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What to Bring to Friendsgiving (Based on How Well You Can Actually Cook)

There’s always that one text that shows up about a week before Friendsgiving. “Okay so what is everyone bringing??” And then the group chat goes completely silent, because nobody wants to be the person who says “chips” first.

A few years ago I volunteered to bring a seven layer dip. Easy, right? I got to my friend’s apartment, set it on the counter, and her roommate looked at it and goes “is this… three layers?” It was three layers.

I had ran out of time, skipped the guac, forgot the olives in my fridge and just kind of hoped nobody would count. Everybody counted. They still call it my “three layer dip” and honestly I’ve made peace with it.

So here’s the thing. You don’t have to be a great cook to show up with something people actually want.

You just have to pick the right thing for YOUR skill level. Below I broke it down from “I burn toast” all the way up to “I own a meat thermometer and I’m not afraid to use it.” Find your level and go from there.

If You Can’t Cook At All

No shame here. Honestly the no-cook people are the ones who save the party, because somebody has to bring the stuff everyone forgets about. Here’s what you can grab on your way over:

  • A couple bottles of wine (one red, one white, so your covered either way)
  • A really nice dessert from a local bakery, not the grocery store sheet cake
  • A store bought pie that you put on a cute plate so it looks semi-homemade
  • Bags of ice, cups and napkins (the host will literally love you)
  • A fancy cheese and cracker box from Trader Joe’s
  • Sparkling cider or a fun soda for the people who aren’t drinking

Pro tip, call dibs on ice early. Nobody ever brings enough ice and you will look like a genius at 7pm when the cooler is empty.

If You Can Put Things On A Plate

This is the “assembly” level. No stove, no oven, just a little arranging. These look way harder then they are, which is kind of the whole point.

  • A charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, grapes and a few crackers
  • A caprese platter with tomato, mozzarella and basil
  • A veggie tray with a good dip in the middle (please not just ranch)
  • A fall snack mix with pretzels, candy corn and M&Ms
  • A fruit platter, cut up and ready so nobody has to deal with a whole pineapple
  • A dessert board with cookies, chocolate and mini pumpkin pies

Boards are basically cheating, but nobody has ever been mad about a cheese board. Ever.

If You Can Follow A Recipe

Okay so you can turn on an oven and read directions. That opens up alot. These are the sides that disappear first, so bring a big batch.

  • Baked mac and cheese (the crowd favorite, every single year)
  • Roasted veggies like brussels sprouts or carrots
  • A big fall salad with apples, nuts and some kind of crumbly cheese
  • Mashed potatoes, because there is never enough mashed potatoes
  • A slow cooker dip, like buffalo chicken or spinach artichoke
  • Cornbread or a pan of fresh rolls

If your nervous, pick a dish that travels well and tastes fine at room temp. Mac and cheese in a foil pan is pretty hard to mess up.

If You’re The Friend Who Can Actually Cook

You know who you are. Everyone already expects something good from you so no pressure lol. Here’s where you can show off a little:

  • Sweet potato casserole with the marshmallows OR the pecan topping (start a debate)
  • Homemade stuffing
  • A homemade pie, apple or pumpkin or pecan
  • A second protein like a ham or a pot of meatballs, incase the turkey runs out
  • The gravy (seriously, offer to make the gravy, the host is stressed about it)
  • Green bean casserole made from scratch

Non-Food Stuff The Host Will Love

Sometimes the host has the food covered and what they really need is help with everything else. These are low effort and really thoughtful.

  • To-go containers so everyone can take leftovers home
  • A big batch cocktail in a pitcher, like an apple cider sangria
  • A card game or party game for after dinner
  • A fall candle or a small plant as a thank you gift
  • Extra folding chairs, if you have them (trust me)
  • Trash bags and foil, the most unglamorous gift that everyone needs

If your hosting this year, check out my Friendsgiving party ideas for tips on setting the whole thing up.

Quick Potluck Rules Before You Leave The House

Whatever you bring, run through this real fast so you’re not that guest.

So, What Are You Bringing?

At the end of the day nobody at Friendsgiving is grading your food. They just want you there, and maybe some ice. Pick something from your level, say it in the group chat before someone else claims it, and show up hungry.

And if you bring a seven layer dip, count the layers. Learn from me.

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