Aldi Thanksgiving Feast: Delicious Recipes Using Aldi Finds
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food! But let’s face it, planning and executing a Thanksgiving feast can be stressful and expensive. Thankfully, Aldi is a lifesaver! With their amazing selection of high-quality ingredients at incredibly affordable prices, you can create a memorable Thanksgiving meal without breaking the bank. This blog post will guide you through some delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, all using ingredients you can find at your local Aldi. Get ready for an Aldi Thanksgiving transformation!
## Why Aldi for Thanksgiving?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly touch on why Aldi is a great option for your Thanksgiving grocery shopping:
* **Affordable Prices:** This is the biggest draw. Aldi consistently offers lower prices on comparable items compared to traditional grocery stores.
* **Quality Products:** Don’t let the low prices fool you. Aldi’s products, especially their private-label brands like Simply Nature and Specially Selected, are known for their quality.
* **Unique Finds:** Aldi often carries unique and seasonal items that can add a special touch to your Thanksgiving menu.
* **Convenience:** Many Aldi stores are smaller and easier to navigate than larger supermarkets, saving you time and stress during the busy holiday season.
## The Aldi Thanksgiving Menu: Recipes & Shopping List
Here’s a complete Thanksgiving menu plan incorporating Aldi’s fantastic products, including a detailed shopping list to make your grocery run a breeze.
**Shopping List (Printable Version Recommended!):**
**Produce:**
* Onions (Yellow & Red)
* Celery
* Carrots
* Garlic
* Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Parsley – Aldi often has a Thanksgiving herb pack!)
* Sweet Potatoes
* Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
* Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen)
* Apples (For the stuffing and/or apple pie)
* Pumpkin (Canned or Fresh if available)
* Green Beans
* Brussels Sprouts
**Meat & Poultry:**
* Turkey (Fresh or Frozen – Aldi usually has excellent deals)
* Sausage (For the stuffing)
* Bacon (Optional, for Brussels sprouts or other dishes)
**Pantry:**
* Turkey Broth
* Chicken Broth
* Olive Oil
* Vegetable Oil
* Butter
* Flour
* Sugar (Granulated & Brown)
* Eggs
* Bread (For stuffing)
* Canned Pumpkin Puree
* Evaporated Milk
* Spices (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves, Poultry Seasoning)
* Cranberry Sauce (Canned or Ingredients for homemade)
* Marshmallows (For sweet potato casserole)
* Pecans (For sweet potato casserole or pie)
* Walnuts (Optional, for stuffing)
* Apple Cider Vinegar
* Balsamic Vinegar
* Cornstarch
* Vanilla Extract
* Baking Powder
* Baking Soda
* Brown Gravy Mix (Optional, for a quick gravy)
* Stuffing Mix (Optional, as a base to build upon)
**Dairy:**
* Milk
* Heavy Cream (Optional, for mashed potatoes or gravy)
* Cheese (Optional, for mashed potatoes or a cheese board appetizer)
**Drinks:**
* Apple Cider
* Sparkling Cider
* Wine (Aldi has a great selection of affordable wines!)
* Beer (If desired)
**Desserts:**
* Pie Crusts (Refrigerated or Frozen)
* Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Filling (Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Spices)
* Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling (Apples, Sugar, Spices)
* Whipped Cream (Optional)
* Ice Cream (Optional)
Now, let’s get cooking!
### Recipe 1: Roast Turkey (The Star of the Show)
This recipe focuses on a simple yet flavorful roast turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table. We’ll use Aldi’s fresh or frozen turkey and simple seasonings to create a juicy and delicious bird.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Aldi Turkey (12-14 lbs is a good size for a smaller gathering)
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil
* 2 tsp Salt
* 1 tsp Black Pepper
* 1 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Onion Powder
* 1 tsp Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
* 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
* 1/2 Onion, quartered
* 2 Celery stalks, chopped
* 2 Carrots, chopped
* 4 cups Turkey Broth (Aldi)
**Instructions:**
1. **Thawing the Turkey:** If using a frozen turkey, thaw it completely in the refrigerator. This can take several days, so plan accordingly. A general rule of thumb is 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey.
2. **Prepping the Turkey:** Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin!
3. **Seasoning the Turkey:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, both inside and out. Be sure to get under the skin of the breast for extra flavor. Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat by sliding your hand between the skin and the meat.
4. **Stuffing the Cavity (Optional):** Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, celery, and carrots. This will add flavor to the turkey and the drippings.
