7 Things To Bring to Friendsgiving That Aren’t Mashed Potatoes
Every Friendsgiving has that one person who’s the Martha Stewart of the group and always shows up with a homemade dish that looks straight out of a cooking show. And while we love a good home-cooked meal, not everyone has the time or the culinary skills to whip up something impressive. Luckily, Richmond has plenty of delicious options that’ll have everyone fighting over seconds. Here are seven crowd-pleasing dishes from local spots that’ll earn you a spot at the Friendsgiving table without even turning on your oven.
Image Source: Ukrop’s Market Hall
White House Rolls from Ukrop’s Market Hall
It’s not Thanksgiving in Richmond if there aren’t Ukrop’s White House Rolls on the table. Guests will love them for soaking up gravy, slathering in butter, or making the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover sandwich à la Ross Geller. Just make sure you grab more than you think you’ll need, because somehow there’s never enough.
Location: 7250 Patterson Ave (Near West End)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: The Smoky Mug
Hatch Green Chile Mac & Cheese from The Smoky Mug
Mac and cheese is a no-brainer side, but The Smoky Mug’s version brings a little something extra to the table. Their signature dish features pasta shells smothered in a creamy cheese sauce infused with Hatch green chiles that give a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. It’s cheesy, a little spicy, and exactly what your Friendsgiving spread needs if you’re looking to shake things up. Plus, you can preorder a tray that feeds five to eight people, so there’s plenty to share.
Location: 2930 North Ave (Northside)
>> Learn more <<
Cranberry Green Beans from Mosaic
If you want to break up the spread of beige Thanksgiving foods, Mosaic’s cranberry green beans add a pop of color and some veggies to your meal. The combination of tart cranberries and savory green beans is a welcome change from the usual green bean casserole, and you’ll get props for being the friend who brought something green without sacrificing flavor.
Locations: 3001 Cutshaw Ave (Scott’s Addition) and 6229-A River Rd (Tuckahoe)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Stella’s Grocery
Baked Brie from Stella’s Grocery
You know that awkward stretch of time when everyone’s arrived, but dinner isn’t quite ready? That’s where Stella’s baked brie comes in. This warm, melty appetizer is topped with figs, honey, and walnuts and comes with crackers on the side for everyone to share. It’s the perfect thing to set out while everyone catches up, pours a drink, and waits for the main event.
Location: 1007 Lafayette St (Malvern Gardens), 3351 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition), 109 E Grace St (Downtown), 5802 Grove Ave (Westhampton), 609 Hull St (Manchester), 4930 Forest Hill Ave Ste A (Westover Hills), 5001 Huguenot Rd (River Road), and 14310 Winterview Pkwy (Midlothian)
>> Learn More <<
Image Source: Yellow Umbrella Provisions
Oyster Stuffing from Yellow Umbrella Provisions
If your Friendsgiving crew is sick of all the Thanksgiving staple foods, why not try something unexpected? Yellow Umbrella offers oyster stuffing as part of its holiday lineup, bringing a little coastal flavor to one of Thanksgiving’s most iconic dishes. Who knows? You might just start a new Friendsgiving tradition.
Locations: 5603 Patterson Ave (Westhampton) and 1320 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Corny Cornbread from Big Herm’s Kitchen
Big Herm’s Kitchen knows a thing or two about Southern comfort food, so you know their Corny Cornbread is gonna be good. We’re talking golden, buttery cornbread with sweet corn baked right in, making it the perfect addition to a plate piled high with all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Bring a batch to Friendsgiving and watch it be the first dish to disappear.
Location: 313 N 2nd St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Scoop
Thanksgiving Ice Cream Pie from Scoop
Okay, this last one isn’t technically a side, but it’s too good not to include. Scoop is switching things up when it comes to seasonal pies, and we’re absolutely here for it. Choose from three flavors of their signature ice cream pies: Pumpkin Streusel, Bourbon-Caramel Apple, and Chocolate Sweet Potato. Preorders end on November 16, so act fast!
Location: 403 Strawberry St (The Fan)
>> Learn more <<
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
Want more where that came from?:
