The Saucey Thanksgiving Playbook

Let’s be honest, Thanksgiving is really a side-dish holiday with a turkey in the center for vibes. This year, we’re keeping it simple and very Saucey. Below are our fave ideas starring Spicy Garlic and Hot Habanero.

Pick three for your table, bookmark two for the weekend, and you’re golden.

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Fast, Flavor-Packed Sides

1. Baked Garlic Cheddar Grits

   Creamy, cozy, and delightfully extra. Think mac ’n’ cheese’s cooler cousin with a garlicky kick. Great with turkey or on its own if you’re “just here for the sides.”

   
   

2. Spicy Crispy Collards

   Quick stir-fry + Spicy Garlic = bright, savory, and a little sassy. Swap: Bok choy or choy sum totally work. Why it works: Cuts through heavy mains like a palate reset button.

   
   

3. Simple Bok Choy

   When the oven is packed, you need a skillet hero. This one’s done in minutes and brings fresh crunch to the plate.

   
   

4. “Kung Pao” Chicken

   Sticky, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing. Works as a non-turkey main dish.

   
   

5. Spicy Tofu Kebabs

   Vegetarian guests deserve fireworks (not a side salad!) These kebabs are easy, grill- or oven-friendly, and soak up Spicy Garlic beautifully. Swap: Mushrooms + peppers if tofu’s not your thing.

   
   

6. Crispy Tostones

   Perfect for that pre-dinner nibble situation. Timing: Fry right before guests wander in.

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Leftover Glow-Ups (Friday magic)

1. Leftover Turkey “Kung Pao” Rice Bowl

   Shred turkey, toss into the Kung Pao base, add roasted veg + peanuts, finish with scallions. “Wait… is this leftovers?” Technically. Does it matter? No.

   
   

2. Stuffing-Top Grits

   Warm a bowl of Baked Garlic Cheddar Grits, crown with crispy stuffing, finish with a ribbon of Spicy Garlic. This is the bowl you eat standing up at the counter, smiling.

   
   

3. Day-After Greens & Grains

   Rewarm Spicy Crispy Collards (or bok choy), fold into rice or quinoa, add lemon and a splash of Spicy Garlic. Bright, balanced, done in 7 minutes.

   
   

4. Tostones & Turkey Bites

   Pan-sear chunks of turkey until golden and serve over Crispy Tostones with Hot Habanero Ketchup.

   
   

5. Spicy Party Nuts

   Savory, a little spicy, and the perfect set-out snack while people arrive. Doubles as a last-minute hostess gift - tie a ribbon on a jar and you’re done!

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Your Make-Ahead Mini Plan (so Thursday-you can relax)

• Wednesday – Make the grits + prep your greens (washed and chopped).

• Thursday morning – Roast Brussels while the turkey rests.

• Appetizer time – Fry Tostones last minute for max crunch; set out Spicy Party Nuts in pretty bowls.

• Evening – Feet up, movie on, snack on whatever made it to a container.

  
  

Little hosting mantra: hot food, happy people, everything else is vibes.

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Cook with us (and save)

Stock up now so you’re not guarding the last bottle at dinner.

Use THANKFUL15 for 15% off sauces through November.

Your table deserves a little saucey.

P.S. If you cook any of these, tag us @getsauceynow. We love seeing your plates.