Planning a Friendsgiving dinner but not sure what to serve on the side? I’ve got you covered with some of the best Friendsgiving side ideas that will make your table look (and taste) amazing. Save these recipes and wow your friends with the ultimate side dishes!
1. Fluffy Cheddar & Onion Biscuits for Your Friendsgiving Table
Warm biscuits are always a hit, but these cheddar and onion buttermilk drop biscuits make your Friendsgiving menu extra cozy. The dough is light and fluffy with pockets of gooey cheese and a savory kick from the onion. Instead of shaping by hand, use a large ice cream scoop so each biscuit is the same size and cooks evenly.
2. Cozy Fall Flavors Stuffed in One Gorgeous Dish
This stuffed butternut squash is all about cozy fall flavors. The roasted squash halves hold a filling of spinach, bacon, and cheese that makes each bite hearty without feeling too heavy. It looks impressive on the table, yet the flavors stay simple and comforting, which is exactly what we love in a Friendsgiving side!
Related: 22 Delicious Friendsgiving Food Ideas for Your Party This Year
3. Upgrade Your Holiday Bread Basket with Pumpkin & Herbs
Your Friendsgiving sides can be familiar but exciting, like these pumpkin dinner rolls infused with rosemary and a touch of cardamom. The pumpkin purée makes the rolls extra soft while the herbs give them that homemade warmth. I recommend brushing the tops with melted brown butter using a silicone pastry brush to get that perfect golden crust.
4. Sticky-Sweet Side That Belongs on Every Friendsgiving Table
This honey-glazed casserole layers apples and sweet potatoes into a dish that tastes like fall in every forkful. The honey glaze caramelizes as it bakes, and a sprinkle of pecans adds crunch on top. To keep the slices neat, use a mandoline slicer so everything cooks evenly and looks picture-perfect in the dish.
5. The Fresh, Colorful Side Your Friendsgiving Spread Needs
A surprising addition to your Friendsgiving spread, this couscous salad recipe is anything but basic. It mixes fluffy couscous with juicy pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios for a pop of texture. To keep the couscous fluffy and clump-free, fluff it with a fork after cooking and before tossing with the dressing.
6. Crispy Accordion Potatoes with All the Spices
Here’s a fun new way to serve your favorite spuds! Accordion potatoes are made by slicing each potato in a crisscross pattern, brushing them with oil, and coating them in a spice mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried rosemary. To keep the slices intact, place chopsticks along the sides of the potato as you cut. This stops the knife from going all the way through.
7. Skillet Cornbread That Smells Like Fall Baking
Moist and tender with just the right sweetness, this pumpkin maple cornbread is the ultimate fall upgrade to a classic. It’s made with finely ground cornmeal for a delicate crumb and sweetened with maple syrup for a warm flavor. The pumpkin seeds on top toast as it bakes, giving a crunchy finish. Perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying on its own!
8. Caesar Salad Reinvented with Roasted Squash “Croutons”
Who knew Caesar salad could get such a perfect fall makeover? It’s one of the best Friendsgiving side ideas because it uses hearty kale as the base and swaps traditional croutons for roasted delicata squash cut into bite-sized pieces. Once you coat everything in creamy Caesar dressing, it becomes a side that’s impossible to resist.
Related: 15+ Cozy Fall Party Ideas for This Holiday Season
9. Pumpkin Mac That Brings Big Flavor to Friendsgiving
Keep both kids and adults happy at Friendsgiving with pumpkin mac and cheese! This side dish gets its creamy texture and subtle sweetness from pumpkin purée, while spinach adds freshness, and bacon brings smoky crunch. Baked in a casserole dish with a golden breadcrumb topping, it comes out bubbly, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Creamy, Dreamy Cauliflower Mash for Your Holiday Spread
Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s recipe, this cauliflower purée is silky smooth and surprisingly rich. Blending the steamed florets with butter and cream while they’re still hot gives them a velvety, almost luxurious texture that melts on the tongue. It’s one of the best Friendsgiving side ideas for anyone who wants a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes without sacrificing flavor.
11. A Colorful Beet & Carrot Salad with Creamy Burrata
This roasted beet and carrot salad is a burst of color that looks as good as it tastes. The earthy sweetness of the root vegetables pairs beautifully with creamy burrata, making every bite balanced and rich. To keep the beets from staining the carrots, roast them on separate sheet pans and combine them just before serving.
12. A Friendsgiving Twist on Classic Roasted Sprouts
What’s a Friendsgiving table without at least one dish that surprises everyone? These miso-sesame glazed Brussels sprouts are sweet, savory, and packed with umami flavor. The glaze clings to the crispy leaves, and a sprinkle of panko-Parmesan topping adds extra crunch. Crisp them in an air fryer to get evenly browned edges without using much oil.
13. A Biscuit Alternative with Bold Fall Flavor
Scones aren’t just for breakfast. These savory ones are packed with goat cheese, dill, and caramelized onion, making them a Friendsgiving standout. I love how the goat cheese creates little tangy pockets inside the crumb. For best results, pat the dough into a disc and cut with a fluted pastry cutter so the edges bake up golden and crisp.
