16 Tasty Aldi Appetizers for a Happy (And Thrifty) Thanksgiving

The turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes are ready to go. But what about the apps? Stretch your Aldi budget further this season, and check out these deals on our favorite starters.

From charcuterie-ready gourmet goodies to frozen finds your family’s foodie will adore, these aren’t your typical Thanksgiving appetizers. So go ahead and fill your cart. Our top picks will wow your holiday guests and leave money in your wallet.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.99

Pigs in a blanket just got an upgrade. Appetitos replaced traditional plain puff pastry with this bagel-inspired alternative. You’ll get 12 pork mini franks wrapped in a salty, seeded jacket. Pair this pick with Specially Selected’s zesty Horseradish Mustard ($3.29).

Price: $5.49

Fancy cheese for a low price? You don’t have to break the bank just to serve something special before your Thanksgiving meal.

Instead of plain cheddar, try this Specially Selected Tete De Moine Cheese. Add the peel-apart rosettes to a charcuterie board or serve them with Specially Selected’s Sea Salt Scalloped Crackers ($1.99).

Aldi shoppers are fans of this Swiss. Redditor GSDBUZZ raved, “I bought it for the first time last week and it is delicious. So so good.”

Price: $5.49

Pizza isn’t always a main course. Cut this oven-baked flatbread into squares and serve the tangy treat as a starter. Specially Selected’s frozen find features mustard creme fraiche, fried potatoes, bacon, kale, onions, and mozzarella cheese.

At $5.49, this 17.3-ounce pizza is a fraction of what you could pay for a catered appetizer, takeout, or delivery.

Price: $4.99

Seafood lovers will enjoy these battered bites. The Fremont Fish Market frozen find adds a fun flare to your pre-Thanksgiving dinner spread.

While you could serve the pub-style starter with classic cocktail sauce, try the crunchy app with Park Street Deli’s Dill Veggie Dip ($4.39), Spinach Artichoke Tzatziki ($3.75), or Roasted Chile and pepper Jack Cauliflower Dip ($4.19).

Compare $4.99 for 11 an 11-ounce box of bites at Aldi to $7.99 for a 9.2-ounce pack of Gorton’s Beer Battered Shrimp at GFS.

Price: $3.49

Make these marinated mushrooms a Thanksgiving starter staple. The 6.35-ounce jar of savory grilled gourmet goodies is a steal for less than $3.50. Redditor Faelyn_Nightrain praised the taste, “Just tried these this week with steak, chef’s kiss.”

While you can add the whole mushrooms to your favorite steak recipe, you can also serve these with Emporium Selection’s Specialty Cheese Party Tray ($5.19) or whip up canapes with the brand’s Sea Salt Crostini Toasts ($3.85).

Price: $4.99

You won’t find this Buffalo-style dip with the prepared refrigerated food. Nab this Appetitos buy in Aldi’s freezer section. You can get 12.5 ounces of the savory spread for under $5 right now.

Not sure what to dip into this heat-and-eat app? Try Savoritz Cracked Pepper Woven Wheat Crackers ($2.65), Clubhouse Rounds ($3.25), or Wheat Round Crackers ($2.75).

Price: $5.19

Skip the prep work and serve this ready-made cheese party tray to your Thanksgiving guests. Each one-pound pack includes pepper jack, Colby jack, Swiss, and cheddar. Aldi’s Happy Farms store brand is a bargain for $5.19. Walmart sells Cracker Barrel’s Cracker Cuts Variety Pack for over $8.

Price: $2.19

Fill your pre-dinner bread basket with these seeded sticks. The crunchy, seasoned pick is a can’t-miss starter. Snack on these as-is or pair them with Park Street Deli’s Olive Tapenade Hummus ($2.85).

The 4.4-ounce box from Specially Selected is an affordable alternative to what you could buy from a specialty store. Delallo’s Traditional Italian Breadsticks cost $2.95.

Price: $3.85

This rich, creamy, spreadable cheese is a deliciously decadent addition to a charcuterie board or Thanksgiving pre-meal party platter. The 6.5-ounce tub is a bargain compared to $5.79 for a 5.2-ounce puck of Boursin’s Garlic and Fine Herb cheese at Target.

Price: $2.29

Go gourmet this year. Park Street Deli’s eight-ounce tub of sumptuous truffle-infused spread is back in stores — and the limited-time buy is only $2.29. You’ll pay over $3 more for 7.5 ounces of Trader Joe’s version.

Price: $9.35

No time to make your own charcuterie board? No problem. Aldi has you covered with a ready-to-go party platter. This 12-ounce pack includes taralli, sesame crackers, white cheddar cheese, provolone cheese cubes, soppressata, and spicy chorizo.

Price: $4.99

Are you looking for an easy alternative to crab cakes? Fremont Fish Market’s lobster-packed pucks are prepped and ready to heat. The 16-ounce box of oven-ready apps includes five cakes for $4.99. Dockside Market’s 10-ounce package of Dockside Classics Premium Lobster Cakes sells for $7.99.

Price: $4.99

Bake this protein-rich cheese and veggie quiche, or heat the pre-made starter in the microwave. Even though you’ll only get two savory pieces for $4.99, this pack can serve more.

Simply cut the quiche into slivers, triangles, or squares. Don’t skip this Aldi freezer section find. A two-count box of Cuisine Adventures Florentine Quiche costs $3 more at GFS.

Price: $4.99

Microwave this classic dip, spoon it into a decorative Thanksgiving-themed dish, and serve the creamy app with pita chips, sea salt crackers, or pretzel thins. Your dinner guests will never know that this mix comes from a box.

Price: $4.99

Turn your appetizer buffet into a seafood smorgasbord. Pair these decadent lobster bites with Fremont Fish Market’s Pub-Style Battered Shrimp Bites or Lobster Cakes, or smother them with your favorite creamy dip.

Price: $4.99

Yes, this is technically a side. But what says Thanksgiving more than sweet potato casserole? If you already have enough potato products on the main menu, spoon the praline-topped pick into ramekins and give your guests a pre-meal treat.

Kick off your holiday meal with lobster cakes, savory breadsticks, the season’s tastiest dips, and more. These Aldi buys are budget-friendly bargains that will make this Thanksgiving dinner the best one yet. And bonus, you won’t have to splurge on pricey catered apps or spend extra time in the kitchen.

Stack your savings and use the top rewards credit cards. You could earn cash back to spend on holiday gifts or travel points for a post-Thanksgiving trip.