The time has come for everyone’s annual Friendsgiving festivities! Friends from all over the United States will soon be gathering for their own feasts before heading home for the holidays, as it’s now a modern-day tradition.
Whether you’re playing hostess or heading over the river and through the woods to your friend’s apartment, it’s important to prepare something delicious to share with your crew! Stumped on what to make? VALLEY has you covered on the ultimate Friendsgiving menu! Even if you’re not exactly Martha Stewart and don’t know where to begin when prepping for a feast for your friends, you’ll be able to whip these up in no time.
(VALLEY tip: always ask your friends about any food allergies or intolerances they may have before selecting your menu! Make sure to have options for everyone at your Friendsgiving feast.)
Charcuterie Boards
This one might’ve been obvious given the internet’s recent obsession with meat and cheese boards. Charcuterie can be as easy or complex as you want to make it — it’s all up to your comfort level.
Lots of grocery stores make pre-cut cheese and meat platters (like any of these options from Wegman’s), but if you want to go the extra mile, you can prepare your platter yourself. Charcuterie is the perfect snack for grazing, so make sure you have enough options for everyone!
Topping your board off with pickles, crackers, cucumbers, olives, dried fruits, dark chocolate and assorted nuts will take your charcuterie game to the next level. VALLEY suggests adding pomegranate seeds, almonds, Persian cucumbers and pumpernickel crackers to your board.
Fruit & Veggie Trays
Fruit and vegetable trays are always a crowd-pleaser. This is an option for anyone who isn’t well-versed in the kitchen but still wants to contribute. You can always buy the pre-made ones from the grocery store, or you can prepare the tray if you’re feeling fancy.
Fruits such as grapes, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe and sliced apples are both delicious and nutritious, so they’ll go over well with any crowd. Pair with a yummy fruit dip (VALLEY recommends this one made with Greek yogurt) and enjoy.
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and celery sticks are always a big hit with any large crowd. You can go the extra mile with these and bring dips like hummus, ranch or dill dip for the ultimate snacking experience!
Chips and Dip
Who doesn’t love chips and dip? Whether you’re bringing classic potato chips, Doritos or tortilla chips, this easy dish is bound to be a Friendsgiving hit.
This is another dish that can be as easy or complex as you’d like to make it. You can buy your dips from your favorite grocery store or go all-out and make some yourself! Consult with your group before deciding on a dip — anything from buffalo chicken to spinach artichoke or anything in-between is bound to go off without a hitch, but ask your pals what they’d like to eat before you show up with it!
VALLEY recommends using the official Frank’s Red Hot buffalo chicken dip recipe, found here, for a delicious way to spice up your feast!
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a staple for the colder seasons according to many. Whether you’re serving it as a main or side dish, mac and cheese is a classic that stands the test of time.
If you or any of your friends have dietary restrictions, mac and cheese is pretty easy to adapt. Options like protein-based or gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese or gluten-free breadcrumbs are available to make macaroni and cheese all of your friends can enjoy together.
For a traditional mac and cheese, VALLEY recommends this one from The Chunky Chef. For a delicious gluten-free and vegan alternative, check out this recipe from Nyssa’s Kitchen!
Pie
What is more traditional or Thanksgiving-esque than a pie?
There are literally hundreds of different kinds of pie in the world, some easier than others. You can stay traditional with a classic pumpkin or cherry pie, or get fancy with chocolate peanut butter or coconut cream. No matter what kind of pie you choose, VALLEY suggests serving with ice cream or topping with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Don’t forget the cups, plates, silverware and napkins, and most importantly — have fun with your friends!
Have a perfect Friendsgiving dish that we missed? Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, and share it with us!
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