Friends Thanksgiving Recipes: 16 Dishes From the Show, Minus Rachel’s Famous Beef Trifle Mistake

Friends Thanksgiving recipes are back on everyone’s mind every November, when the famous holiday episodes rerun and fans quote the food jokes all over again. Who could forget Rachel’s trifle with a layer of beef, or Ross and his gravy soaked Moist Maker sandwich? A Binging with Babish video recreating that sandwich has more than 9.2 million views on YouTube. Here is how to make the show’s most famous dishes the right way for your own table, plus the classic turkey, sides and pies that a real Monica would serve. Each slide has a shopping list and simple steps. Could this be any more delicious..

Friends Thanksgiving Recipes Start With the Trifle Mix Up

One of the most famous Thanksgiving desserts on TV had ground beef in it. In the sixth season Thanksgiving episode, which first aired on November 25, 1999, Rachel makes an English trifle with ladyfingers, jam, custard and raspberries, then adds a layer of beef sauteed with peas and onions, because two pages of her cookbook were stuck together. Joey happily ate it anyway. Taste of Home even has a whole collection of recipes inspired by Friends. These Friends Thanksgiving recipes fix every mistake. Here is every dish done right..

You will need: For the custard layer of a real trifle: 2 cups whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tsp vanilla

How to make it: 1. Heat the milk until steaming. 2. Whisk the yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. 3. Slowly whisk in the hot milk, then return it all to the pot. 4. Cook, whisking, until thick and bubbling, about 2 minutes. 5. Stir in butter and vanilla, cover the surface and chill before layering.

Rachel’s Trifle Done Right: A Classic English Berry Trifle

Here is the trifle Rachel meant to make: soft ladyfingers, raspberry jam, creamy custard, fresh berries and whipped cream, layered in a tall glass bowl. No beef, no peas, no onions. It is one of the easiest Friends Thanksgiving recipes because nothing needs to be baked, and it tastes better after a night in the fridge. Would you have been brave enough to eat the beef version like Joey?

You will need: 2 packages ladyfingers, 1/2 cup raspberry jam, 3 cups vanilla custard or pudding, 3 cups fresh raspberries and sliced strawberries, 2 cups heavy cream, 3 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla

How to make it: 1. Spread the ladyfingers with jam and line the bottom of a trifle bowl. 2. Add a layer of custard, then a layer of berries. 3. Repeat the layers once more. 4. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla and spread on top. 5. Chill at least 4 hours and finish with berries.

Make Ahead Mini Trifle Cups

If a big trifle bowl feels like too much, make mini trifles in small glasses or jars. Guests can grab their own, there is no messy scooping, and they look so cute on a dessert table. Make them the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. Kids love helping layer them. Big bowl or little cups: which would you serve?

You will need: 12 ladyfingers broken up, 1/4 cup jam, 2 cups vanilla pudding, 2 cups mixed berries, 1 1/2 cups whipped cream, 8 small glasses or jars, mint leaves

How to make it: 1. Put a few ladyfinger pieces in each glass. 2. Add a spoon of jam. 3. Add pudding, then berries. 4. Repeat and top with whipped cream. 5. Chill 2 hours and add a berry and a mint leaf.

Ross’s Moist Maker, the Most Famous of the Friends Thanksgiving Recipes

This is the most famous leftover sandwich on TV. The secret is an extra slice of bread soaked in gravy, tucked right in the middle, which Ross called the Moist Maker. It is so loved that a Binging with Babish video recreating it has more than 9.2 million views on YouTube. It is one of the Friends Thanksgiving recipes people really make every year. Would you add the gravy slice?

You will need: 3 slices sturdy white bread, 4 oz sliced leftover turkey, 2 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup leftover stuffing, 1/4 cup warm gravy, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, lettuce

How to make it: 1. Spread mayo on two slices of bread. 2. Dip the third slice in warm gravy. 3. Layer turkey and cranberry on the first slice. 4. Add the gravy slice, then stuffing and more turkey. 5. Top with lettuce and the last slice, then cut in half.

Friends Thanksgiving Recipes: Monica Style Roast Turkey

Monica was the host who always made the big turkey, and this is a simple, foolproof way to roast one. A dry salt rub the day before seasons the meat, and a soft herb butter under the skin keeps it juicy. Use a thermometer and pull it at 165 F in the thigh. Then let it rest 30 minutes before carving. Who is the Monica of your family?