14. A Rainbow of Potatoes in One Delicious Bite
A colorful trio of purple, sweet, and russet potatoes all come together in one twice-baked shell. Each type is cooked and mashed separately, which keeps their flavors distinct (earthy, sweet, and buttery) so every bite gives you something a little different. For a unique presentation, pipe the fillings back into the shells with a piping bag, swirling the colors together for that wow factor on your Friendsgiving table.
15. A Hearty but Healthy Casserole for Friendsgiving
This quinoa vegetable casserole is ideal for guests who prefer something on the healthier side. The fluffy quinoa bakes with colorful veggies like peppers, zucchini, and spinach, all tied together with a cheesy top layer. I recommend baking it in a square ceramic casserole dish so it holds its shape when sliced.
16. A Crowd-Pleasing Side That’s Easy to Grab
Hand pies make serving a crowd easy. This Friendsgiving-ready side tucks leeks, mushrooms, and feta into flaky pastry, turning simple veggies into something special. They bake up golden and portable, which makes them perfect for passing around at the table. A quick fork crimp along the edges keeps everything sealed in and gives them that rustic, homemade look.
Related: 15+ Friendsgiving Dinner Recipes That Are Not Turkey
17. Maple Glazed Apples and Carrots You’ll Actually Crave
Bring the best of the fall harvest to your Friendsgiving table with this roasted apple and carrot side. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while a maple-Dijon glaze adds tangy depth that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a side that not only pairs with turkey or pork but also feels special enough to stand out on its own.
18. Restaurant-Style Mushrooms Made Easy at Home
This stuffed mushroom recipe takes inspiration from Olive Garden’s classic. Tender mushroom caps are filled with garlicky breadcrumbs, melty cheese, and fresh herbs, then baked until golden. They taste restaurant-quality but are simple enough to make at home, making them one of the best Friendsgiving side ideas for busy people.
19. Roasted Sweet Potatoes Meet Hearty Lentils
Golden roasted sweet potatoes and earthy lentils come together in a salad that feels cozy yet light, the kind of dish you’ll crave all season. A creamy tahini or lemony dressing ties everything together with brightness, and the best part is you can prep it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature without losing flavor. It’s a healthy yet festive side that brings balance to a Friendsgiving spread.
20. Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions for Friendsgiving
Here’s another chef-inspired dish for Friendsgiving: Anthony Bourdain’s take on creamed pearl onions. You can easily make this by simmering the onions in a rich cream sauce flavored with sage and thyme until silky smooth. The result is a nostalgic and elevated side, a perfect pairing for your roasted meats or stuffing.
21. Ravioli with a Holiday Makeover
Butternut squash ravioli makes an unexpected but welcome side for Friendsgiving, especially when tossed in a nutty brown butter sauce. You can roll out homemade ravioli with a pasta cutter if you’re up for it, or use store-bought butternut squash ravioli for a quicker option that tastes just as cozy. Either way, it feels dinner party-ready with just the right amount of holiday flair.
22. A Fall Salad That Refreshes Your Plate
Light and crisp, this fennel apple salad adds a refreshing break between heavier bites. The sweetness of the apples balances the mild anise flavor of the fennel, while walnuts and Parmesan give it a nice texture. This salad is nice to have when the rest of the plate feels too rich or weighs you down.
23. Baked Beans Made Special for Friendsgiving
Everyone knows baked beans as comfort food, but this recipe takes them to a whole new level. Apple butter melts into the sauce for a rich sweetness, while a splash of bourbon adds a subtle smoky kick. Let them simmer low and slow in a Dutch oven, stirring with a wooden spoon so the flavors meld and the beans stay glossy without sticking. It’s a hearty, upgraded side that feels just right for Friendsgiving.
24. Creamy, Golden Potatoes That Steal the Spotlight
For anyone who thinks there’s no such thing as too much garlic, this side was made for you. Baby potatoes are roasted until their skins turn crisp and golden, then tossed in a velvety cream sauce packed with fresh garlic, melted butter, and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s a garlic-packed spin on a classic Thanksgiving favorite, and it’s bound to win over everyone at the table.
25. A Cozy Side with Layers of Creamy Goodness
Cheesy and perfectly golden, this pumpkin cauliflower gratin is made for the holiday table. Instead of the usual potato base, tender cauliflower is baked in a creamy pumpkin sauce that adds warmth and depth of flavor. A generous layer of cheese bubbles and browns in the oven, giving you that irresistible crust on top.
Final Thoughts
Side dishes make the whole dinner feel complete, and Friendsgiving is the perfect time to go all out with flavor and creativity. What I love about these picks is that they’re not only delicious but also easy to share. Now that you’ve got the best Friendsgiving side ideas, all that’s left is to grab your apron, turn on your favorite playlist, and start cooking up the kind of spread your friends will remember!
