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

Snag these holiday-ready starters for a steal right now.

Aldi Template with Fremont Fish Market Lobster Cakes
Updated Jan. 9, 2026
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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.

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Specially Selected Mixed Seeds Italian Breadsticks

Aldi Specially Selected Mixed Seeds Italian Breadsticks

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.

Specially Selected Tete De Moine Rosettes Cheese

Aldi Specially Selected Tete De Moine Rosettes Cheese

Price: $6.05

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."

Appetitos Buffalo Style Chicken Dip

Aldi Appetitos Buffalo Style Chicken Dip

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).

Happy Farms Cheese Party Tray

Aldi Happy Farms Cheese Party Tray

Price: $4.95

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 $4.95. Walmart sells Cracker Barrel's Cracker Cuts Variety Pack for over $8.

Fremont Fish Market Pub-Style Battered Shrimp Bites

Aldi Fremont Fish Market Pub-Style Battered Shrimp Bites

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.

Emporium Selection Peppercorn Parmesan Spreadable Cheese

Aldi Emporium Selection Peppercorn Parmesan Spreadable Cheese

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.

Park Street Deli Truffle Dip

Aldi Park Street Deli Truffle Dip

Price: $2.79

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 $2.79. You'll pay over $3 more for 7.5 ounces of Trader Joe's version.

Park Street Deli Charcuterie Party Platter

Aldi Park Street Deli Charcuterie Party Platter

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.

Specially Selected Mustard, Kale, and Bacon Pizza

Aldi Specially Selected Mustard, Kale, and Bacon Pizza

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.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Fremont Fish Market Lobster Cakes

Aldi Fremont Fish Market Lobster Cakes

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.

Bremer Bistro Spinach Florentine Quiche

Bremer Bistro Spinach Florentine Quiche

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.

Appetitos Spinach Artichoke Dip

Aldi Appetitos Spinach Artichoke Dip

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.

Specially Selected Grilled Marinated Mushrooms

Aldi Specially Selected Grilled Marinated Mushrooms

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).

Fremont Fish Market Lobster Bites

Aldi Fremont Fish Market Lobster Bites

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.

Season's Choice Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

Aldi Season's Choice Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

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.

Bottom line

pressmaster/Adobe tasty food

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.

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