You will need: 1 turkey (12 to 14 lb) thawed, 3 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp pepper, 1/2 cup soft butter, 2 tbsp chopped herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), 1 lemon, 1 onion, 2 cups broth

How to make it: 1. The day before, pat the turkey dry and rub with salt and pepper, then chill uncovered. 2. Rub herb butter under the skin. 3. Fill the cavity with lemon and onion. 4. Roast at 325 F with broth in the pan for about 3 hours, basting twice. 5. Rest 30 minutes before carving.

Mashed Potatoes With Peas and Onions, Where They Belong

Rachel put beef with peas and onions in her trifle. We put the peas and onions where they belong: on top of creamy mashed potatoes. Smash buttery peas with a little mint and spoon them over the mash for a fresh, bright side. Picky guests can have plain, lumpy or smooth. Every host has to keep everyone happy, right? Lumpy or smooth: which side are you on?

You will need: 3 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup warm milk, salt. Topping: 2 cups peas, 1 small onion finely chopped, 1 tbsp butter, a few mint leaves

How to make it: 1. Boil the peeled potatoes 20 minutes, until soft. 2. Mash with butter and warm milk and season. 3. Cook the onion in butter until soft. 4. Add the peas for 3 minutes and lightly smash with mint. 5. Spoon over the mashed potatoes.

Classic Herb Stuffing

Every Thanksgiving on the show had a full table of classic sides, and herb stuffing is the heart of it. Toasted bread cubes soak up butter, broth, celery, onion and plenty of sage. Bake it in a dish so the top gets crispy and golden. Make extra, because the best Friends Thanksgiving recipes need leftovers for the sandwich later. Stuffing or dressing: what does your family call it?

You will need: 1 loaf day old bread cubed (about 12 cups), 1/2 cup butter, 1 onion, 3 celery stalks, 2 tbsp chopped sage, 1 tbsp thyme, 2 eggs, 3 cups chicken broth, salt and pepper, parsley

How to make it: 1. Toast the bread cubes at 300 F for 15 minutes. 2. Cook onion and celery in butter 8 minutes. 3. Toss bread, vegetables and herbs. 4. Whisk eggs and broth and pour over. 5. Bake at 375 F for 40 minutes, covered for the first 20.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce in 15 Minutes

Homemade cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes and tastes so much brighter than the can. Fresh cranberries pop as they cook and thicken all by themselves. A little orange zest makes it special. Make it up to a week ahead, and save some for the Moist Maker, since so many Friends Thanksgiving recipes use it twice. Canned jelly or homemade sauce: which one is on your table?

You will need: 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water or orange juice, zest of 1 orange, pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon

How to make it: 1. Bring sugar and water or juice to a boil. 2. Add the cranberries. 3. Simmer 10 minutes, until most berries pop. 4. Stir in zest, salt and cinnamon. 5. Cool and chill until serving.

Green Beans With Almonds and Crispy Shallots

A fresh green bean side balances all the rich, creamy dishes. Blanch the beans so they stay bright green, then toss them with butter, toasted almonds and crispy shallots. It takes 20 minutes and can be finished right before dinner. It is a fresh twist on the green bean casserole that every sitcom family has on the table. Casserole or fresh beans?

You will need: 2 lb green beans trimmed, 3 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 2 shallots thinly sliced, 2 tbsp oil, 1 lemon, salt and pepper

How to make it: 1. Boil the beans 4 minutes, then drop into ice water. 2. Fry the shallots in oil until crispy and drain. 3. Toast the almonds in butter. 4. Toss the beans in the butter until hot. 5. Season, add lemon juice and top with shallots and almonds.

Honey Butter Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are the side kids actually finish. Carrots simmer in a little water, butter and honey until the liquid turns into a shiny glaze. It all happens in one pan on the stove, which is a gift when the oven is full of turkey. Finish with chopped parsley for color. Honey or brown sugar in your glaze?

You will need: 2 lb carrots sliced, 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp honey, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to make it: 1. Put carrots, water, butter, honey and salt in a skillet. 2. Cover and simmer 8 minutes. 3. Uncover and cook until the liquid turns into a glaze. 4. Toss to coat. 5. Season with pepper and top with parsley.

