Aldi Finds September: Delicious & Easy Recipes You Need to Try!
September at Aldi means one thing: a new wave of exciting and affordable finds! This month, the aisles are brimming with seasonal ingredients and unique products perfect for creating delicious and budget-friendly meals. Forget complicated recipes and expensive grocery lists – we’re diving into easy-to-make dishes that showcase the best of Aldi’s September offerings. Get ready to be inspired and elevate your weeknight dinners with these simple yet satisfying recipes!
Why Aldi Finds are a Game Changer
Aldi Finds, also known as Aldi’s Special Buys, are limited-time items that appear in the store each week. These treasures can range from gourmet cheeses and international snacks to kitchen gadgets and home decor. The beauty of Aldi Finds lies in their affordability and the opportunity to try new and exciting products without breaking the bank. September’s Aldi Finds are particularly exciting because they often feature seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and warming spices, making it the perfect time to create cozy and comforting meals.
Tips for Shopping Aldi Finds
Before we jump into the recipes, here are a few tips to maximize your Aldi Finds shopping experience:
* **Check the Aldi ad:** The weekly Aldi ad is your best friend! It previews the upcoming Aldi Finds, allowing you to plan your shopping trip and prioritize the items you want to snag.
* **Shop early:** Popular Aldi Finds tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to shop early in the week, especially on Wednesdays when new Finds are typically released.
* **Be open to substitutions:** Sometimes, specific Aldi Finds might be unavailable. Be prepared to substitute with similar ingredients or explore alternative options.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Aldi Finds offer a fantastic opportunity to try new flavors and ingredients. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with different combinations.
* **Read reviews:** Before buying a new or unfamiliar product, check online reviews to see what other customers think. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid disappointment.
## Recipe 1: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage
This creamy pumpkin pasta is the epitome of fall comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, thanks to Aldi’s seasonal pumpkin puree and Italian sausage.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Aldi Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped (from Aldi’s produce section)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (from Aldi’s produce section)
* 1 (15-ounce) can Aldi pumpkin puree
* 1 cup Aldi chicken broth
* 1/2 cup Aldi heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (from Aldi’s cheese section), plus more for serving
* 1 teaspoon dried sage (often found in Aldi’s spice aisle)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound Aldi pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
* Optional: Aldi’s chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the olive oil to the skillet and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Make the Pumpkin Sauce:** Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. **Cook the Pasta:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. **Garnish and Enjoy:** Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** The star of this dish is, of course, the **Aldi Pumpkin Puree**. It’s a seasonal staple and a fantastic value compared to other brands. Also, keep an eye out for specialty pasta shapes that often appear as Aldi Finds – they can add a fun twist to this recipe!
## Recipe 2: Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sophisticated yet simple recipe featuring sweet apples and creamy brie cheese. This is a perfect quick lunch or light dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices Aldi sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
* 2 tablespoons Aldi butter, softened
* 4 ounces Aldi brie cheese, sliced
* 1 Aldi apple (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended), thinly sliced
* Optional: Aldi fig jam or honey for extra sweetness
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Top with brie cheese slices, apple slices, and a drizzle of fig jam or honey (if using).
3. **Grill the Sandwiches:** Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, butter-side up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve immediately. They’re delicious on their own or with a side of Aldi’s tomato soup.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** Look for **seasonal apple varieties** in Aldi’s produce section during September. Honeycrisp and Gala apples are particularly well-suited for this recipe, offering a crisp texture and sweet flavor that complements the brie cheese perfectly. And, definitely check for their selection of artisanal bread! They often have sourdough and other specialty loaves that make this grilled cheese extra special.
## Recipe 3: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
This sheet pan dinner is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy to clean up, and packed with flavor and nutrients. Aldi’s wide variety of sausages and seasonal vegetables make this recipe endlessly customizable.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Aldi sausage (Italian, kielbasa, or chicken sausage), sliced
* 1 Aldi bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 1 Aldi onion, chopped
* 1 cup Aldi broccoli florets
* 1 cup Aldi Brussels sprouts, halved
* 1 Aldi sweet potato, peeled and cubed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: Aldi balsamic glaze for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, onion, broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Add the sliced sausage to the baking sheet.
4. **Roast:** Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through, flipping halfway through.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using) and serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own or with a side of quinoa or rice.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** Aldi always has a great selection of **seasonal vegetables** at affordable prices. Take advantage of this and experiment with different combinations. Consider adding Aldi’s butternut squash, carrots, or even green beans to this sheet pan dinner. Also, Aldi’s sausage selection is impressive; find your favorite flavor!
## Recipe 4: Spiced Apple Crumble
This warm and comforting apple crumble is the perfect dessert for a chilly September evening. It’s easy to make with Aldi’s pantry staples and seasonal apples.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Aldi apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/4 cup Aldi granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons Aldi all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
**Crumble Topping:**
* 1/2 cup Aldi all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup Aldi packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup Aldi rolled oats
* 1/4 cup Aldi cold butter, cubed
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat.
3. **Make the Crumble Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and rolled oats. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Assemble the Crumble:** Pour the apple filling into an 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of Aldi vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** Keep an eye out for **seasonal baking spices** like cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice in Aldi’s spice aisle. These can add a warm and comforting flavor to your apple crumble. Also, their baking staples like flour and sugar are incredibly budget-friendly.