5. **Roasting the Turkey:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of turkey broth into the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the turkey moist.
6. **Roasting Time:** Roast the turkey for approximately 13 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Add the remaining 2 cups of turkey broth to the pan halfway through cooking. This will help create a flavorful gravy base.
7. **Basting (Optional):** Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30-45 minutes. This will help keep the skin moist and golden brown. However, be mindful not to open the oven too frequently, as this can lower the oven temperature and increase the cooking time.
8. **Resting the Turkey:** Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Cover the turkey loosely with foil while it rests.
9. **Carving the Turkey:** Carve the turkey and serve immediately.
**Tips for a Perfect Turkey:**
* **Don’t overcook it!** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
* **Let it rest!** Resting is crucial for a juicy turkey.
* **Use the drippings!** The pan drippings are the base for a delicious gravy.
### Recipe 2: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving is complete without creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes. This recipe uses Aldi’s potatoes, butter, and milk (or cream) for a simple yet satisfying side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 lbs Aldi Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup Aldi Butter, melted
* 1/2 – 3/4 cup Aldi Milk (or Heavy Cream, for extra richness)
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Cream Cheese (for extra tang)
* Optional: Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Boiling the Potatoes:** Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. **Draining the Potatoes:** Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.
3. **Mashing the Potatoes:** Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make them gummy. If using an electric mixer, start on low speed.
4. **Adding the Butter and Milk:** Gradually add the melted butter and milk (or heavy cream) to the potatoes, mixing until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
5. **Seasoning the Potatoes:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sour cream or cream cheese for extra tang, if desired.
6. **Serving the Potatoes:** Serve the mashed potatoes hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
**Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes:**
* **Don’t overcook the potatoes!** Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and mushy.
* **Warm the milk and butter!** Using warm milk and butter will help the potatoes absorb them more easily and prevent them from becoming cold.
* **Don’t overmix!** Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
### Recipe 3: Classic Stuffing with Sausage
Stuffing is another Thanksgiving staple, and this recipe uses Aldi’s bread, sausage, and vegetables to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf of Aldi Bread (Italian or Sourdough), cubed and dried (can be done overnight)
* 1 lb Aldi Sausage, removed from casings
* 1 Aldi Onion, chopped
* 2 Aldi Celery stalks, chopped
* 1 Aldi Apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (optional)
* 1/2 cup Aldi Butter
* 4 cups Aldi Chicken Broth
* 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning
* 1/2 tsp Dried Sage
* 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley
* Optional: 1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Drying the Bread:** Cube the bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 1 hour, or until the bread is dry and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can leave the cubed bread out overnight to dry.
2. **Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:** In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the onion and celery (and apple, if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Combining the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetables, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, parsley, and nuts (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread is evenly moistened. Don’t oversaturate.
4. **Baking the Stuffing:** Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
5. **Serving the Stuffing:** Serve hot.
**Tips for Perfect Stuffing:**
* **Use day-old bread!** Stale or day-old bread works best for stuffing because it absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy.
* **Don’t oversaturate the bread!** Add the broth gradually and stir until the bread is just moistened.
* **Bake uncovered for a crispy top!** Removing the foil during the last part of baking will allow the top of the stuffing to become golden brown and crispy.
### Recipe 4: Cranberry Sauce (Two Ways: Canned Upgrade and Homemade)
Cranberry sauce is a must-have on any Thanksgiving table. This recipe offers two options: a quick and easy upgrade to canned cranberry sauce and a homemade version for those who want to make it from scratch, both using Aldi ingredients.
**Option 1: Upgraded Canned Cranberry Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can Aldi Cranberry Sauce (jellied or whole berry)
* 1/4 cup Aldi Orange Juice
* 1 tbsp Aldi Orange Zest
* 1/4 cup Aldi Walnuts or Pecans, chopped (optional)
* 1 tbsp Aldi Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
2. **Add Nuts and Honey (Optional):** Stir in the chopped nuts and honey, if using.
3. **Serve:** Serve warm or chilled.
**Option 2: Homemade Cranberry Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag (12 oz) Aldi Fresh Cranberries, rinsed
* 1 cup Aldi Granulated Sugar
* 1 cup Water
* 1/2 cup Aldi Orange Juice
* 1 tbsp Aldi Orange Zest
* 1/4 tsp Aldi Cinnamon
* Pinch of Aldi Ground Cloves
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. **Cook the Cranberry Sauce:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Cool and Serve:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce:**
* **Adjust the sweetness!** Taste the cranberry sauce and add more sugar if desired.
