Aldi Fan Favorites: Delicious Recipes Featuring Top-Rated Products
Aldi has cultivated a dedicated following thanks to its unique combination of low prices and surprisingly high-quality products. Each year, Aldi conducts a “Fan Favorites” survey, asking shoppers to vote for their most-loved items across various categories. This list offers a fantastic glimpse into what Aldi does best and provides inspiration for creating delicious and affordable meals. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the recent Aldi Fan Favorites winners and provide detailed recipes showcasing how to use these winning products to create mouthwatering dishes. We’ll also explore why these products are so popular and offer tips on incorporating them into your everyday cooking.
## Understanding the Aldi Fan Favorites Survey
The Aldi Fan Favorites survey is an annual event where Aldi shoppers get to voice their opinions on their preferred products. The survey typically includes categories like:
* **Meat & Seafood:** Highlights popular protein choices, from fresh cuts of meat to frozen seafood options.
* **Produce:** Celebrates fresh fruits and vegetables that are a staple in many Aldi shoppers’ baskets.
* **Snacks & Sweets:** Spotlights favorite treats, from crunchy snacks to decadent desserts.
* **Dairy & Cheese:** Showcases creamy cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy delights.
* **Pantry Staples:** Acknowledges essential ingredients like pasta, sauces, and condiments.
* **Beverages:** Recognizes popular drink options, from coffee and tea to sparkling water and juices.
* **Meal Kits & Prepared Foods:** Highlights convenient options for quick and easy meals.
* **International Flavors:** Celebrates internationally inspired products and ingredients.
* **Breakfast Foods:** Showcases popular breakfast items such as cereals, pancake mixes, and breakfast meats.
* **Vegan & Vegetarian:** Spotlights plant-based options that cater to dietary preferences.
Winning products often represent the best value and quality that Aldi offers. Knowing which products are fan favorites can guide your shopping choices and inspire you to try new things.
## Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (Featuring Aldi’s Specially Selected Brioche Rolls and Simply Nature Organic Tomato Soup)
This classic comfort food gets an upgrade with Aldi’s premium ingredients. The Specially Selected Brioche Rolls add a touch of sweetness and richness to the grilled cheese croutons, while the Simply Nature Organic Tomato Soup provides a flavorful and wholesome base.
**Why these products are fan favorites:**
* **Specially Selected Brioche Rolls:** These rolls are known for their soft texture, slightly sweet flavor, and buttery aroma, making them perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or, in this case, croutons.
* **Simply Nature Organic Tomato Soup:** This soup is made with organic tomatoes and simple ingredients, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to heavily processed soups.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (32 oz) Simply Nature Organic Tomato Soup
* 4 Specially Selected Brioche Rolls
* 4 tbsp Countryside Creamery Butter, softened
* 1 cup Happy Farms Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each brioche roll into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get about 6-8 rounds per roll.
2. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each brioche round.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the buttered side of half of the brioche rounds.
4. Top with the remaining brioche rounds, butter-side up, to create mini grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. Place the mini grilled cheese sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut each mini grilled cheese sandwich into bite-sized croutons.
8. **Heat the Tomato Soup:** Pour the Simply Nature Organic Tomato Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Do not boil.
9. **Serve:** Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls. Top each bowl with grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil leaves (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato soup while heating.
* Experiment with different cheeses for the grilled cheese croutons, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato soup for a touch of heat.
* For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.
## Recipe 2: One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables (Featuring Aldi’s Kirkwood Fresh Chicken and Season’s Choice Frozen Vegetables)
This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. Aldi’s Kirkwood Fresh Chicken is known for its quality and affordability, while Season’s Choice Frozen Vegetables offer a convenient and nutritious way to add vegetables to your meal.
**Why these products are fan favorites:**
* **Kirkwood Fresh Chicken:** Aldi’s chicken consistently receives positive reviews for its freshness, taste, and competitive pricing.
* **Season’s Choice Frozen Vegetables:** Aldi’s frozen vegetable selection is vast and affordable, offering a variety of options like broccoli, green beans, mixed vegetables, and more. They are perfect for adding nutrients to meals without the hassle of chopping and prepping fresh vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Kirkwood Fresh Chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
* 1 lb Season’s Choice Frozen Vegetables (broccoli, green beans, or mixed vegetables)
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp dried herbs (Italian blend, rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** If using large frozen vegetables like broccoli florets, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Add the frozen vegetables to the roasting pan around the chicken.
