As soon as Friendsgiving comes to mind, my thoughts go straight to the menu. I love the idea of gathering around the table with friends, but figuring out fresh dishes to bring can be challenging. If your goal is to serve up a Friendsgiving menu that’s both crowd-pleasing and a little unexpected, you’re in the right spot. Here are some of the best Friendsgiving dinner recipes that are not turkey, guaranteed to impress your crew without repeating the usual holiday spread.
1. Easy Pulled Pork Bites for Friendsgiving
A quick and tasty appetizer, these pulled pork pastry puffs are flaky on the outside and filled with smoky, cheesy pork on the inside. They’re bite-sized and easy to grab, which makes them perfect for Friendsgiving. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce (tangy BBQ, chipotle mayo, or even honey mustard) on a slate serving board or in a mini cast iron skillet, and the result is a dish that looks party-ready but couldn’t be easier.
2. Sweet and Savory Crostini for Your Friendsgiving Table
If simple and delicious is the goal, you can’t go wrong with this smoked Gouda and apple crostini. Crostini is a go-to for gatherings because it’s easy to assemble and even easier to eat. The smoky cheese paired with crisp apple slices and a drizzle of honey feels both seasonal and sophisticated. A serrated bread knife makes slicing the baguette clean and easy, and serving it on a wooden board keeps things elegant.
3. Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi with Fried Sage
This one brings all the fall vibes straight to your table! Pumpkin gnocchi is soft, pillowy, and full of comforting flavor. The recipe gets extra depth from vegan brown butter, creamy parmesan sauce, fried sage, and toasted pine nuts, which is basically fall on a plate. Use a gnocchi board to give each piece those classic ridges that hold sauce beautifully. Your friends will be wowed by how fancy it looks, and you’ll love how it sneaks perfectly into a lineup of Friendsgiving dinner recipes that are not turkey.
4. Fall Harvest Squash Recipe Without Turkey
Stuffed squash dishes always feel comforting, which makes them perfect for a cozy Friendsgiving gathering. This version uses roasted acorn squash filled with Italian sausage and colorful vegetables, so you get a mix of savory, hearty flavors in every bite. The trick is seasoning the squash well before roasting so it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
5. Elegant Mushroom Risotto That Steals the Spotlight
Rich and packed with earthy mushroom flavor, this risotto fits right in at Friendsgiving. The arborio rice slowly absorbs broth until it turns velvety and creamy, while the mushrooms add that deep umami kick. I love that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients for this recipe, just a bit of patience and some steady stirring. Serve it in cozy bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs on top, and your friends will feel like they’re dining at a cozy little bistro for your Friendsgiving dinner.
6. Garlic Butter Salmon for a Friendsgiving Main
Salmon is a crowd-pleaser, and this garlic butter version takes it to the next level. Each fillet is pan-seared until the outside is golden and crisp while the inside stays tender and flaky. Then it’s bathed in a buttery sauce packed with garlic, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon, so every bite is full of flavor. If you’d rather skip the heavy roasts, this dish is a lighter main that still feels just as festive and indulgent. It’s one of those Friendsgiving dinner recipes that are not turkey but always impress.
7. Scalloped Potatoes That Guests Will Line Up For
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate side dish that brings creamy, cheesy comfort to the Friendsgiving table. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich cream sauce, plenty of melty cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling. The crispy edges mixed with the gooey, tender middle make it downright irresistible. Don’t forget to serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top! And if you want to take it up a notch, try using gruyère cheese or folding in caramelized onions for a slightly fancier twist.
Related: 25+ Best Thanksgiving Side Ideas That Will Steal The Spotlight At Dinner (Simple And Easy!)
8. Mini Chicken Pot Pies That Make Friendsgiving Fun
Chicken pot pie is a classic, and the mini versions are just right for Friendsgiving. Each guest gets their own little pie filled with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and plenty of hearty veggies, all tucked into a flaky, buttery crust. They’re perfect for Friendsgiving because they’re cute on the table, practical for serving, and guarantee no messy slicing or scooping. Plus, they stay warm longer when baked in individual ramekins or muffin tins!
9. A Light and Colorful Salad for Friendsgiving
Salads are actually a must-have at Friendsgiving because they cut through all the rich, heavy flavors. Want to know the secret for a truly great harvest salad? It’s all about variety! Mix fall favorites like candied pecans, dried cranberries, crisp apples or pears, and tangy goat cheese so every bite feels different and exciting. The lemon thyme dressing ties it all together, adding brightness that balances the heavier casseroles and mains on the table.
10. Mac & Cheese Upgrade with Pumpkin Flavor
Pumpkin mac & cheese is the definition of cozy comfort food with a seasonal twist. The pumpkin blends right into the cheese sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that makes every bite feel extra indulgent. Warm fall spices like nutmeg and cinnamon give the dish depth without overpowering it, while a topping of sage brown butter breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunchy finish.
Related: 25+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to WOW Your Guests
11. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs That Warms You Up
Few things feel more comforting than a plate of red wine-braised short ribs. The ribs cook low and slow in a Dutch oven until they’re tender, soaking up all the flavors of red wine, garlic, and herbs. You can also add vegetables like carrots, onions, or mushrooms to deepen the flavor even more. Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to catch all that glossy sauce, and you’ve got a meal that will warm everyone up on a chilly Friendsgiving night.
12. Festive Charcuterie Board to Celebrate Friendsgiving
Fill a charcuterie board with a little bit of everything your friends love, and it instantly becomes the centerpiece of your Friendsgiving spread. I like loading mine with seasonal elements like sugared cranberries, pumpkin-shaped brie, and even a drizzle of honey for balance. You can customize it to fit any budget or theme, and it still looks impressive. Pair it with red wine, sparkling cider, or even mulled wine, and you’ve got a grazing station to keep everyone happy!
13. A Shareable Holiday Bread Recipe for Cheese Lovers
Cranberry and brie make the ultimate Friendsgiving combo, and this pull-apart bread is one of my favorite ways to serve them. The loaf bakes up golden on the outside while the inside stays soft and cheesy, which makes it impossible to resist. I love how the cranberry adds just the right tangy note to balance the richness. Set it out fresh from the oven, and your crew will be grabbing pieces right away.
14. The Best Brussels Sprouts for a Holiday Feast
Brussels sprouts don’t have to be boring! Roast them until caramelized, then toss with crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries for a side that feels festive and full of texture. The salty-sweet combo makes them stand out on the Friendsgiving table, and the pop of color from the cranberries adds instant holiday flair. It’s a simple recipe that turns Brussels sprouts into one of the most exciting Friendsgiving dinner recipes that are not turkey.
15. Caramel Apple Bark That’s Perfect for Sharing
Friendsgiving doesn’t feel complete without something sweet, and caramel apple bark is the perfect way to end the night. Sliced apples are layered with melted chocolate, drizzled with caramel, and topped with crushed nuts or sprinkles for crunch. Using a silicone baking mat makes it easy to spread the layers evenly and lift the bark once it sets. It’s like all the flavors of a caramel apple, but in a shareable bark form that’s way less messy.
Related: 22 Delicious Friendsgiving Food Ideas for Your Party This Year
Final Thoughts
Sharing good food with good friends is always something to be thankful for! Friendsgiving is one of my favorite traditions and will always be about creating memories over a great meal. You don’t have to worry about sticking to the classic bird when there are so many tasty options to choose from. Don’t forget to share this list with your friends so everyone can get inspired by these Friendsgiving dinner recipes that are not turkey!
