Friesgiving: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Hack for a Connection-First, No Fuss Holiday

Thanksgiving is changing. It's still one of America's most cherished holidays--with 91% of adults planning to celebrate--but how we celebrate is evolving. Nearly one in five people now host a Friendsgiving, choosing relaxed gatherings over long hours in the kitchen. People are looking for connection, not complexity--and that's where Friesgiving comes in. It's all about celebrating togetherness with something everyone already loves: fries. McCain , the maker of one in four french fries worldwide, introduces the ultimate Thanksgiving hack: Friesgiving. This new twist on Thanksgiving tradition brings people together with fries as the centerpiece. Friesgiving is an easy way to use leftovers to make crowd-pleasing dishes. To celebrate, here are some delicious fry dishes. First up, Loaded Herb Fries which just scream holiday comfort. We start with McCain Quick Cook Waffle Fries, which are the perfect canvas for turning leftovers into craveable dishes, and they get perfectly crispy in minutes. Toss them with a mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme for that classic Thanksgiving flavor. Layer them with creamy, melted brie and serve with two simple sauces: a tangy cranberry ketchup and a savory gravy mayo. It's cozy, flavorful, and a stress-free way to bring all those Thanksgiving favorites together. Next, a fun spin on the traditional charcuterie board, because who doesn't love having a Fry Board at the table. It features a mix of McCain fries: classic Smiles , NEW savory Garlic & Herb , and golden Sweet Potato Crinkle Cut . Make sure to add plenty of toppings and pairings--like cheeses, fresh fruit, savory meats and dipping sauces--so there's a little something for everyone. The cranberry ketchup and gravy mayo from our loaded fries recipe also make great additions to this dish. This interactive Fry Board gets everyone gathered around the table. Some of our other favorite holiday hosting tips? First, set your menu. Cooking can be the most complicated part of the holidays, and setting yourself up for success in the kitchen takes little effort that will go a long way. Use leftover herbs by incorporating them into your dishes, like in the Loaded Fries recipe. Don't forget to stock your pantry. We often focus on the specialty ingredients on our shopping lists during the holidays and forget to check to see if the everyday items we use across recipes are stocked and ready. Make sure to read from start to finish any recipe you plan to cook. Hosting is much less stressful when you feel confident in your plan, so get to know your recipes. Serve a mix of room temperature, warm and hot items so that you don't have to worry about pulling everything from the oven at once. Set out the items you'll use to serve so they're ready for plating as each dish is done, and tidy up along the way throughout your Friendsgiving party to make clean up a million times easier. Lastly, be present with your guests. Welcoming them into your house and encouraging them to enjoy each other's company is much easier when you aren't stressed in the kitchen. If you follow all these tips above you'll be the hostess with the mostess. Head to McCainFoodsUSA.com/Friesgiving for these recipes and more--and visit your local grocery store's freezer aisle to grab your favorite McCain fries for your own Friesgiving celebration.