8 Midwestern Recipes For An Unforgettable Friendsgiving Feast

As Thanksgiving rounds the corner, "Friendsgiving" does, too, bringing friends together to savor delectable dishes and express gratitude for one another. Creating the ideal Midwest Friendsgiving menu can be a delightful yet challenging task, given the region's rich culinary traditions. The Midwest boasts an array of irresistible holiday classics, ranging from sweet indulgences to savory delights. By incorporating any of these eight regional recipes into your celebration, you're bound to become the star of this year's feast and create lasting memories with your friends.

1. Perfect Roast Turkey (Culinary Hill) — The key to a perfect Midwestern roast turkey is all about the dry-brining technique that guarantees juicy meat. Dry-brining in this recipe involves using Kosher salt to coat the turkey to draw out moisture, which will create a salt solution on the surface and then reabsorb into the turkey for seasoning. This method is suitable for both novice and experienced cooks, resulting in a turkey that's bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the pan drippings after cooking make the perfect gravy addition packed with as much flavor as the turkey itself. And don’t forget the leftovers that would make the perfect addition to sandwiches, turkey pot pie or a hearty turkey soup. See the full recipe here.

2. Cranberry Fluff (Taste Of Home) — Give your Thanksgiving spread a twist with cranberry fluff – a quick and delightful fruit salad that strikes a perfect balance between a sweet dessert and a tangy Midwestern side dish. The easy-to-make dish combines cranberries — either fresh or frozen will work — with miniature marshmallows and sugar. Chill the core ingredients for at least four hours, then mix in diced tart apples, halved green grapes, chopped nuts and a touch of salt, and fold in whipped cream before serving. See the full recipe here.

3. Jiffy Corn Casserole (Bake It With Love) — An easy solution to the occasional dryness of traditional cornbread: Make it a casserole! This Jiffy corn casserole (also known as corn pudding or spoon bread) is a quick side dish that combines creamy corn with cornbread in just five minutes of prep time using only five ingredients. This one-bowl wonder recipe – containing two types of corn, Jiffy muffin mix, sour cream and butter – is both convenient for chefs and packed with delightful flavor for Friendsgiving guests. If you wind up with any leftovers, bring your refrigerated casserole to near-room temperature, then bake it in the oven (covered!) at a lower temperature to retain its moisture. See the full recipe here.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Sweet Potatoes (Midwestern HomeLife) — A delectable side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes with a sweet and savory dressing, this recipe is a fantastic way to get even non-veggie lovers to embrace fresh vegetables. Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are tossed in a mixture of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, chili powder and garlic powder, and then roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and nuttiness. The crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts and tender sweet potatoes dish will pair perfectly with your Friendsgiving main course, and are just as good the next day with a reheat in the oven or air fryer. See the full recipe here.

5. Classic Midwestern Stuffing or Dressing (Frugal Hausfrau) — It's all about the stuffing in the Midwest, and this recipe from Frugal Hausfrau will not disappoint. Passed down through generations, it combines simple ingredients — sturdy bread, herbs and a generous amount of real butter — to create a texturally perfect stuffing (or dressing!) that's both hearty and flavorful. What makes this stuffing stand out is the use of old-fashioned ingredients like sausage and giblets for an authentic taste, along with homemade broth or stock for an extra layer of flavor (and control over salt levels). Plus, it's great for leftovers, from the classic Thanksgiving sandwich to stuffing waffles for brunch the next day. See the full recipe here.

6. Wild Rice Casserole (Food.com) — Wild rice casserole is a beloved Midwest dish that celebrates Minnesota's official state grain. This hearty casserole is cooked inside the turkey and features a crowd-pleasing combination of flavors, including mushrooms, pecans, onions and cheese. To elevate the presentation, garnish the fully baked casserole with toasted almonds before serving. The wild rice casserole pairs perfectly with your roast turkey centerpiece, but also complements chicken, salmon or trout for other meals throughout the year. See the full recipe here.

7. Puffed Caramel Corn (Midwest Nice) — This puffed caramel corn recipe is a nostalgic and easy-to-make classic snack to add to your Friendsgiving mix (or any snack rotation). The ingredients include puffed popcorn, butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract and baking soda. Start by melting the butter and sugar in a saucepot, then add corn syrup and vanilla extract before bringing it to a simmer. Stir in baking soda to create a foamy caramel mixture, then coat the puffed popcorn with the caramel and bake at a low temperature; stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. The result is a crunchy, buttery, sweet and slightly salty caramel corn that's perfect for a pre-meal or post-meal snack. See the full recipe here.

8. Wisconsin Harvest Pie (MidwestLiving) — This delectable almond-kissed fruit pie recipe hails from Wisconsin native David Harper of Richland Center. The Wisconsin harvest pie is filled with thinly sliced tart apples, dried cranberries and thawed tart red cherries, all coated in a mixture of sugar, flour, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup and almond extract. The fruit filling is tucked between a double-crust pastry, then brushed with egg white and sugar for a beautiful finish. You’ll bake your pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For a memorable finish, serve slices with ice cream, whipped cream or even Wisconsin cheese. See the full recipe here.

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