Elizabeth Lindemann (@bowlofdelicious), Andrew Rea (@bingingwithbabish), Jo and Bart (@joandbart), & more solve all your Friendsgiving dilemmas. These top food influencers share delicious recipes, creative shortcuts, and stunning presentation ideas. Check out their best Thanksgiving dishes to inspire your celebration.
“Friendsgiving” first appeared online around 2007, but young people celebrated it long before then. With college, work, and life often keeping loved ones apart, friends became our Thanksgiving table.
Now, one in five Americans hosts or attends a Friendsgiving celebration yearly. While the concept is laid-back, intimate, and low-pressure, you can still bring something special. Discover top food creators for Friendsgiving dishes, hacks, and ideas to inspire your culinary creations this season!
1. Elizabeth Lindemann | @bowlofdelicious
Elizabeth Lindemann’s recipes prioritize ease and flavor, perfect for busy and health-conscious hosts. If you’re looking for cheap, healthy, and realistic recipes, she’s one of the top food creators you need on your Friendsgiving feed.
What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes?
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
- Brown Butter and Maple Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Mash
- Easy Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Mushroom Gravy (Vegetarian)
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Learn more: Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas from Food Bloggers
2. Nat Bull | @saltandlavender
Nat Bull makes you eat with your mouth and your eyes. She’s one of the top food influencers sharing show-stopping dishes year-round. Her recipes are quick and simple to make, so even the most kitchen-challenged cooks can prepare a delicious Friendsgiving dinner.
3. Jo and Bart | @joandbart
Jo and Bart are food influencers who make foolproof recipes for beginners and seasoned cooks. Their approachable, fun dishes are perfect for stress-free Friendsgiving cooking, especially if you’re pressed for time.
4. Tieghan Gerard | @halfbakedharvest
Tieghan Gerard is a recipe developer, food photographer, and NYT Bestselling Author. If you’re after stunning food photos and cozy, comforting potluck ideas, she’s the food influencer you need on your feed.
Half Baked Harvest Friendsgiving Potluck Must-Haves:
- One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad
- Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
5. Lisa Bryan | @downshiftology
Lisa Bryan brings wholesome, clean eating into the spotlight with nourishing and indulgent recipes. She’s a meal prep pro, so expect dishes that are easy to make ahead and share.
What Thanksgiving Dishes Can I Make in Advance?
- Casseroles
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Pies and desserts
- Dressing, sauces, and gravies
- Cranberry sauce
6. Hajar Larbah | @moribyan
Hajar is half-Moroccan, half-Libyan, which means her recipes burst with bold flavors, unique spices, and vibrant colors. If you’re ready to skip classic recipes, she’s the best food influencer to learn from!
Hajar Larbah Halal Friendsgiving Recipes
- Halal Cart Lamb Over Rice
- Halal Cart Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Shawarma
Learn more: Black Foodies Sharing Culture Through Food
7. John Kanell | @preppykitchen
John Kanell is a two-time NYT Bestselling Author, and his Instagram shows why. His impeccable food styling aside, he makes mouthwatering baked goodies that are surprisingly easy to pull off.
8. Henry Firth and Ian Theasby | @bosh.tv
These food creators dazzle with plant-based recipes that will convert even the most devout meat lovers. Their social media pages are a treasure trove of healthy, protein and fiber-rich dishes. You can find some of their creations in Tesco for a no-fuss holiday dinner.
9. Jenné Claiborne | @sweetpotatosoul
Looking for Friendsgiving dishes that are flavorful and vegan? Jenné Claiborne serves up soulful, vegan recipes for the diverse and inclusive Friendsgiving tables.
What Is a Vegan Alternative to Turkey for Thanksgiving?
- Seitan Tofu Roast
- Coconut-Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Stuffed Butternut Squash Roast
- Lentil Shepard's Pie
- Quorn Meatless Turkey-Style Roast
10. Beth Moncel | @budgetbytes
Budget Bytes by Beth Moncel is one of the top food influencers for thrifty hosts; it’s in the name! Her page is focused on sharing budget-friendly meals without skimping on flavor.
What Is One Way to Plan a Thanksgiving Dish on a Budget Without Sacrificing Quality or Tradition?
Host a potluck! Let friends contribute dishes to keep costs low while enjoying a full, festive spread. You can even make it a game by setting a theme. For example, you can ask guests to bring dishes inspired by their names, heritage, or favorite cuisines.
