This year will be my 7th year hosting my friend group’s Friendsgiving (and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite times of year). I love hosting my friends, sipping wine, and sharing all our favorite thanksgiving recipes. The classics are always a go-to, but over the years, I’ve collected a few non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes… the ones that aren’t your classic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, but still feel festive, comforting, and as always, super easy to make!

These 9 recipes are the ones I always make when I want my table to feel a little elevated without being stressful. From apps and salads to delish sides and easy sweet treats, they’re all crowd-pleasers and have become some of my favorite holiday staples.

Let’s get into the recipes…

1. Sweet Potato Whipped Goat Cheese

A luxurious twist on a classic: creamy whipped goat cheese meets sweet potato purée, seasoned just right. Perfect on crostini, crackers, or with roasted veggies! It’s a little unexpected, a lot indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser.

2. Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of seasonal veggies, and tossed warm with a bright dressing, this salad hits that perfect holiday balance of hearty yet fresh. It’s vegetarian-friendly, colorful, and can be made ahead to save time.

3. Apple Walnut Goat Cheese Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy goat cheese make this salad feel elevated without being complicated. I make this one every year… it’s my all-time favorite fall salad and a light, refreshing counterpoint to richer holiday dishes.

4. Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get a major upgrade here: roasted until perfectly crispy and drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze. My favorite way to get a green side on the holiday table.

5. Parmesan-Crusted Potatoes

Who can resist potatoes with a parmesan crust?! This side dish is comfort food at its best. It’s slightly indulgent but still made with simple, real ingredients that everyone will love.

6. Pumpkin Sage Tortellini

Looking for an alt to mac & cheese for this year’s holiday? Rich pumpkin sauce and fragrant sage make this pasta dish feel special without any extra fuss. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main or an elevated side, bringing cozy fall flavors to the holiday table.

7. Stuffed Butternut Squash

This roasted butternut squash stuffed with a savory turkey sausage filling is the perfect holiday main if you’re not in the mood to make a turkey. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a show-stopping centerpiece that will wow everyone at the table.

8. 3-Ingredient Date Turtles

Simple, naturally sweet, and perfect for a quick treat or dessert platter. With just three ingredients, these little bites are healthy, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

9. Caramel Apple Date Clusters

If you caught on, I love date desserts this time of year. This one is a fun, handheld treat with tart apple, sweet dates, and a touch of caramel. perfect for nibbling while chatting before dinner or gifting in jars for friends and family.

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The holidays are busy, but these recipes make it easy to put together a festive, flavorful table without stress. They’re a mix of my all-time favorites: fresh, veggie-forward salads, comforting sides, and quick, delicious treats. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these recipes have you covered.

Leave a comment below to let me know what you make this year (or tag me on Instagram/TikTok so I can see your creations)!