A common trend over the last few years is the idea of friendsgiving: spending Thanksgiving with friends instead of family. This happens for a variety of reasons. Some people live too far away from their families to go home. Sometimes, it’s more fun to spend the day laughing with your friends than listening to your weird uncle tell the same story he told last year. Maybe you want to change things up and do something different. Friendsgiving is a great way for friends to spend the holiday together instead of just ordering a pizza and calling it a day. Whether you’re hosting dinner and making it all yourself or contributing to a potluck, these recipes are sure to impress. Taking new twists on the old classics, these recipes are equal parts tasty and beautiful.
Appetizers
Everyone loves garlic knots. Everyone also loves Tasty videos. Coming from our beloved Buzzfeed Tasty, these garlic knots will be gone within the first few minutes of being served.
Get in the fall spirit with these cheesy crescent leaves. This recipe is easy to make and makes an insta-worthy appetizer.
Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
Barbecue meatballs are a fairly common appetizer, but tying in cranberries and adding a spicy twist makes these unique. These can easily be picked up by toothpicks and make the perfect quick bite to eat before the main course.
Drinks
So simple yet so clever, why did I not think of this before? With just apple cider and champagne, you’ll be able to make these fun and festive drinks in less than five minutes.
Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
Don’t want to drink anything alcoholic? Perfect. This cranberry apple cider punch is just as fun and festive as the apple cider mimosas. The tartness of the cranberries and sweetness of the apple cider work together to create an awesome flavor that everyone is sure to love.
Apple pie. In a drink. Yeah, that’s happening.
Main Course
Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
Don’t bother fussing over an entire turkey when you can just make turkey breasts. This garlic and herb roasted turkey breast recipe is super simple and so much easier to make than you’d think.
Warm Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Bacon, bleu cheese, sweet potatoes and pecans come together perfectly in this warm fall salad.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
If sweet potatoes don’t tickle your fancy, this loaded mashed potato casserole definitely will. With all the best ingredients like bacon, scallions and cheddar cheese, there’s nothing to not love about this dish.
Roasted Green Beans With Parmesan & Basil
Even though your mom probably won’t be around for friendsgiving to tell you to eat them, it’s still important to eat your veggies. This green bean recipe is lighter than green bean casserole but still super cheesy and flavorful.
These stuffing muffins are a clever twist on the classic everyone loves. They are perfectly portioned and are sure to be snatched up in seconds.
Dessert
Apple Cider Cupcakes With Brown Sugar Cinnamon Frosting
Ditch the pie recipe and make these yummy cupcakes instead. It’s a great way to take advantage of the end of apple season, and let’s be real, who can resist brown sugar cinnamon frosting?
These whoopie pies are moist and delicious, and the best part is you can make them in less than 30 minutes. They could even cook in the oven while you and your friends are eating dinner, and then be assembled by everyone after the meal is done.
Cranberry Apple Shortbread Bars
Between the crumbly topping and gooey insides, your guests will probably be the most thankful for your wonderful baking skills after eating these.
No matter if you’re making the whole meal yourself or just bringing a single item to a potluck, there are many twists on the old Thanksgiving classics. You don’t have to travel far or be near family to have a great Thanksgiving. Gather some of your closest friends, mix a few drinks, and enjoy these easy and flavorful recipes.