* **Add different spices!** Experiment with different spices like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.
* **Make it ahead of time!** Cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
### Recipe 5: Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch, Aldi Style)
Skip the canned soup! This from-scratch green bean casserole uses fresh green beans and an Aldi-made creamy mushroom sauce for a delicious and healthier twist on a classic.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs Aldi Fresh Green Beans, trimmed
* 2 tbsp Aldi Olive Oil
* 8 oz Aldi Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
* 1 Aldi Onion, chopped
* 2 cloves Aldi Garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp Aldi Flour
* 1 cup Aldi Chicken Broth
* 1/2 cup Aldi Milk or Heavy Cream
* 1/4 tsp Aldi Nutmeg
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* 1 can (6 oz) Aldi French Fried Onions
**Instructions:**
1. **Blanch the Green Beans:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. You can also steam the green beans.
2. **Make the Mushroom Sauce:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or cream) until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine and Bake:** Add the blanched green beans to the mushroom sauce and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the French fried onions.
5. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the French fried onions are golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot.
**Tips for a Delicious Green Bean Casserole:**
* **Don’t overcook the green beans!** They should be slightly tender-crisp.
* **Use fresh mushrooms!** Fresh mushrooms add a much better flavor than canned mushrooms.
* **Make it ahead of time!** The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
### Recipe 6: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
A classic Thanksgiving side dish, this sweet potato casserole features Aldi’s sweet potatoes and a sweet and gooey marshmallow topping.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 lbs Aldi Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup Aldi Butter, melted
* 1/2 cup Aldi Brown Sugar
* 1/4 cup Aldi Milk
* 1 tsp Aldi Vanilla Extract
* 1/2 tsp Aldi Cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp Aldi Nutmeg
* Pinch of Salt
* 1 bag Aldi Mini Marshmallows
* 1/2 cup Aldi Chopped Pecans (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Sweet Potatoes:** Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Mash the Sweet Potatoes:** Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or an electric mixer.
3. **Add the Other Ingredients:** Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until smooth.
4. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. **Add Marshmallow Topping:** Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Top with chopped pecans, if desired.
6. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly melted.
7. **Serve:** Serve hot.
**Tips for a Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole:**
* **Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes!**
* **Use brown sugar for a richer flavor!**
* **Toast the pecans for extra flavor!**
### Recipe 7: Classic Pumpkin Pie (Using Aldi Ingredients)
End your Thanksgiving feast with a slice of classic pumpkin pie, made easy with Aldi’s affordable ingredients. You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch using Aldi’s flour, butter, and sugar.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Aldi Refrigerated Pie Crust (or ingredients to make your own: Aldi Flour, Butter, Sugar)
* 1 can (15 oz) Aldi Pumpkin Puree
* 1 can (12 oz) Aldi Evaporated Milk
* 3/4 cup Aldi Granulated Sugar
* 1 tsp Aldi Cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp Aldi Ginger
* 1/4 tsp Aldi Nutmeg
* 1/4 tsp Aldi Ground Cloves
* 1/2 tsp Salt
* 2 Aldi Eggs, lightly beaten
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** If using a refrigerated pie crust, unroll it and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges. If making your own pie crust, follow your favorite recipe using Aldi ingredients.
2. **Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling:** In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir in the eggs until well combined.
3. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pumpkin pie cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
**Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Pie:**
* **Blind bake the pie crust for a crispier crust!**
* **Don’t overbake the pie!** Overbaking can cause the filling to crack.
* **Use a pie shield to prevent the crust from burning!**
## Wine Pairings (Aldi Finds):
Aldi boasts a surprisingly excellent and affordable wine selection. Here are a few recommendations to pair with your Thanksgiving feast:
* **Turkey:** A light-bodied Pinot Noir or a dry Rosé would complement the turkey without overpowering it.
* **Stuffing & Sides:** A medium-bodied Chardonnay or a Gewürztraminer would pair well with the savory stuffing and various side dishes.
* **Desserts:** A Moscato d’Asti or a Riesling would be a delicious match for the sweet pumpkin pie and other desserts.
## Conclusion: An Aldi Thanksgiving Triumph
With a little planning and these delicious recipes, you can create a truly memorable Thanksgiving feast using affordable and high-quality ingredients from Aldi. Embrace the Aldi Thanksgiving experience and enjoy a delicious and stress-free holiday with your loved ones! Happy Thanksgiving!