“My sandwich? My sandwich!” If you’re a Friends fan, you probably know Ross Geller’s famous meltdown over the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. And who can blame him? Monica’s creation—a towering stack of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a genius “moist maker” layer of gravy-soaked bread—is the stuff of holiday legend. Whether you’re a die-hard Friends fanatic or just love a good Thanksgiving-inspired meal, this sandwich is the perfect way to transform leftovers into something magical—something you might just cry over. And now, you can make “The Moist Maker” as it’s officially titled in the Friends: The Official Cookbook (2020) at home. Here’s how to recreate the Friends Thanksgiving leftover sandwich.
The inspiration behind the sandwich
Ross Geller’s Thanksgiving sandwich from Friends is more than just a joke—it’s an ode to the best part of Thanksgiving: the leftovers. We’re talking turkey (obviously), stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, plus some romaine lettuce and mayonnaise. And Monica’s secret? The “moist maker,” a middle slice of bread soaked in gravy that keeps the sandwich juicy and flavorful. While the show popularized it back in 1998, (season 5, episode 9) “The One with Ross’s Sandwich,” versions of this sandwich have been enjoyed for decades, proving that turkey day tastes even better days later.
If you’re expecting to open your fridge on Black Friday with a ton of uneaten holiday food, this sandwich is the ultimate way to use up leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice. Just be sure to avoid taking it to the office (or your boss might just eat it).
Building the perfect ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving leftover sandwich
This isn’t your average sandwich; it’s a masterpiece. Here are some helpful tips to make yours good enough to steal (but hopefully no one will).
1. Start with quality bread
The bread is the foundation of your sandwich, so make it count! Go for thick slices of a hearty white or sourdough bread (my personal favorite) that can hold up to the layers of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce without falling apart. For an extra touch of indulgence, butter the bread and toast it lightly to add a golden crunch.
2. Perfect your ‘moist maker’
The famous “moist maker” is the sandwich’s signature element. Use day-old bread that’s sturdy enough to absorb the gravy without turning mushy. Warm up the gravy before soaking the bread, and don’t be afraid to let it soak up plenty—let it bathe a little.
3. Layer with intention
To prevent the sandwich from turning into a messy heap, layer strategically. Start with turkey as the base, followed by stuffing, the “moist maker,” cranberry sauce and then top it off with more turkey. This way, the sandwich stays balanced and flavorful with every bite, and you avoid soggy bread on the outside.
4. Customize the leftovers
While the traditional ingredients are classic, don’t hesitate to mix it up. Use leftover sweet potatoes as a spread, add a dollop of mashed potatoes for creaminess or even toss in a slice of leftover green bean casserole for extra flavor. It’s your Thanksgiving feast in sandwich form—so have some creative liberty.
Easy ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving leftover sandwich recipe
Another reason to make this sandwich? It takes just five minutes to assemble. This copycat recipe from Jen Around The World would make Monica (and Ross) happy, but feel free to add or change any ingredients you want with your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 3 slices of sandwich bread
- Mayonnaise (optional)
- A few slices of Hassleback potatoes, or mashed potatoes (you can also omit this altogether)
- ¼ cup gravy
- ½ cup leftover turkey or deli-style slices
- ¼ cup canned cranberry sauce (the book also has a recipe for “Chandberry” sauce)
- ¼ cup cornbread stuffing
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Lay out a slice of bread. If using mayonnaise, spread an even layer over, then top with a few slices of potato, then half the turkey, followed by half of the stuffing. If you are leaving off potatoes, you can use a couple pieces of lettuce if you would like.
- Pour the leftover gravy into a shallow dish. Dip a second slice of bread into the gravy and turn to coat. Top the stuffing with this “moist maker” slice.
- Add the remaining turkey, cranberry sauce and top with the rest of the stuffing. Season the top with some salt and pepper, then add the final slice of bread.
Storage and reheating your Thanksgiving leftover sandwich
Since this sandwich is already made from leftovers it’s best to eat the same day. If you’re prepping it in advance, keep the gravy separate and assemble them right before eating to avoid sogginess. Store leftover ingredients in individual airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to reheat, warm up the turkey, stuffing and gravy before layering them into your sandwich.
