What I’m Cooking This Year—19 Friendsgiving Main Dish Ideas

Friendsgiving dinners always bring plenty of opinions about what belongs on the table. That’s why 19 main dish ideas are ready to keep everyone fed and distracted from debating holiday movies. There’s something for every appetite, whether the group leans classic or wants to shake things up. No one will leave hungry, and you might even hear fewer arguments about who forgot the napkins.

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning.
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’ve got loads of options for Friendsgiving, but Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole should be on your radar. This dish brings together comforting layers and bold tastes in a way that kicks things up a notch. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and doesn’t feel overly complicated for a main dish. Plus, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that looks and feels festive without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you want a showstopper centerpiece, Perfect Spatchcock Turkey might be your best bet. This technique preps the bird in a way that cooks quicker and more evenly while keeping everything tender. It’s ideal for a Friendsgiving where you want something that’s easy to carve and share. You’ll love how it feels less fussy but still delivers big on results.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington sliced on a wooden board with a side salad in the background.
Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic choice with a bit of flair, Beef Wellington is perfect for impressing your Friendsgiving crew. It’s rich and elegant but still works well with traditional sides. Everyone at the table will appreciate how it balances hearty and comforting vibes in an elevated way. Bring this out, and you’ll definitely have folks asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty dish around the holidays. Easy Cornbread Casserole works great as a dish that pairs with just about anything on your table. It’s comforting, easy to make, and sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting or attending Friendsgiving, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re looking for something that feels like it’s been cooking all day, Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the one. It’s that no-fuss option that becomes tender and rich while you focus on everything else. Packed with hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that fits into any Friendsgiving spread perfectly. Everyone at your table will appreciate how filling and easy it is to share.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Got chicken on your mind but want something unique? Marry Me Chicken Meatballs offer a bold and satisfying choice. They’re fun to serve, packed with flavor, and give a fresh take on traditional Friendsgiving proteins. Guests of all ages will definitely want to try these bite-sized dishes first.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can’t have a Friendsgiving without a classic main dish. Roasted Turkey is always a standout and can anchor the entire spread. It’s one of those dishes that immediately brings everything together with its centerpiece appeal. Everyone expects it on the table, and it’s always the first dish to draw attention.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface.
Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes you gotta bring something different to the table. Pork Belly is one of those dishes that can turn heads with its rich and tender texture. It’s an unexpected choice that works well for those wanting something out of the usual turkey or ham. Whether served as an appetizer or a main, it’s got that wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After a whole day of cooking, easy is the way to go. Thanksgiving Casserole combines a little of everything into one bite-sized experience. It’s layered with familiar ingredients that remind everyone of their favorite holiday meals. The simplicity and versatility make it an easy choice for Friendsgiving.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s never a wrong time to bring a cozy dish to the table. Turkey Chili is one of those warm and hearty meals that fits into any Friendsgiving lineup. It’s a great way to add comfort to the menu and still mix things up from the usual spread. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s sure to keep everyone full.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everyone loves a classic dish that’s simple yet reliable. Easy Meatloaf Recipe is a traditional favorite that can make your table feel just like home. It’s one of those no-nonsense meals that fills you up and pairs well with everything around it. You can’t go wrong by adding this to your Friendsgiving plans.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pasta with a holiday twist is always a fun addition to the table. Pumpkin Pasta is a cozy, unexpected option that blends seasonal ingredients into an easy-to-eat dish. It’s a hit for anyone ready to change things up with something unique this year. Whether for a side dish or main, it’s a perfect fit for your Friendsgiving.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm gatherings call for comforting dishes that bring people together. Chicken and Rice Casserole is just what you need when serving a crowd, it’s hearty, easy to share, and always hits the spot. It combines rich layers of goodness with a lot of potential for leftovers, so no one’s leaving hungry. It’s a great option when you want something reliable yet crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up view of sliced turkey meatloaf with a browned crust on top, revealing a moist and textured interior. The meatloaf appears to contain pieces of onions and possibly sun-dried tomatoes.
Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing a new twist to everyone’s classic favorite can be the star of your table. Turkey Meatloaf is a lighter, yet flavorful spin on the old-school dinner dish. It’s packed with everything you expect, minus the heaviness of traditional recipes. This one’s a crowd-pleaser and a simple way to keep things both welcoming and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A plant-based option doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the wow-factor of your main dish. Roasted Whole Cauliflower makes for a bold centerpiece that’s as hearty as it is satisfying on the table. It proves vegetables can steal the show while still being wholesome. Great for impressing when you need an eye-catching dish for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Holidays are all about options that feed hungry guests with ease. Turkey Casserole is a comfort food classic you can count on to bring warmth and contentment to loved ones. It’s one of those dishes that feels incredibly homey and works whether you’re using turkey leftovers or starting fresh. Everyone at your Friendsgiving can enjoy a hassle-free dish with tons of replay value.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hosting a Friendsgiving is easier with a centerpiece that’s equal parts timeless and hearty. Roast Beef is a go-to for bringing just the right amount of tradition to the table while making sure everyone leaves happy. It comes together with very little fuss, but always offers a lot in terms of staying impressive. If you want something special yet easy to share, this dish checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some meals manage to blend comfort food vibes with a sense of nostalgia, and this is one of them. Chicken Pot Pie is that warm, dependable choice for bringing everyone a home-cooked feel around the table. With its comforting layers all bundled together, it’s a main dish that never goes out of style. It makes Friendsgiving feel personal and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning.
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something incredibly easy about serving smaller cuts of turkey but without losing any of the impact it should have. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast is the type of main dish that feels thoughtful while still keeping things simple. A nice glaze makes it feel polished and ready for anyone at the table. It’s great when you want the turkey flavor but in a more manageable size.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

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