So you’re hosting Friendsgiving and you have at least one vegan friend and another who’s gluten-free, which means you need to prepare a meal that accommodates both of them without alienating the omnivores in your friend group. That may seem like a massive challenge, but we promise it’s not.
Not only is vegan food incredibly versatile, but it’s also easy to make yourself so that you don’t have to rely on processed brands like Tofurky — not that there’s anything wrong with a premade seitan loaf.
Plus, keeping gluten out of things is getting easier with substitute flours and recipes that cater to folks with food allergies.
MORE: Delicious and easy vegan and dairy-free whipped cream
Don’t believe us? Just check out the recipes below for some examples of how to create the perfect Friendsgiving without using animal products or gluten in your dishes. It’ll blow your vegan and gluten-free friends’ socks right off.
Drinks
Go for vegan and gluten-free drinks by mixing cocktails that don’t rely on yeasty alcohol (like beer) or filtered liquor (many wines and beer brands use animal products during the filtration process). Not sure if your alcohol is vegan-friendly? Check out the Barnivore vegan alcohol directory.
Spiced rum apple cider (alcoholic)
Appetizers
Whether you serve these before or after the meal (perhaps while playing some games or enjoying other Friendsgiving activities), these appetizers will keep everyone coming back for more.
Cheesy vegan spinach and artichoke dip
Actually crispy baked chickpeas
Baked vegan goat cheese with spiced cranberry spread
Vegan cheesy broccoli quinoa bites with Sriracha aioli
Main courses
Like we said, it’s pretty easy to skip the Tofurky. Here are just a few ideas for main courses that will make your Friendsgiving an instant smash hit. Pro tip: Think outside the traditional Thanksgiving box and mix up your cuisines!
The best whole roasted cauliflower
Crispy gluten-free eggplant Parmesan
Portobello steaks with avocado chimichurri
Sauces
What’s Friendsgiving without delicious gravy and some killer cranberry sauce? These recipes will spice up any plate, no matter what you choose for your main course or side dishes.
Quick mushroom herb gravy (Use Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Butter to make it vegan-friendly.)
Vanilla bourbon-balsamic cranberry sauce
MORE: See 6 of the best vegan recipes to try
Side Dishes
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone to a holiday meal and eaten exclusively side dishes. As important as it is to have a great main course, the side dishes often make or break a Friendsgiving meal. Here are just a few options for creative, flavorful sides to serve your friends.
Green beans with citrus and almonds
Crispy brussels sprouts salad with pomegranate seeds
Roasted garlic faux-tatoes (Use Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Butter.to make it vegan-friendly).
Autumn chopped kale salad (Use tofu feta and use agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly.)
MORE: Gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner recipes
MORE: Gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner recipes
Soups
Soups can act as main dishes, side dishes, palate cleansers or appetizers. These versatile bowls of deliciousness are perfect for any Friendsgiving.
Crock-Pot quinoa and butternut squash soup
Vegan French onion soup with homemade vegan mozzarella
Roasted pumpkin apple bisque with pecan crumble
Slow cooker quinoa, white bean and kale soup
Desserts
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! After such a delicious, rich and filling meal, it might be tough, but we promise these dessert recipes will be worth it. Plus, it’s Friendsgiving! Plenty of time for a nap while the food digests.
MORE: See 6 of the best vegan recipes to try
