17 Friendsgiving Recipes for a Fall Gathering

Friendsgiving feels easier when the first dish sets a relaxed tone for the whole evening. With 17 recipe ideas meant for cool fall gatherings, this lineup focuses on cozy comfort, simple plating, and the kind of food that keeps people lingering at the table. Every dish invites conversation without needing extra effort.

A plate with a nut roast and potatoes on it.
Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby.
Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

One spoonful of Mashed Potato Casserole makes the whole table pause. The texture feels soft and welcoming while each bite delivers the kind of comfort that fits a friendly fall gathering. I usually make a little extra because leftovers reheat beautifully, and people always drift back toward the serving dish for more.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom wellington on a white serving plate.
Elegant Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For guests who appreciate something refined, Elegant Mushroom Wellington brings a touch of celebration to the table. The flaky exterior gives way to a rich interior that feels special without demanding extra effort from the host. It slices beautifully, showing layers that make everyone lean in for a closer look.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A gentle pillow-like bite turns Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi into a cozy moment. Once it hits the plate, the warmth and subtle sweetness create a balance that feels right for fall gatherings. I’ve noticed people take smaller bites just to extend the experience.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Butternut Squash Ravioli

A plate of ravioli topped with creamy sauce, grated cheese, and fresh herbs, served with a fork.
Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Autumn shows up the second Butternut Squash Ravioli reaches the table. Each bite blends soft texture with a seasonal depth that makes the dish feel homemade even when prepared ahead. I like placing this on the table early because it immediately shifts the meal toward celebration.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich comfort settles in with Cheesy Eggplant Casserole, offering layers that feel relaxed and unfussy. Nothing about it tries too hard, yet it leaves people happily surprised. The baked finish creates a filling contrast that pairs well with any Friendsgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

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

A bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Pasta signals that fall has fully arrived. The smooth sauce wraps around every piece of pasta in a way that encourages slow eating and conversation. This one has a habit of disappearing faster than expected, especially when guests return for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Holiday Lentil Loaf

A slice of lentil loaf on a plate with sprigs of thyme.
Holiday Lentil Loaf. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday Lentil Loaf brings unexpected celebration energy without relying on heavy ingredients. Each slice holds together nicely, making it easy to serve to a full table. The clean presentation earns compliments, and the hearty flavor fits perfectly with festive fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Lentil Loaf

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The bright, roasted edges of Tender Roasted Broccoli make even simple vegetables feel worthy of a special occasion. It’s light enough to balance richer dishes without fading into the background. I like adding this to the lineup because the color brings a fresh contrast to the Friendsgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Velvety texture makes Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto one of the most soothing dishes of the evening. Slow stirring turns the grains into something luxurious and peaceful. People often ask how it becomes so silky without heavy effort, and I tell them the reward is in taking it slow.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Friendsgiving gets more interesting when Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans show up. They create the kind of dish that earns recipe requests before the plates are cleared. The soft beans soak in every bit of flavor, turning a simple idea into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans

Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Hearty Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rugged texture and nutty rice make Hearty Wild Rice Casserole a natural match for cool-weather gatherings. It brings depth without feeling heavy, so guests can enjoy a full plate without slowing down. I’ve seen this side dish become the main attraction more than once.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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

The dramatic presentation of Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower draws attention before the first slice. Cutting into it reveals a tender interior, creating a carving moment similar to a main centerpiece. It gives vegetarians something impressive without needing a complicated process.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crowd energy always shifts when Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna appears. The stacked layers look beautiful on the plate while the inside feels warm and filling. This dish handles the chaos of a busy table, holding its shape and delivering comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto makes diners feel spoiled in the best way. Each spoonful reveals depth that builds from the first bite, encouraging people to savor instead of rush. Friends often ask how something so smooth can feel so rich without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

A cast iron skillet filled with vegetable shepherd's pie, topped with mashed potatoes and garnished with rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley. Two spoons are placed inside.
Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A golden topping hides a deeply filling interior in Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Once the spoon breaks the surface, steam rises and the aroma spreads through the room. It anchors the table with comfort and gives everyone a reason to sit a little longer.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big, meaty portions give Tender Broccoli Steaks the presence of a centerpiece at a fall gathering. The edges bring a filling bite while the inside stays soft, so every slice feels hearty without being heavy. I like serving these with other cozy sides, because the color and texture balance richer dishes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Vegan Nut Roast

A plate with a nut roast and potatoes on it.
Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A slice of Vegan Nut Roast brings warmth that feels right at a fall gathering. The texture holds together beautifully, giving each bite satisfying structure without being dense. I serve this when I want a centerpiece that feels thoughtful and welcoming, and people often ask for leftovers to take home.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

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