Friendsgiving Main Course Recipe Ideas

Friendsgiving is a beloved twist on Thanksgiving, bringing friends together to share food, laughter, and gratitude. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, Friendsgiving main courses are all about hearty, comforting dishes that encourage everyone to gather around the table and celebrate. Here are some fantastic Friendsgiving main course recipe ideas, including both traditional and modern options, that are sure to impress your friends this holiday season.

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Sage Butter

Turkey is a Friendsgiving classic, but making a whole bird can be daunting. For a more manageable approach, try roasting a turkey breast instead—it’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to carve.

Ingredients:

• 1 large turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix butter, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get some under the skin.
4. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.

2. Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

For a unique twist, try a pork tenderloin, which pairs beautifully with fall flavors like maple and apple. This dish is simple to prepare and makes for a beautiful centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork tenderloins
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork tenderloins until browned on all sides.
4. Add apple and onion slices around the pork, and pour the maple glaze over everything.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork rest before slicing. Serve with the caramelized apples and onions.

3. Vegan Mushroom Wellington

For your plant-based friends, a Mushroom Wellington is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing main dish. This vegan-friendly option is packed with umami-rich mushrooms, savory herbs, and wrapped in golden puff pastry.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups mushrooms, chopped (button, cremini, or shiitake)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
3. Add thyme, rosemary, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, then remove from heat.
4. Roll out the puff pastry and spread Dijon mustard in the center. Add the mushroom mixture on top, shaping it into a log.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve with a vegan gravy.

4. Beef Short Rib Pot Roast with Red Wine Gravy

For a luxurious Friendsgiving main course, try this tender beef short rib pot roast. Slow-cooked with red wine, herbs, and veggies, this dish is rich, savory, and absolutely satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions:

1. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear ribs on all sides. Set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
3. Add red wine, broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and return ribs to the pot.
4. Cover and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
5. Remove ribs and reduce the sauce on the stovetop until thickened. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

5. Sweet Potato and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash

This stuffed acorn squash is a beautiful, vegetarian-friendly option that doubles as a main course or side. Filled with sweet potatoes, kale, cranberries, and quinoa, it’s hearty, colorful, and packed with fall flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 large sweet potato, diced and roasted
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle acorn squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted sweet potato, kale, cranberries, pecans, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each squash half with the quinoa mixture. Bake for another 10 minutes, until heated through.

6. Brown Sugar and Dijon Glazed Ham

For a crowd-pleasing main course that’s easy to make, ham is always a hit. The glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices makes for a sweet and savory crust that pairs perfectly with classic Friendsgiving sides.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (5-7 pounds)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon. Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
3. Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until the ham is warmed through and caramelized.
4. Slice and serve warm.

Final Thoughts

Friendsgiving is all about sharing and savoring, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your main course selection. From traditional roasts to plant-based dishes, these recipes offer something for everyone at the table. Add your favorite sides and desserts, and you’ll have an unforgettable Friendsgiving feast that will make everyone thankful for good food and even better friends. Happy Friendsgiving!

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