10 Friendsgiving Menus for Every Type of Host

Hey, you. Yeah, the one staring at the calendar, panicking about Friendsgiving. You want to host a killer spread without turning into a hot, stressed mess in the kitchen. Sound familiar? I’ve been that host – the one who promised epic food and delivered slightly charred rolls. Not anymore. These 10 Friendsgiving menus cover every type of host out there. Newbie? Got a foolproof one-pan wonder. Vegan crew? Plant-based perfection. Fancy vibes or budget bind? We handle it all. Each menu serves 6-8, tastes like you slaved for days, but takes way less time. No dry turkey, no drama. Just flavor, laughs, and leftovers you’ll fight over.

Pick your type below, shop the list, follow the steps, and boom – you’re the legend. Who’s ready to make Friendsgiving the highlight of the year? Let’s cook.

1. The Newbie No-Panic Menu: Sheet Pan Turkey Magic

First time hosting? This all-in-one sheet pan Friendsgiving menu saves your sanity. Turkey, veggies, and even a sneaky dessert sidekick cook together. Zero juggling, total wow factor.

Ingredients

For the Turkey & Veggies:

• 3 lb boneless turkey breast, cut into chunks
• 1.5 lb baby potatoes, quartered
• 1 lb carrots, sliced thick
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Dessert: 3-Ingredient Apple Crumble

• 4 apples, chopped
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a massive sheet pan with foil (easy cleanup hack).
2. Toss potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with half the olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly.
3. Rub turkey chunks with remaining oil, season boldly, and plop them in the center.
4. Roast 40-50 minutes, stirring veggies at 25 minutes. Turkey hits 165°F? Done.
5. While it rests, mix oats, sugar, butter, and apples in a small dish. Bake alongside for last 20 minutes at 400°F.
6. Slice turkey, pile on veggies, serve crumble warm with ice cream.

Why You’ll Love It

Feeds everyone without a single pot. I pulled this off last Friendsgiving with zero experience – friends thought I catered it. Swap sprouts for broccoli if greens aren’t your jam. Who doesn’t love dinner and dessert from one oven?

2. The Vegan Hero Menu: Lentil Loaf Feast

Vegan friends incoming? This hearty lentil loaf Friendsgiving menu fools even meat lovers. Meaty texture, festive flavors, all plants. No one leaves hungry.

Ingredients

For Lentil Loaf:

• 2 cups cooked green lentils
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (egg sub)
• 1/4 cup tamari
• 1 tsp each sage & thyme

Sides: Maple Roasted Veggies & Cranberry Relish

• 2 lb mixed root veggies (carrots, parsnips, beets)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup fresh cranberries + 1/4 cup maple + zest of 1 orange

Dessert: Chia Pumpkin Pudding

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups almond milk + cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flax “egg” and let sit 5 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and mushrooms 5 minutes, add to lentils, quinoa, tamari, spices, flax. Mash slightly.
3. Pack into loaf pan, bake 40 minutes.
4. Toss veggies with oil, maple, salt; roast on separate pan 30 minutes.
5. Simmer cranberries, maple, zest 10 minutes for relish.
6. Stir pumpkin, chia, milk, cinnamon; chill 30 minutes (make ahead).
7. Slice loaf, serve with everything.

Why You’ll Love It

Tastes like Thanksgiving loaf but healthier – my omnivore pals devoured it. Prep in 20 minutes, bake while you mingle. Add walnuts for crunch if you’re feeling fancy. IMO, this beats turkey every time 🙂

3. The Fancy AF Menu: Prosciutto-Wrapped Turkey Roulade

Want to flex without fuss? This elegant roulade Friendsgiving menu screams gourmet dinner party. Impress the Insta crowd, but it’s easier than it looks.

