Thanksgiving with the fam can be great, but there’s something extra special about feasting with your friends. If you have a Friendsgiving potluck to attend this year and aren’t quite sure what to bring, let us remind you that you don’t have to go over the top with your offering. From apps to beverages, these are some simple Friendsgiving recs to impress your pals.
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Wanna skip the actual “cooking” this year? Opt for the apps! This tried-and-true staple is a simple, cheap way to feed your friends. By choosing different fancy cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, and spreads, you can get as creative (or keep it as simple) as you want.
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Need a really easy recipe? Anyone can boil a few eggs. Whip up the yolks with a lil' mayo, vinegar, and mustard, and you’re good to go.
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3. Sweet potatoes
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Another Thanksgiving classic: Sweet potatoes are a super easy Friendsgiving option. You can slice ‘em, dice ‘em, or mash ‘em — even the simplest of sweet potato recipes makes a delicious side.
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Whether you try your hand at baking a homemade roll or simply run to a local bakery, bringing a loaf of fresh bread is always a win. Bonus points if you snag some fancy butter or dip!
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Wanna leave the cooking to your friends this year? Pick up a bottle on your way to dinner. You can go fancy with a sparkling for the Thanksgiving toast, or just grab your crowd’s favorite red or white.
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6. Instant Pot mac and cheese
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Cut corners and still make a scrumptious dish with an Instant Pot mac and cheese. Macaroni and cheese makes a great side dish or even a main for the vegetarians in your circle. Cook it in an Instant Pot, and you have a mouth-watering dish in a matter of minutes.
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7. Mashed potatoes
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When it comes to Thanksgiving, the more potatoes, the better. You can't go wrong with a classic side of old-fashioned mashed potatoes. But if you wanna kick it up a notch, consider adding toppings like cheese, scallions, and bacon bits.
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8. Crockpot creamed corn
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If you want to bring a creamy side dish but don’t have a ton of kitchen space, a Crockpot creamed corn may be the right Friendsgiving dish for you. This recipe includes cream cheese and cheddar cheese, plus it is super easy and affordable to make.
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9. Slow Cooker mulled wine
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Wanna take your wine to the next level? Add a homemade element by turning your fave red into a warm mulled wine. A Crockpot recipe is a great way to save time and mess while still delivering a delicious holiday treat. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing after cooking this up!
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10. Cranberry sauce
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Bring the holiday flavor with a side of cranberry sauce. It doesn’t need to be fancy — any simple recipe you find online will do. All you need is cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and some spices to make this festive holiday side.
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11. Bacon-wrapped dates
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Calling all lovers of salty and sweet — this unexpected dish looks luxurious but can be made as simple (or complex) as you like. Mix and match different fillings, coatings, and spices to bring a unique flavor that's all your own.
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12. Microwave acorn squash
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This recipe leans on the trusty microwave, an often overlooked Thanksgiving appliance. Cut the squash, add your fave toppings, and pop it in the microwave. Need some inspo? We love this easy-to-follow recipe.
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13. Spinach artichoke dip
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Rich, creamy, and filling — this dip is a fan favorite for a reason. Whether store-bought or made-from-scratch, we guarantee if you bring a spinach artichoke dip, it’ll be gone by the end of the night. Toss some bread, crackers, or veggies on the side, and you're good to go.
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14. Pigs in a blanket
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Who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? This crowd-pleasing mini app is the perfect pre-feast finger food. Plus, aside from assembling and tucking the pigs into the blankets, you don’t actually have to prep any ingredients.
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15. Veggie plate with dip
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Another no-cooking option for all the snackers out there. No matter if you choose to whip up a homemade dip or throw some ranch in a bowl, you can't go wrong with this fresh app.