply showcase your favorite comfort foods. The goal is simple: bring people together over delicious food that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

Setting the Stage: Appetizers That Impress

Start your Friendsgiving celebration with appetizers that set the tone for the evening. These small bites give guests something to enjoy while they mingle and build anticipation for the main event.

• Cranberry Brie Bites are an elegant yet simple option that combines the richness of brie cheese with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. For an extra twist, top each bite with chopped pistachios to add a delightful crunch. These can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before guests arrive, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
• Whipped Goat Cheese Spread offers a luxurious start to your meal. Mix goat cheese with cream cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, crispy bacon bits, and your favorite salsa for a spread that's both creamy and vibrant. Serve it with crostini or crackers, and watch as guests hover around the appetizer table for seconds—or even thirds.
• A Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is another crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. Fill a large board with seasonal selections including various cheeses, cured meats, fresh fall fruits like pears and persimmons, roasted nuts, olives, and an assortment of crackers. Add a small bowl of pumpkin hummus or cranberry sauce for dipping, and you've created a beautiful centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer.

Side Dishes That Steal the Show

When planning sides, remember these are often the true stars of the table. These recipes disappear quickly and keep guests coming back for more.

• Creative Mashed Potatoes deserve a special place on your menu. While classic mashed potatoes are always welcome, Friendsgiving is the perfect time to experiment. Consider roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a mellow, sweet flavor, or add a surprising twist with a touch of horseradish for subtle heat. For the creamiest results, use Yukon Gold potatoes and consider investing in a potato ricer for the perfect texture. You can even transform leftover mashed potatoes into a loaded casserole topped with bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and crushed potato chips.
• Elevated Green Beans move beyond the traditional casserole. Try green beans almondine, where tender green beans are sautéed with butter, garlic, and toasted sliced almonds for a dish that's both elegant and easy to scale for large gatherings. If you prefer something with more depth, consider green beans with caramelized onions, which adds a sweet and savory element that complements the vegetables beautifully.
• Stuffing with Personality can take many forms at Friendsgiving. While traditional bread stuffing is wonderful, this is your chance to get creative. A gnocchi stuffing replaces bread with tender potato dumplings, creating a unique twist that maintains all the classic flavors. Cornbread stuffing with pecans adds a special touch with slightly sweet notes and satisfying crunch. For the adventurous, a cornbread base infused with sage, onion, and celery creates the perfect balance of crispy edges and custardy center.

Sweet Potato Creations

For dessert or as a side, sweet potatoes offer comforting sweetness. Brown sugar sweet potatoes with maple syrup and butter rival traditional casseroles. For a healthy, crispy twist, try air fryer sweet potatoes with herbs and spices. If you prefer to skip marshmallows, opt for a savory pecan and oat crumble topping.

Making the Main Course Memorable

While Friendsgiving doesn't require a whole roasted turkey, consider these hearty mains that bring everyone together:

• Roasted turkey breast for smaller groups cooks quickly and delivers classic flavor. Season with herbs and butter, saving drippings for gravy.
• Try slow-cooked turkey legs wrapped in foil with herb butter for hands-off flavor or switch things up with herb-butter roasted chicken or a comforting beef roast.

Sauces and Condiments That Complete the Meal

No Friendsgiving is complete without the supporting players that tie everything together.

• Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Quick, easy, and flavorful-just cranberries, sugar, and water (link). Try apple cranberry sauce for balance and warmth.
• Rich Gravy: Made from turkey drippings, this traditional gravy (link) vanishes fast. Make extra for leftovers! Alternatively, check out “how to make gravy ahead of time,” and cross if off your list (link).

Sweet Endings

Dessert at Friendsgiving should be indulgent, shareable, and preferably made ahead so you can enjoy time with your guests.

• Pumpkin cheesecake bars combine the best of pie and cheesecake, with spiced cookie crust and creamy filling (link). For a twist, try pumpkin tiramisu topped with crushed gingersnaps.
• Fruit pies offer sweet comfort—a cranberry apple crumb pie balances tartness with a buttery crumb. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.

Planning Tips for Hosting Success

The key to a stress-free Friendsgiving is planning ahead and accepting help.

• Embrace the Potluck Style: Friendsgiving is traditionally collaborative, so don't feel pressured to cook (and buy) everything yourself. Create a shared document where guests can sign up for dishes and drinks, ensuring you have a good balance of appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts.
• Prep What You Can: Many dishes can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time.
• Keep It Casual: Friendsgiving should feel relaxed and fun, not formal and stressful. Use your regular dishes, serve buffet-style to encourage mingling, and focus on creating a warm atmosphere rather than achieving perfection.
• Consider Dietary Restrictions: Check with your guests about dietary needs and preferences. Having a few vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensures everyone can enjoy the meal fully.

Making Memories Around the Table

At its heart, Friendsgiving is about gratitude and connection. The food brings people to the table, but it's the laughter, stories, and shared experiences that make the evening truly special. Don't stress about having the perfect menu or the most Instagrammable tablescape. Focus instead on creating a welcoming space where friends can relax, enjoy good food, and celebrate the friendships that enrich your life.

Whether you stick with traditional favorites, experiment with new recipes, or create a fusion menu, the most important ingredient is the care you put into bringing people together. So fire up your oven, gather your favorite people, and get ready to create new traditions that you'll cherish for years to come.

UGI Energy Services wishes you a warm, inviting Friendsgiving—powered by affordable, efficient, and reliable natural gas. Happy Friendsgiving!