The 10 Best Friendsgiving Appetizers

Friendsgiving is all about making your own rules. You can smash traditions and have a side dish-only potluck, or go rogue and make cake instead of pie. Ultimately, what makes Friendsgiving so great is that you’re supposed to have fun with it. Whereas the classic Thanksgiving meal is often about traditional dishes, Friendsgiving is a time to get creative, and maybe try something new. Or not! It’s your choice — make what speaks to you. 

If you’re assigned to apps this year for Friendsgiving, it’s a great opportunity to make something a little unusual. Here are our 10 best Friendsgiving appetizers to consider for your potluck. If you love traditional hummus, try adding an electric red beet into the mix! Or, use your Instant Pot to make spicy deviled eggs or kale-laced artichoke dip. There’s something here for everyone. 

1. Sweet Potato Crostini with Blue Cheese & Honey

Sneak in some extra vegetables before the main event with these sweet potato crostinis. After you roast the rounds of sweet potatoes you top them with blue cheese, walnuts, rosemary, honey, and a little sea salt.

2. Parsnip “Pigs” in a Blanket with Chimichurri

These vegetarian “pigs” in a blanket are a unique crowd-pleaser that your friends won’t see coming. The herby dipping sauce also adds a nice zing to an often heavy meal.

3. Beet Hummus

This creative take on traditional hummus adds one large beet into the mix, which creates a stunningly pink dip. The earthy addition is great paired with crudité, pita chips, or just enjoyed with a spoon (don’t worry, we won’t tell). 

4. Baked Soft-Ripened Cheese with Dried Fruits

Be a hero and bring melty cheese to your Friendsgiving dinner this year! You can use any soft-ripened cheese in this recipe, like Brie or Camembert. Before you put the cheese in the oven, you top it with rum-soaked raisins which makes everything even more dreamy. 

5. Instant Pot Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Instant Pot and Friendsgiving kind of go hand-in-hand. Friendsgiving is trendy. Instant Pot is trendy. They make a perfect match! Celebrate the occasion by making these delightfully spicy deviled eggs! They’ll be gone before the night is over.

6. Butternut Squash and Bacon Tart Recipe

Pizza, but making it Friendsgiving! This savory tart is made with spiralized butternut squash, bacon, goat cheese, shallot, and sage. You might want to make two, because it’s sure to be a popular dish.

7. Instant Pot Kale Artichoke Dip

Classic artichoke dip gets a healthy upgrade thanks to one large bunch of kale. This dip cooks in the Instant Pot, but you put it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a hot, bubbly top.

8. Skillet Cornbread

You can’t go wrong with bringing homemade cornbread to your Friendsgiving festivities. This one is made in a cast-iron skillet so you get perfectly crispy edges and a soft center.

9. Warm Dates with Parmesan and Walnuts

Make one of our most popular appetizers ever for your Friendsgiving this year! These warm dates couldn’t be easier to make: simply stuff dates with walnuts and cheese before putting them into the oven for 10 minutes. Drizzle a little olive over them and then serve!

10. Beaufort, Chive and Black Pepper Gougères

Gougères are the perfect little bites to serve with a pre-dinner cocktail. They’re light with just the right amount of cheese. This recipe uses Beaufort cheese — or gruyère — a sprinkling of chives or parsley, and then a few generous cranks of fresh black pepper.