Ingredients

For Turkey Roulade:

• 2 lb turkey breast, butterflied
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 1 cup spinach, sautéed
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp pesto

Sides: Truffle Cauliflower Mash & Grilled Asparagus

• 1 head cauliflower
• 2 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 lb asparagus
• 1 lemon

Dessert: Mini Cheesecakes

• 12 graham crackers
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar + vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay prosciutto overlapping on plastic wrap.
2. Pound turkey thin, spread pesto, add spinach and cheese. Roll tight, wrap in prosciutto.
3. Tie with twine, sear 2 minutes per side in skillet, roast 25-30 minutes to 165°F.
4. Boil cauliflower 10 minutes, mash with truffle oil, salt.
5. Grill asparagus 4 minutes, squeeze lemon.
6. Mix cream cheese filling, spoon over crumbled crackers in muffin tin, bake 15 minutes at 350°F.
7. Slice roulade fancy-like, plate with sides.

Why You’ll Love It

Looks like a magazine, tastes insane. I swapped feta once – too tangy, stick with goat cheese. Perfect for small groups who appreciate the vibe. Rhetorical question: Why settle for boring when you can roulade?

4. The Budget Boss Menu: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Broke but baller? This $30 Friendsgiving menu stretches dollars into deliciousness. Hearty chili feeds a crowd, zero fancy ingredients.

Ingredients

For Turkey Chili:

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 2 cans kidney beans
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion & 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 4 cups veggie broth

Sides: Cornbread & Simple Slaw

• 1 box cornbread mix + 1 can corn
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded + dressing

Dessert: Banana Brownies

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup cocoa + 1/4 cup sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown turkey, onion, peppers in skillet 5 minutes.
2. Dump everything into slow cooker, stir, low 6 hours (or high 3).
3. Mix cornbread batter with corn, bake 20 minutes.
4. Toss slaw with mayo, vinegar, salt.
5. Mash bananas, mix with PB, cocoa, sugar; bake in 8×8 pan 20 minutes at 350°F.
6. Ladle chili, serve with cornbread and slaw.

Why You’ll Love It

Under $5 per person, tastes rich. I add jalapeños for kick – friends beg for the recipe yearly. Dump and go while you set the table. Budget win!

5. The Healthy Glow Menu: Quinoa-Stuffed Turkey Peppers

Fitness-focused squad? This light yet satisfying Friendsgiving menu keeps calories in check without skimping flavor. Feel good, eat good.

Ingredients

For Stuffed Peppers:

• 6 bell peppers, halved
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 zucchini, diced
• Spices: cumin, paprika

Sides: Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• 1 bunch kale + lemon vinaigrette
• 4 sweet potatoes, cubed

Dessert: Yogurt Parfaits

• Greek yogurt
• Berries & granola

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven 375°F. Cook quinoa if needed.
2. Brown turkey with zucchini, tomatoes, spices 8 minutes.
3. Mix in quinoa, stuff peppers, bake covered 30 minutes, uncovered 10.
4. Toss sweet potato cubes with oil, roast 25 minutes.
5. Massage kale with vinaigrette.
6. Layer yogurt, berries, granola in glasses.
7. Serve hot peppers with cool sides.

Why You’ll Love It

Under 500 calories per plate, still festive. Personal fave: extra cumin for smokiness. Great for meal prep leftovers. Who says healthy can’t be crave-worthy?

6. The Party Vibes Menu: Turkey Slider Extravaganza

Love loud laughs and shareable bites? This fun, finger-food Friendsgiving menu turns dinner into a game. Sliders for all!

Ingredients

For Turkey Sliders:

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 slices brie
• Slider seasoning mix

Sides: Sweet Potato Tots & Pickle Slaw

• 4 sweet potatoes, shredded
• 2 cups coleslaw mix + pickles

Dessert: S’mores Dip

• Marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven 400°F. Mix turkey with seasoning, form patties.
2. Bake patties 15 minutes, add brie to melt last 2.
3. Spread cranberry on buns, assemble sliders.
4. Mix shredded sweet potatoes with oil, bake as tots 20 minutes.
5. Stir slaw with pickles, mayo.
6. Layer chocolate, marshmallows in dish, broil 3 minutes; dip grahams.
7. Set out buffet-style.

Why You’ll Love It

Interactive and addictive – gone in minutes. I double the brie because cheese = life. Perfect for mingling, no fork fights. Party level: expert 😉

7. The Classic Twist Menu: Maple Spatchcock Turkey

Love tradition but bored? This spatchcocked beauty Friendsgiving menu crisps skin like magic, with fresh spins.

