thanksgiving

The 10 Must-Have Aldi Buys for Thanksgiving

updated May 11, 2022
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Credit: Jeff Bukowski

The most important Thanksgiving task is not carving the turkey — it’s the grocery shopping. And Aldi is the place to go for high-quality, budget-friendly holiday groceries. Of course, shopping for a multi-course meal without a plan is a recipe for disaster, so I started early and have already scoured the shelves looking for the can’t-miss Thanksgiving buys from Aldi.

Sure, some of these things are available at other grocery stores too, but hosting Thanksgiving dinner can add up, and you’ll save a few pennies if you shop at Aldi.

Here’s what I’m adding to my list — and what you should be adding, too.

Credit: Patty Catalano

1. Bake Shop Apple Cider Donuts, $2.29 for 6

You can’t do all of this cooking on an empty belly! Sensible breakfasts (I’m looking at you, oatmeal) have their place, but not on holiday mornings. I suggest eating these cinnamon-crusted apple cider donuts warm for a fresh farmstand-style treat.

Credit: Patty Catalano

2. Simply Nature Dried Herbs, $1.95 for 0.65 ounces

Dried herbs lose flavor after a year in the pantry. At less than $2 a bottle, there’s no reason to cook the year’s biggest meal with anything less than a fresh bottle of organic dried herbs. Aldi has all of the essentials — dried thyme, dried basil, dried dried oregano, and ground cinnamon.

Credit: Patty Catalano

3. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, $0.47

Fact: I love the sweet corn flavor that comes from a box of Jiffy mix. This Thanksgiving I’m stocking up on the little blue box to make a corn casserole that features none other than Jiffy corn muffin mix.

Credit: Patty Catalano

4. Chef’s Cupboard French Fried Onions, $1.89 for 6 ounces

Green bean casserole has been a Thanksgiving classic since the 1950s. Upgrade the dish with fresh green beans and a homemade mushroom cream sauce, but try to serve it without the golden cap of fried onions and you may be banned from Thanksgiving next year. Play it safe and pick up a can for less than two bucks.

Credit: Patty Catalano

5. Turano Pane Turano Italian Bread, $3.79 for 32 ounces

Forget the turkey — homemade dressing (or stuffing) is the best part of Thanksgiving dinner. Aldi’s Pane Turano Italian bread is cut into 1/2-inch slices already, so with just a few swipes of a knife you’re on your way to feeding a crowd. Just remember to save a few slices for a day-after turkey sandwich!

Credit: Patty Catalano

6. liveGfree Gluten Free Turkey Stuffing, $2.99 for 6 ounces

Look around the table at any large holiday gathering and there’s sure to be someone avoiding gluten. Make your guests feel like family by offering options everyone can eat: Buy a box of turkey stuffing from Aldi’s lifeGfree line of gluten-free foods and dress it up with fresh celery, onions, and herbs.

Credit: Patty Catalano

7. Sweet Harvest Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, $0.89 for 14 ounces

Cranberry sauce isn’t hard to make, but if you’re overwhelmed at the sheer number of dishes on the menu (and in the sink!), take some help from the grocery store. Whole berry cranberry sauce looks more homemade than its jellied cousin. Spoon this stuff into a pretty bowl and garnish with orange zest and nobody will know it came from a can.

Credit: Patty Catalano

8. Baker’s Corner Mini Marshmallows, $0.89 for 10 ounces

Don’t miss your chance to eat marshmallows with the main course. Scatter mini marshmallows across mashed and spiced sweet potatoes. They’ll puff and turn golden just in time to pull the casserole from the oven.

Credit: Patty Catalano

9. Southern Grove Pecan Halves, $5.29 for 10 ounces

I go nuts (sorry, couldn’t help it!) for pecans this time of year. Bake them into pecan pie — the ideal dessert for beginning bakers, and a classic on the Thanksgiving table — or add some spice with ginger and maple syrup for snacking before the Big Meal.

Credit: Patty Catalano

10. Village Bakery Apple Pie, $4.99 for 39 ounces

More of an eater than a cook? No problem — Aldi has you covered with this homestyle apple pie. Pop the pie in the still-warm oven once everyone sits down to dinner, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon.

What are some other must-haves that you get at Aldi for Thanksgiving? Add your picks in the comments below!