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12 Food Ideas For Friendsgiving

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

It’s Friendsgiving season! That means it’s time to gather your besties together, cook some delicious food and have a good time.

Planning Friendsgiving can take a lot out of you, though — you have to figure out where you’re holding it, who’s bringing what and when it’s happening. Choosing what you’re going to bring can be hard, too. You don’t want it to be boring, but you don’t want to have to spend hours cooking it, either. As you prep for all your Friendsgiving parties, take a look through this list of food ideas to make Friendsgiving even tastier. 

1. Cauliflower “Mac” with Smoked Gouda

Cauliflower covered in cheese? Sign me up! This is a great side to bring that’s easy to make and will be a hit with all your friends. 

2. Spirited Cranberry Sauce

A Thanksgiving classic with a twist is perfect for Friendsgiving; this cranberry sauce will add a kick to any plate.

3. Green Bean Casserole

Making a dish that you’ve had at all your family Thanksgivings growing up will add an element of nostalgia and home to your Friendsgiving celebration.

4. Candied Yams

Candied yams are another classic but definitely something you wouldn’t always want to enjoy as a child. Take the time now as an adult to try this delicious dish. 

5. Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These puffs are a new take on typical mashed potatoes (also, there’s more cheese!). They’re also quick and easy to make, so you won’t have to waste too much time making them.

6. Sour Cream Balsamic Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving staple, and the different flavors in these sweet potatoes will add a new layer of interest to them. 

7. Browned Butter & Garlic Green Beans

If you’re not a fan of green bean casserole, but love green beans, these are perfect for you! It’s very simple to make, with only a few ingredients. 

8. Coconut Oil and Honey-Glazed Carrots

Just like the green beans above, these carrots are a simple side dish that doesn’t require a lot of work or time before Friendsgiving to make. It’ll be a hit, too, because who doesn’t like carrots? 

9. Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary

Here’s another yummy vegetable side dish for your friends to enjoy! Butternut squash is one of those vegetables that just screams fall and Thanksgiving, so make sure to enjoy it while it’s in season. 

10. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

While everyone is waiting for the Friendsgiving meal to be ready, it’s great to have something to snack on, like this cracker spread. Just be sure not to fill up on this and not be hungry for dinner!

11. Garlic Parmesan Knots

This is another little thing to snack on or even include with the full meal. Garlic, cheese and bread put together are a great combination that everybody will love, too. 

12. Kale Salad with Warm Cranberry Vinaigrette

Salads are an important part of any meal, especially at Friendsgiving. The cranberry dressing makes it even more themed to Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, and you can still feel healthy as the holiday season starts. 

 

Photos: cover, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Rachel Green is a senior Journalism and Mass Communication Major at the University of Iowa. She is also earning two minors in Sport and Recreation Management and Spanish and a certificate in Creative Writing. She serves at Her Campus Iowa's Senior Editor, and is a member of Iowa's editorial team. When she's not working on something for Her Campus, she can be found studying in the library, doodling in her sketchbooks or curling up with a cup of tea and a book.  
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