Hate to cook and wondering what to bring to friendsgiving? Ugh, I feel you. Cooking is NOT my favorite thing to do. I’ll be brutally honest here—most of my food posts are roundups of recipes I’ve found (and loved) because I’m not about spending hours in the kitchen stressing over tiny details or weird ingredients.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to show up empty handed OR overworked. This list of easy Friendsgiving sides and desserts plus a few store-bought lifesavers) will keep you from panic-Googling in the grocery store aisle. Whether you’re a confident cook or someone who just wants to grab-and-go, I’ve got you covered.
So grab your dish (or bakery bag), and let’s dive in.
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What to Bring to Friendsgiving Guide
Your easy guide to what to bring to Friendsgiving. Easily find what you want to make using the links below!
Friendsgiving Starters: Soup, Salad, and Bread
Butternut Squash Soup
Wondering what to bring to your friendsgiving that’s allergen friendly? This dish is creamy, vegan, and cozy. Prep it at home and bring it in a thermos or crockpot—it’s perfect for serving by the mug.
Vegan Pumpkin Soup
Cozy and spiced, and can double as a “sweet-ish” starter for dessert tables if you want a lighter option.
Fall Harvest Salad
A lighter, colorful side with roasted squash, apples, and pomegranate. Adds freshness to a heavy Friendsgiving table.
Apple Pecan Arugula Salad
Crisp apples, peppery arugula, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Quick to make (just 15 minutes) and balances out all the carbs you’ll be eating!
Pumpkin Cornbread
Sweet, soft, and pairs perfectly with soups, chili, or turkey. Travels well in a pan and tastes great warm or at room temp. The perfect easy friendsgiving side!
Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits
A quick, cheesy Red Lobster dupe, ready in 30 minutes. These will be a hit at any Friendsgiving!
🥘 Easy Friendsgiving Veggie Side Dishes
If you want to show up with something hearty and comforting without sweating over a five-hour recipe, here are some easy wins.
Chunky Mashed Potatoes (My Go-To!)
Comfort food at its finest. I leave the skins on, mash until mostly smooth but with a few chunks, and stir in mayo, garlic salt, and pepper. You can scale it up easily and keep it warm in a crockpot for transport—total crowd-pleaser.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
Sweet, savory, and made on a single sheet pan in about 30 minutes. It balances out the heavier mains perfectly.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy sprouts + salty bacon + honey mustard glaze = irresistible. Easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
Creamed Spinach
This easy friendsgiving side uses frozen spinach, reheats beautifully, and is rich without being fussy. Bonus: it’s make-ahead friendly.
Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
Caramelized, slightly sweet, and elevated with yogurt drizzle and bacon bits. Unique but simple. Perfect for a more sophisticated friendsgiving crew!
Mashed Cauliflower
A lighter spin on mashed potatoes with tons of flavor. Great for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes
Roasted until golden brown, these are addictive, cheesy, and always disappear fast. Easy, but a crowd pleaser!
Green Beans Almondine
A classic French side dish—glossy beans topped with almonds. Simple, fresh, and looks fancy without the effort.
Creamed Corn
Toss in the crockpot and forget it—creamy, sweet, and always a hit. This is one of the easiest friendsgiving sides you can make!
Honey Roasted Carrots with Orange
This one is a favorite of mine and my husband— the citrus twist on a classic Thanksgiving side makes it extra bright and festive.
Hearty Friendsgiving Bakes
Baked Mac and Cheese
Yes, mac and cheese can be a Friendsgiving side. Because, I say so. Layered with cheese sauce AND cheese slices = ultimate comfort food.
Green Bean Casserole
Classic comfort food with a twist—this version has bacon, mushrooms, and cheese for extra flavor.
🍰 Easy Friendsgiving Desserts
The host asked you to bring dessert and you’re wondering what to bring to Friendsgiving that’s easy and a crowd pleaser. I’ve got you covered!
Apple Crisp or Crumble
Warm apples + buttery oat topping = simple fall perfection. You can prep ahead, bake the morning of, and reheat before serving. Travels well in a 9×13 dish.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin sheet cake cut into squares, topped with tangy frosting. Low effort, high payoff, and feeds a crowd.
Brownie or Cookie Skillet
One big pan, lots of gooey servings. Bring ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate Friendsgiving dessert moment.
What to Bring to Friendsgiving with ZERO Time
Pressed for time? Sometimes you just don’t have the time (or energy). These will still get you the “OMG thanks for bringing this!” compliments.
Fresh Bakery Rolls
No meal is complete without rolls. Grab them fresh from a bakery (or even the grocery store bakery section) the morning of.
Bakery Pie or Cheesecake
Pumpkin, apple, or even cheesecake—don’t stress about making it yourself. Dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Steamed Veggies
Microwave bags of broccoli or green beans, finished with butter, salt, and pepper. Ready in 10 minutes flat, and no one will know you didn’t cook from scratch.
Final Thoughts on What to Bring to Friendsgiving
There you have it—21 easy sides and desserts to bring to Friendsgiving, plus a few store-bought cheats if you’re running low on time. Whether you bring homemade mac & cheese, a bakery pie, or even just a bag of rolls, the goal is the same: show up, share good food, and enjoy the time with your people.
💌 Hosting this year? Don’t leave without:
- Explore easy DIY friendsgiving decoration ideas that won’t break the bank!
- Get my free printable Friendsgiving placemats by subscribing below along with a monthly round-up of seasonal DIYs, hosting hacks, and freebies.