Friendsgiving Pairing: Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole + Found Family Romance

Your Friendsgiving needs two things: this casserole and a heartwarming romance.

Everyone ends up in the kitchen telling stories and stealing tastes. This savory-sweet casserole delivers that same together-ness, and the book picks below keep the glow long after the dishes are done.

The Recipe: Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

This version skips marshmallows and leans into depth: buttery mash, a tangle of caramelized onions, crisp bacon, and a toasty pecan-streusel finish.

Ingredients

Base

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Loaded Toppings

• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil & mash: Cook sweet potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain well. Mash with butter, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread in a greased 9×13.
2. Layer: Scatter caramelized onions and bacon over the mash.
3. Streusel: Mix pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and panko; sprinkle on top.
4. Bake: 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden. Garnish with thyme.

Make-Ahead Tip

Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake from cold with +10 minutes.

Book Pairings: Found Family Vibes

While it bakes, settle in with stories where community shows up, traditions are made, and love finds its way home.

The Friend Zone — Abby Jimenez

Tender and funny, full of people who step up when it counts. Friendship turns into true family as support systems deepen.

Best moment: Skim a chapter while the onions caramelize.

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Red, White & Royal Blue — Casey McQuiston

Enemies-to-lovers surrounded by a chorus of ride-or-die friends and siblings. The gratitude scenes scream Friendsgiving energy.

Best moment: After dinner—feet up, happy-full.

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Beach Read — Emily Henry

Two writers rebuilding after loss, buoyed by neighbors and a soft, steady community. Like being welcomed with a blanket and a mug.

Best moment: Post-dessert, with a second cup of coffee.

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The Unhoneymooners — Christina Lauren

Big-family chaos, humor, and unexpected allies who quickly feel like home. Fast, fizzy, irresistible.

Best moment: While the casserole finishes—those 30 minutes fly.

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Create a Friendsgiving Tradition

• Ask guests to bring a dish + a “chosen family” book rec (swap cards at the end).
• Start a mini book club the week before; debrief over leftovers.
• Set a cozy tone: soft lights, throw blankets, acoustic playlist.

Join the Conversation! What’s your go-to Friendsgiving dish — and which found family romance should I add to my TBR?

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