## Recipe 5: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Start your day with a taste of fall with these fluffy and flavorful pumpkin spice pancakes. Aldi’s pancake mix and pumpkin puree make this recipe a breeze.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Aldi pancake mix
* As called for ingredients on the pancake mix package (usually water or milk and eggs)
* 1/2 cup Aldi pumpkin puree
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* Optional: Aldi maple syrup, whipped cream, and chopped pecans for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Pancake Batter:** Prepare the pancake batter according to the package directions.
2. **Add Pumpkin and Spice:** Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
3. **Cook the Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
4. **Flip and Cook:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, and chopped pecans, if desired.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** The **Aldi pancake mix** is a great base for these pumpkin spice pancakes. It’s affordable and easy to use. And, of course, the **pumpkin puree** is essential for that signature fall flavor! Don’t forget to grab some Aldi maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch.
## Recipe 6: Butternut Squash Risotto
This creamy and comforting risotto is a delightful way to showcase the flavors of fall. Aldi’s affordable butternut squash and Arborio rice make this recipe budget-friendly and delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Aldi butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 4 cups Aldi chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups Aldi Arborio rice
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh sage leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Butternut Squash:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. **Heat the Broth:** In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the risotto-making process.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Toast the Rice:** Add the Arborio rice to the pot and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
5. **Deglaze (Optional):** If using, pour in the white wine and cook until it is absorbed, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. **Add Broth Gradually:** Add 1 cup of warm chicken broth to the rice. Stir constantly until the broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process will take about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. **Stir in Butternut Squash and Finish:** Once the rice is cooked, stir in the roasted butternut squash, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage leaves, if desired.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** The **Aldi butternut squash** is a fall staple and a great value. Look for firm squash with smooth skin. Also, the **Arborio rice** is essential for making authentic risotto. Aldi’s version is affordable and produces a perfectly creamy result.
## Recipe 7: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers
These vegetarian burgers are packed with flavor and nutrients. Aldi’s sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices make this a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Aldi sweet potato, baked and mashed
* 1 (15-ounce) can Aldi black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup Aldi breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup Aldi chopped onion
* 1 clove Aldi garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Aldi burger buns
* Optional: Aldi avocado, salsa, lettuce, and tomato for toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, black beans, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
2. **Form the Patties:** Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties.
3. **Cook the Burgers:** You can cook the burgers in a skillet, on a grill, or in the oven. To cook in a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. To grill, preheat the grill to medium heat and grill the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side. To bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes.
4. **Assemble the Burgers:** Serve the burgers on Aldi burger buns with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, lettuce, and tomato.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** The **Aldi sweet potatoes** are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and they add a natural sweetness to these burgers. Canned **black beans** are a pantry staple and an affordable source of protein. Look for Aldi’s selection of burger buns for a complete meal.
## Recipe 8: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Upgrade classic tomato soup with creamy richness and fun grilled cheese croutons! This is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a cool September day.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (28-ounce) can Aldi crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can Aldi tomato sauce
* 2 cups Aldi vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup Aldi heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 slices Aldi bread
* 2 slices Aldi cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
* 1 tablespoon Aldi butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Soup:** In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
3. **Stir in Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and heat through.
4. **Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, make the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with cheese slices and the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut into small cubes.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the soup hot, topped with grilled cheese croutons.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** Canned **crushed tomatoes** and **tomato sauce** are pantry staples and the base for this delicious soup. Aldi offers great value on these items. Their selection of cheeses is also worth exploring for the grilled cheese croutons. Consider using a sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
## Recipe 9: Mini Pumpkin Pies
These individual pumpkin pies are perfect for portion control and easy serving. Aldi’s pie crust and pumpkin puree make this dessert simple and delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Aldi refrigerated pie crusts
* 1 (15-ounce) can Aldi pumpkin puree
* 1/2 cup Aldi evaporated milk
* 1/4 cup Aldi granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup Aldi packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare Pie Crusts:** Unroll the pie crusts and use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles that are slightly larger than the cups of a muffin tin. Press the circles into the muffin tin cups.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
4. **Fill the Pie Crusts:** Pour the pumpkin filling into the pie crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crusts are golden brown.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let cool completely before serving. These mini pumpkin pies can be served at room temperature or chilled.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** The **refrigerated pie crusts** make this recipe incredibly easy. They are convenient and reliable. The **pumpkin puree** is essential for that classic pumpkin pie flavor. Aldi’s evaporated milk is a great addition to the filling, creating a creamy texture.
## Recipe 10: Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad is packed with seasonal flavors and textures. Aldi’s fall produce and pantry staples come together to create a healthy and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 5 oz Aldi Mixed Greens or Spinach
* 1 Aldi apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
* 1/2 cup Aldi dried cranberries
* 1/4 cup Aldi pecans or walnuts, chopped
* 4 oz Aldi crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
**Maple Vinaigrette:**
* 3 tablespoons Aldi olive oil
* 2 tablespoons Aldi maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon Aldi apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens or spinach, sliced apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
2. **Make the Maple Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. **Dress and Serve:** Pour the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
**Aldi Find Highlight:** Aldi’s pre-washed **mixed greens** or **spinach** make this salad quick and easy to prepare. They have a wide variety of **nuts and dried fruits** which can be added to enhance the flavor of the Salad. Also, don’t forget to check out their selection of cheeses. Goat cheese or feta adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the salad.
## Final Thoughts
Aldi Finds in September offer a fantastic opportunity to create delicious and budget-friendly meals. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can transform these seasonal treasures into culinary masterpieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!