Friendsgiving is all fun and games until you realize the oven is already crammed with everyone else’s casseroles, pies, and who-knows-what-else. That’s where these no-oven-required recipes come in to save the day—and your sanity. Whether you’re bringing a side, a main, or something sweet, these dishes are prepped ahead, travel-friendly, and guaranteed to earn you some “oohs” and “ahhs” without the host having to rearrange their entire kitchen.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
This slow cooker cranberry sauce is as simple as it gets. With just five ingredients, it’s ready to serve as soon as you arrive, keeping the stovetop clear for other dishes. A perfect addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
These green beans are packed with flavor and color, thanks to cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese. They don’t need reheating, so you can bring them along as a ready-to-go side dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
These Cornish hens are crispy, juicy, and made entirely in the air fryer. Perfect for smaller Friendsgiving gatherings, they’re a great main dish that skips the oven and wows the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
This dip is your shortcut to Friendsgiving dessert success. It combines pumpkin and cheesecake flavors in a creamy, no-bake treat that you can whip up in minutes. Serve it with graham crackers or fruit, and let everyone dig in without worrying about oven space.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Thanksgiving Salad
A fresh and vibrant salad loaded with apples, cranberries, and nuts that balances out the richness of traditional dishes. This salad doesn’t need reheating or refrigeration, so it’s perfect to assemble ahead and bring along to Friendsgiving.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Salad
Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding
This smooth, chocolatey dessert is a great way to surprise your Friendsgiving crowd. Made with sweet potatoes, it’s rich, creamy, and ready without any baking. It’s a perfect way to offer something a little unexpected while keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding
Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
This crockpot turkey breast is a game-changer for Friendsgiving. Juicy, tender, and flavorful, it lets you skip the oven chaos entirely. You can prep it ahead of time and bring it ready to serve, so the host doesn’t have to juggle oven space.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
3-Minute Cranberry Aioli
A quick cranberry mayo that transforms leftovers or sandwiches into something special. With just three ingredients and three minutes, it’s an easy addition to your Friendsgiving spread that won’t demand any kitchen time once you’re there.
Get the Recipe: 3-Minute Cranberry Aioli (Mayo Sauce)
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that you can make stovetop. With butter and fresh herbs, they pair well with everything on the table and free up the oven for those who still need it. Bring them ready to serve and enjoy the compliments.
Get the Recipe: Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats
Skip the oven and bring these fun pumpkin pie-flavored Rice Krispie treats to Friendsgiving. They’re easy to prep, transport well, and add a playful touch to the dessert table. No one will miss the traditional pie when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chocolates
These pumpkin spice chocolates are the definition of Friendsgiving-friendly. They come together quickly, are easy to transport, and deliver those cozy fall flavors everyone loves without requiring an oven or reheating.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chocolates
Caviar and Crème Fraîche Potato Chips
Fancy without the hassle. These chips are topped with caviar and crème fraîche, making them a classy yet low-effort appetizer. Perfect for impressing your Friendsgiving crowd without needing a single burner or oven.
Get the Recipe: Caviar and Crème Fraîche Potato Chips
The Best Mustard Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are not your standard side dish. With a tangy mustard kick, they’re prepped entirely on the stovetop and are great for adding some personality to the table. No oven? No problem—they’re ready to shine.
Get the Recipe: The Best Mustard Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula
Bring some elegance to Friendsgiving with this roasted pear salad. It’s easy to prep ahead, and the arugula with spiced maple vinaigrette balances rich dishes perfectly. You don’t need to reheat it, so it’s a low-stress option to take along.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula
Balsamic Green Beans
These balsamic green beans with walnuts are a simple yet flavorful side that’s quick to make and doesn’t need reheating. They hold up well at room temperature, making them a great addition to a no-oven Friendsgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Green Beans
Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This fresh winter salad comes together in just 10 minutes and is packed with pomegranate seeds and feta. It’s a no-cook option that brings a bright, festive touch to your Friendsgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Free up the oven and go for these creamy mashed sweet potatoes made in the Instant Pot. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a Friendsgiving side that’s ready to serve with no extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Pecan Pie Dip
This no-bake pecan pie dip is an easy dessert that skips the oven but delivers big on flavor. With a creamy base and crunchy pecan topping, it’s a hit for dipping cookies or fruit at Friendsgiving.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Dip
Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs add a festive vibe to your Friendsgiving table. Shaped and colored like pumpkins, they’re a fun, no-bake appetizer that’s both creative and easy to bring along.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Mousse
A quick pumpkin mousse that keeps things simple but satisfying. Made with just three ingredients, it’s an easy dessert to whip up and transport to your Friendsgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Mousse
Easy Dessert Charcuterie Board
This dessert board is a no-brainer for Friendsgiving. Using only store-bought items, it’s easy to assemble and gives everyone a little bit of everything without the need for an oven.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dessert Charcuterie Board
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