11. Ali Ebright | @gimmesomeoven
From timeless classics to fresh twists, Ali Ebright offers a range of simple, flavorful recipes that make every Friendsgiving a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Her recipes typically require only a few ingredients, so you don’t need to stress about complicated grocery lists or obscure specialty items.
12. Andrew Rea | @bingingwithbabish
Want your Friendsgiving to feel straight out of a movie? To his one million followers, cook and filmmaker Andrew Rea dishes out mouthwatering recipes inspired by pop culture. Expect a whole lot of creative flair and nostalgia!
Pop Culture-Inspired Thanksgiving Dishes:
- Treacle Tart, Pumpkin Pasties, Butterbeer (Harry Potter)
- Pumpkin Pie, Snoopy’s Whole Roast Turkey (Charlie Brown)
- Sweet Potato Casserole (Friends)
13. Kathryne Taylor | @cookieandkate
This self-taught cook from Oklahoma will teach you how to make vegetarian dishes from scratch.
Don’t miss her salads, pies, and baked treats.
14. Chef John Armand Mitzewich | @foodwishes
Chef John shows off a mix of classic and quirky dishes, all packed with personality. With 4.63 million subscribers on YouTube and over 1,500 video recipes, he makes cooking entertaining and approachable. Follow if you plan on creating a fancy-but-easy Friendsgiving feast.
15. Lauren Toyota | @hotforfood
Lauren Toyota is hot for food, making her one of the best food creators for Friendsgiving and any holiday. This plant-based queen specializes in comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is stylish.
16. Steph Grasso, MS, RD | @stephgrassodietitian
Steph Grasso keeps it real with quick, feel-good dishes that prove healthy food can be both delicious and nutritious. With her dietitian-approved Friendsgiving recipes, you can dig in while sticking to your goals.
Easy Dishes from Store-Bought Thanksgiving Staples
- Elevated Stove Top Stuffing with Chicken Sausage, Cranberries, Mushrooms, & Walnuts
- Shrimp Mango Nachos (made with Chopped Salad Kit)
- Cheesy Kielbasa and Veggie Pasta Skillet
- Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread
17. Chungah Rhee | @damn_delicious
If you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen (and missing all the fun), Chungah Rhee has the holy grail. This food influencer makes easy, fail-proof recipes that look gourmet but take minimal effort.
18. Kylie Sakaida | @nutritionbykylie
Kylie is a nutritionist by trade, but her social media is anything but clinical. With nearly seven million followers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, she’s built a community around cooking healthy, delicious meals. Most of her recipes are low-effort, easy-to-follow, and more importantly, nutritious.
P.S. She has some great ideas about what to do with leftovers!
What Can I Do with My Thanksgiving Leftovers?
- Reheat and enjoy again. As long as you properly store and freeze leftovers, you can keep eating your feast for a few days (in the fridge) to several months (in the freezer). Be sure to reheat items thoroughly to the proper temperature.
- Reinvent. Make sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and pies from leftover dishes. For instant, customized inspiration, you can ask AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to "create a recipe with [your leftover ingredients]”. Note: AI-generated recipes may require adjustment for portion sizes and cooking times.
- Give away. Send guests home with portions of leftovers in takeout containers. Unopened, shelf-stable items can also be shared, but discard anything left out too long or improperly stored.
- Compost. Scraps like vegetable peels, bones, and unused trimmings can be composted to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
19. Tessa Sinatro | @lamb_chop97
Tessa Sinatro went from PE and health teacher to Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, all because of her cooking. She's the type of person who makes every dish feel fun, approachable, and easy. Her background in education shines through in her clear, easy-to-follow recipes and her empowering, no-judgment approach in the kitchen.
20. Deb Perelman | @smittenkitchen
Deb Perelman crafts unfussy yet delectable dishes. For over 16 years, her blog Smitten Kitchen has been a go-to for home cooks who love elegant and approachable food. Her blog’s also full of tips for stress-free cooking and hosting.
How to Have a Great Thanksgiving
- Stop overcomplicating your menu. Simple, comforting dishes always win.
- Use what you have. You don’t need fancy tools to make good food.
- Make it cozy. Warm lighting and good company beat perfect plating.
- Don’t be scared (or ashamed) of shortcuts. Store-bought dishes are totally fine if time, energy, or budget is tight.
- Prep early. Do the heavy lifting the day before.
Top 20 Food Creators For Friendsgiving
Secure Your Brand's Spot at the Friendsgiving Table
Friendsgiving taught us that the best gatherings happen when you cook the right food and invite the right people. Your brand's influencer strategy deserves that same intention.
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Don’t wait for Friendsgiving. Find the perfect foodie for your brand today.