Friends Thanksgiving Recipes for Dessert: Classic Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a pumpkin pie, sitcom or not. This classic custard pie uses canned pumpkin, warm spices and evaporated milk, and it bakes in about an hour. Let it cool fully so it slices clean, and top each slice with a swirl of whipped cream. It is a pie that every one of the six friends would fight over. Pie for breakfast the next day: yes or no?

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Whisk pumpkin, sugar, spices and salt. 3. Beat in the eggs, then the evaporated milk. 4. Pour into the crust and bake 15 minutes, then lower to 350 F and bake 40 to 50 minutes. 5. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

A Real Chocolate Tart, No Mockolate Allowed

Fans still laugh about mockolate, the fake chocolate Monica had to cook with on the show. This tart uses the real thing. A buttery crust is filled with a silky dark chocolate ganache and topped with toasted walnuts. It sets in the fridge, so there is no stress on the big day. Of all the Friends Thanksgiving recipes here, this is the one for chocolate lovers. Dark or milk chocolate?

You will need: 1 prebaked 9 inch tart shell, 10 oz dark chocolate chopped, 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts

How to make it: 1. Heat the cream until steaming. 2. Pour over the chocolate and let sit 3 minutes. 3. Stir until smooth, then add butter, vanilla and salt. 4. Pour into the tart shell and top with walnuts. 5. Chill 3 hours until set.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle for the Fall Table

Want a trifle that tastes like Thanksgiving? Swap the berries and custard for gingerbread cake and a fluffy pumpkin mousse. It is a fun nod to Rachel’s famous dessert, but with flavors that match the season. Make it in the morning and it will be ready by dinner. For more festive dessert ideas, see our trifles and layered desserts that look fancy but are easy. Which trifle would you pick?

You will need: 1 gingerbread cake (9×13) cubed, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding, 1 1/2 cups cold milk, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 cups whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps

How to make it: 1. Whisk pudding, milk, pumpkin and spice until thick. 2. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped cream. 3. Layer cake cubes, pumpkin mousse and crushed gingersnaps in a trifle bowl. 4. Repeat the layers. 5. Top with whipped cream and chill 4 hours.

Leftover Turkey Sliders From Your Friends Thanksgiving Recipes

Too many leftovers and not enough sandwiches? Turn them into a pan of sliders. Soft rolls get layered with turkey, cranberry sauce and melted cheese, brushed with butter and baked until warm and melty. One pan feeds the whole gang during a football game. These go fast, so make two pans. How many sliders could you eat?

You will need: 12 slider rolls, 1 lb sliced leftover turkey, 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 6 slices Swiss or white cheddar, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried thyme

How to make it: 1. Split the rolls as one slab and set the bottoms in a baking dish. 2. Layer turkey, cranberry and cheese. 3. Add the tops. 4. Brush with butter mixed with mustard and thyme. 5. Bake covered at 350 F for 15 minutes, then uncovered 5 minutes.

A Thanksgiving Leftovers Board for the Day After

The day after Thanksgiving is a holiday too. Set out a big board with sliced turkey, little bowls of mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and warm gravy, plus rolls, cheese, grapes and a few slices of pie. Everyone builds their own plate or sandwich while watching a rerun. It is the laziest and maybe the best meal of the weekend. What is your favorite leftover?

You will need: Sliced leftover turkey, leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls, a wedge of cheese, grapes, leftover pie, a big wooden board

How to make it: 1. Warm the mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. 2. Put each in a small bowl on the board. 3. Fan out the turkey slices. 4. Fill the gaps with rolls, cheese, grapes and pie. 5. Set out mayo, mustard and extra bread for sandwiches.

Friends Thanksgiving Recipes Hosting Tip: Label Your Leftovers

Ross learned the hard way that a great leftover sandwich in a shared fridge is never safe. The fix is simple: label your containers with names and dates. It also keeps food safe. Leftovers should go into the fridge within 2 hours and be eaten within 3 to 4 days, or frozen. Happy Thanksgiving from our table to yours. Which of these Friends Thanksgiving recipes will you make first?

You will need: Airtight containers, painter’s tape or labels, a marker, freezer bags

How to make it: 1. Cool leftovers and refrigerate within 2 hours. 2. Pack them in shallow airtight containers. 3. Label each one with the dish and the date. 4. Eat within 3 to 4 days. 5. Freeze turkey and stuffing for up to 3 months.