This Is What Food Network Staffers Are Making for Friendsgiving

When you're new to Friendsgiving, it's hard to decide what dish to bring. The event is less traditional than Thanksgiving, but a bit more advanced than a casual pizza night with your besties. Our advice? Follow our lead and prepare these staffer-approved picks for your Friendsgiving get-together.

Starters

I’m relatively new to the deviled egg game — I had never had one until after I graduated college! — but now that I’m in it, I’m obsessed. They’re ideal for a Friendsgiving appetizer spread, because not only are they easy to make ahead of time, but they’re pretty inexpensive if you’re serving a crowd: just pick up a dozen eggs and use your refrigerator staples. This recipe is traditional, with classic flavors and guaranteed results. Start here if you’re new to the game too. But if you want to dress things up a bit, try substituting pickle juice for the vinegar (you will not be sorry, promise!) or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on the dusting of paprika on top. I go heavy on that and add a few snips of fresh chives too.

- Maria Russo, Senior Editor

For this year’s Friendsgiving, I’m planning to make a Citrus-Walnut Salad from Food Network Kitchen. I know there’s controversy around whether or not you should include a salad in your Thanksgiving spread. But I grew up in a family that always included a seasonal salad, and this one definitely fits the bill. It has blood oranges, sturdy greens and lots of spicy pink peppercorns. It’s a perfect pair to your other Friendsgiving side dishes!

- Amanda Neal, Recipe Developer

Mains

Since I want to ensure everyone is happy with the star of the Friendsgiving show, I am volunteering to take on the turkey. I have never made a turkey before alone, so I am looking for an easy yet super flavorful recipe. I have to go with the queen herself, Ina Garten and her Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe. The herbed butter is going to make the turkey so juicy and flavorful! I cannot wait to impress all my friends with this dish.

- Halie Aaron, Associate Producer, Food Video

I arrived early at our good friends last year ("Come by for a drink before everyone gets here!" they said). Upon arrival, I was immediately asked for some help with their Mushroom Risotto, which quickly devolved into me making a giant batch of risotto to feed more than 50 people! I didn't follow an exact method, but this recipe from Food Network Kitchen will surely do the trick.

- Rob Bleifer, VP, Executive Chef

Sides

I've always had great luck with this Nutty Cranberry Relish. Canned cranberry relish has never been a favorite because of the texture, but with this recipe you get crunch, tang, and sweetness all in one.

- Emily Boyette, Editorial Content Producer, Food.com

I’ll be making Parker House Rolls for Friendsgiving because not only are they are a delicious, classic Thanksgiving bread, but also because it’s always impressive to bring homemade yeast-raised breads to a pot luck!

-Sarah Holden, Digital Culinary Producer

Dessert

Last year, our Friendsgiving fell on my best friend's birthday. To celebrate, I made Food Network Kitchen's confetti birthday cake! It was easy, delicious and crowd-friendly — I wound up making a second cake for my family's Thanksgiving dinner! Though rainbow sprinkles are never a bad idea (seriously, never), I used red and green sprinkles for some extra holiday flair.

- Leah Scalzadonna, Associate Editor

Related Links:

8 Shortcut Recipes That Were Practically Made for Friendsgiving

The 12 Types of Friendsgiving Dinner Guests

12 Thoughtful Friendsgiving Hostess Gifts That Cost Less Than $20