3. **Season the Chicken and Vegetables:** Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with olive oil. Arrange lemon slices around the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle minced garlic and dried herbs over the chicken and vegetables. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. **Roast the Chicken and Vegetables:** Roast in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as potatoes, carrots, or onions.
* Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder would be delicious additions.
* For a crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
* Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for added flavor.
## Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Featuring Aldi’s Baker’s Corner Peanut Butter and Choceur Milk Chocolate)
These classic cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and Aldi’s ingredients make them even better. Baker’s Corner Peanut Butter is creamy and flavorful, while Choceur Milk Chocolate adds a rich and decadent touch.
**Why these products are fan favorites:**
* **Baker’s Corner Peanut Butter:** Aldi’s peanut butter is known for its smooth texture and robust peanut flavor, all at a great price.
* **Choceur Milk Chocolate:** Aldi’s Choceur chocolate bars are a steal. They offer a rich, smooth chocolate experience that rivals more expensive brands, making them a favorite for snacking and baking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) Countryside Creamery Butter, softened
* 1/2 cup Baker’s Corner Peanut Butter
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 cup Choceur Milk Chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Together Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Egg and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the Choceur Milk Chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
* Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* Substitute dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
## Recipe 4: Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning (Featuring Aldi’s Avocados and Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend)
This simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack is elevated by Aldi’s fresh avocados and flavorful Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend.
**Why these products are fan favorites:**
* **Avocados:** Aldi consistently offers affordable and high-quality avocados, making it easy to incorporate this healthy fat into your diet.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend:** This seasoning blend, typically containing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, adds a burst of flavor and texture to everything from avocado toast to eggs to roasted vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread (Specially Selected Artisan Bread recommended)
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* Aldi’s Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, a fried egg, sliced tomatoes
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Bread:** Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
2. **Prepare the Avocado:** Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
3. **Mash the Avocado:** Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. **Spread Avocado on Toast:** Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread.
5. **Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Generously sprinkle the avocado toast with Aldi’s Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend.
6. **Add Optional Toppings:** Add any optional toppings, such as red pepper flakes, a fried egg, or sliced tomatoes.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
* Use different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
* Make it a breakfast sandwich by adding a fried egg and a slice of bacon or ham.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
## Recipe 5: Black Bean Burgers (Featuring Aldi’s Simply Nature Black Beans and Brioche Buns)
These hearty and flavorful black bean burgers are a delicious and healthy vegetarian option, made even better with Aldi’s high-quality ingredients.
**Why these products are fan favorites:**
* **Simply Nature Black Beans:** Aldi’s organic black beans are a convenient and affordable way to add plant-based protein and fiber to your diet.
* **Brioche Buns:** As mentioned before, Aldi’s Specially Selected Brioche Buns are tender, slightly sweet, and add a touch of luxury to any burger.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cans (15 oz each) Simply Nature Black Beans, drained and rinsed
* 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Brioche Buns
* Toppings of your choice: lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, etc.
**Instructions:**
1. **Mash the Black Beans:** In a large bowl, mash one can of the black beans with a fork until mostly smooth. Leave the other can of black beans whole.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the whole black beans, cooked brown rice, rolled oats, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the mashed black beans. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
4. **Form Patties:** Form the mixture into 4 patties.
5. **Cook the Patties:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned.
6. **Assemble the Burgers:** Place the black bean burgers on brioche buns and top with your favorite toppings.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* Use a food processor to pulse the ingredients together for a smoother texture.
* Add chopped vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mixture.
* Top the burgers with a fried egg for added protein.
## Aldi: A Winning Combination
These recipes offer just a glimpse of the culinary possibilities with Aldi’s Fan Favorite products. By focusing on quality ingredients and affordable prices, Aldi empowers shoppers to create delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. The annual Fan Favorites survey is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering value and exceeding customer expectations. So, next time you’re at Aldi, keep an eye out for these winning products and get inspired to create your own culinary masterpieces! Happy cooking!