A Summer spin on the FRIENDS favorite – Ross’s Turkey Pesto “Moist-Maker” Sandwich! The pesto and olive oil-soaked slice of bread in the middle adds the perfect amount of “moistness” to this already flavorful sandwich. You’ve got to give this one a try – just don’t steal it from Ross!
What is a “Moist-Maker”?
Well, that’s a great question. If you are here I assume you’re familiar with the FRIENDS episode in which Ross rides an emotional roller coaster as a result of somebody stealing his turkey sandwich. If you’re not, watch it before reading any further!
The Story Behind The Turkey “Moist-Maker” Sandwich (from Friends)
Here’s a quick recap. It’s the week after Thanksgiving (1990-something), and Ross packs a turkey sandwich for lunch. But it’s not just any turkey sandwich, it’s a turkey sandwich with “The Moist-Maker”… basically a soggy piece of gravy-saturated bread in the middle. It’s genius (not surprising because Monica made it), and Ross is pumped to enjoy it for lunch. But upon his trip to the break room fridge, he discovers that somebody ate it. His sandwich. HIS SANDWICH.
You still haven’t explained the “moist-maker”…
Oh, right. It might be genius, but it’s actually pretty simple! It’s a soggy piece of delicious dipped bread in the center of the sandwich, adding depth, girth, and flavor! The particular “moist-maker” referenced in the FRIENDS post-Thanksgiving episode utilizes gravy since the sandwich is made with Thanksgiving leftovers. But since it is May, and we are about to celebrate our FRIENDS by watching the reunion special, I wanted to derive a season-specific variation with the same genius adaptation!
Enter the Pesto Moist-Maker! Since not many of us have stuffing and turkey gravy lying around this time of year, I thought I’d opt for something more “in season”! A pesto-mozzarella turkey sandwich on ciabatta sounded idealic! So, I contemplated… what can be the “moist-maker” for this variety…
A combination of the magical flavors that make this classic summer sandwich so delicious. Olive oil and basil pesto!
How to Make the “Pesto Moist-Maker”
The Pesto “moist-maker” that cranks up the flavor of this classic sandwich is easy to prepare! Simply trim the crust off a regular piece of sandwich bread (I used sandwich sliced wheat bread). Then, drizzle both sides of the bread with your favorite olive oil (infused olive oil for enhanced flavor). Finally, Smear your basil pesto on each oil-drizzled side to finish it up! And there you have it, a moist and delicious piece of soggy bread that will perfectly compliment your turkey sandwich from the inside out!
Do I have to add the “Moist-Maker” in the Turkey Pesto Sandwich?
If you’re making it to eat while you enjoy the FRIENDS reunion special, yes. Otherwise, not at all! To be honest, while I love the flavor added with the pesto “moist-maker”, I don’t love the extra girth. Since I typically enjoy a turkey sandwich for lunch, I prefer something relatively light. This sandwich is just as tasty without the infamous “moist-maker”, so feel free to leave it out!
Looking for more FRIENDS Inspired recipes?
I’ve got you covered! I am currently sharing a new “friends” inspired recipe each day this week. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
- Joey’s Meatball Sub (with homemade simple slow-cooker Italian meatballs)
- Rachel’s “English Trifle” in a Wine Glass (on my Instagram Reels – omit Beef sautéed with peas and onions)
- Ross’s Moist-Maker Sandwich (below)
- One more to be revealed on the day of the reunion special (stay tuned)!
I’m having way too much fun with this little “Friends” themes recipe share series. I hope you are too, and if so, I hope you’ll share some of these fun recipes with your people! Follow me on Instagram (@kelsiebrownblog) for more random food fun!
Okay, here’s the sandwich you came for!
Ross’s Turkey Pesto “Moist-Maker” Sandwich
Turkey Pesto “Moist-Maker” Sandwich
Ingredients
- 12 slices smoked turkey (deli style)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 C basil pesto
- 2 roma tomatoes, sundried tomatoes in olive oil, or sundried red peppers in olive oil (depends on flavor preference)
- 4 rolls Ciabatta bread
- 4 slices white or wheat bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- handful fresh spinach *Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Prep ciabatta rolls by slicing in half (bun style). Lightly butter each inside of the bread and smear with basil pesto to your preferred quantity.
- Optional step – prepare the "moist-maker". Trim the crusts off the sandwich bread slices. Then, drizzle with your favorite olive oil (infused for enhanced flavor) on both sides. Finish it off by spreading a small amount of basil pesto on each side also. Set aside.
- On the bottom "bun", layer a slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by a slice or two of turkey, and then tomatoes/peppers. Now add your "moist-maker" slice on top of this. Top that off with your spinach (optional), another slice of turkey, another slice of cheese, and the top bun!
- Bake the sandwich on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes (until cheese has melted. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
With Love, Friends!
Kelsie