Ingredients

For Spatchcock Turkey:

• 10-12 lb whole turkey, spatchcocked (backbone removed)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• Fresh rosemary

Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole & Cornbread Stuffing

• 4 sweet potatoes + marshmallow top
• 1 box stuffing mix + cornbread

Dessert: Pecan Pie Bars

• 1 cup pecans
• Shortbread base

 

Step-by-Step

PIN IT

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 450°F. Pat turkey dry, rub with salt.
2. Mix maple, mustard, rosemary; brush half on turkey.
3. Roast 30 minutes high, then 350°F 1.5-2 hours, basting.
4. Boil sweet potatoes, mash, top marshmallows, broil 2 minutes.
5. Make stuffing with cornbread twist, bake 25 minutes.
6. For bars: Bake shortbread, add pecan filling, 30 minutes.
7. Rest turkey 20 minutes, carve.

Why You’ll Love It

Juiciest bird ever – spatchcock is game-changer. Anecdote: Forgot to baste once, still perfect. Timeless with edge.

8. The 30-Minute Miracle Menu: Air Fryer Turkey Feast

Crazy schedule? This speed demon Friendsgiving menu uses your air fryer for everything. Done before wine runs out.

Ingredients

For Air Fryer Turkey Breast:

• 2 lb turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder, herbs

Sides: Air Fryer Veggies & Instant Mash

• Broccoli & carrots
• Instant potato flakes

Dessert: Microwave Mug Pies

• Pie filling + crust in mugs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer 380°F. Rub turkey with oil, spices.
2. Air fry turkey 20-25 minutes, flip halfway.
3. Toss veggies in basket after turkey rests, 8 minutes.
4. Boil water for instant mash, fluff.
5. Mix mug pie: filling, top biscuit dough, microwave 1.5 minutes each.
6. Slice and serve.

Why You’ll Love It

Total time: 30 minutes. I rely on this for weeknight “Friendsgivings.” Quick, crispy, no oil splatter.

9. The Global Fusion Menu: Korean BBQ Turkey Delight

Bored of same-old? This Korean-inspired Friendsgiving menu brings bold, umami vibes to the table.

Ingredients

For BBQ Turkey:

• 2 lb turkey thigh meat, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup gochujang sauce
• 1/4 cup soy + sesame oil

Sides: Kimchi Fried Rice & Cucumber Salad

• 2 cups rice + kimchi
• Cucumbers + rice vinegar

Dessert: Mango Sticky Rice

• Glutinous rice + coconut milk + mango

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate turkey in gochujang mix 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Grill or skillet turkey 4 minutes per side.
3. Fry rice with kimchi, eggs optional.
4. Quick pickle cucumbers in vinegar, sugar, chili.
5. Steam sticky rice, pour coconut sauce.
6. Plate family-style.

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet-heat explosion – adventurous eaters rave. Tried without gochujang? Bland, don’t skip. Fun twist on tradition.

10. The Dessert Domination Menu: Light Turkey with Epic Sweets

Sweet tooth takeover? This menu keeps mains simple so desserts shine. Turkey’s easy, sweets steal the show.

Ingredients

For Simple Herb Turkey:

• 3 lb turkey tenderloin
• Fresh herbs & lemon

Sides: Green Salad & Rolls

Dessert Trio: Pumpkin Pie Bites, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Bark

• Premade pie crust minis
• Apples + oats
• Chocolate + nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat 375°F. Rub turkey with herbs, lemon, oil.
2. Roast 40 minutes.
3. Toss salad, warm rolls.
4. Fill mini crusts with pumpkin mix, bake 15 minutes.
5. Layer apples, crisp topping, bake 25 minutes.
6. Melt chocolate, stir nuts, chill 10 minutes.
7. Slice turkey, end with trio.

Why You’ll Love It

Desserts are the real stars – three kinds! I go heavy on chocolate bark. Light main lets sweets rule. Friends fight over seconds.

Whew, what a lineup! These Friendsgiving menus nail every host vibe – easy, inclusive, delicious. You save time, impress everyone, and actually enjoy the night. Which one matches your style? Try it, tweak it, own it. Your friends will toast to you all season. Happy Friendsgiving – may your table overflow!