Fall Feast with Aldi’s Autumn Finds: Delicious Recipes & Cozy Comforts
Fall is officially here, and that means it’s time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, amazing fall recipes. This year, Aldi has outdone themselves with their fall merch, offering a treasure trove of seasonal ingredients and kitchenware that will inspire your culinary creativity. We’re diving headfirst into Aldi’s autumn offerings to create delicious and comforting recipes that will warm you from the inside out.
Why Aldi for Fall Recipes?
Aldi has become a go-to for budget-friendly groceries without sacrificing quality. Their fall selection is particularly enticing, featuring seasonal produce, specialty cheeses, flavorful spices, and even kitchen gadgets perfect for whipping up autumn delights. Plus, their rotating Aldi Finds section often includes unique and exciting items you won’t find anywhere else. So, grab your reusable bags, and let’s explore the culinary possibilities!
Recipe 1: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Maple-Pecan Topping
What better way to start a crisp fall morning than with fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes? Aldi’s pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice blend make this recipe a breeze.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Aldi’s brand is perfect!)
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon Aldi’s pumpkin pie spice
* 1 cup milk
* ¼ cup Aldi’s pumpkin puree
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* For the Topping:
* ½ cup chopped pecans (Aldi often has these in their nut section)
* ¼ cup maple syrup (Aldi’s pure maple syrup is a great value)
* 2 tablespoons butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. **Cook the Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
5. **Flip and Cook:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Make the Topping:** While the pancakes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the pecans and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
7. **Add Maple Syrup:** Stir in the maple syrup and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
8. **Serve:** Serve the pancakes hot, topped with the maple-pecan topping. Enjoy with a side of Aldi’s apple cider for the ultimate fall breakfast!
Recipe 2: Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Pepitas
This creamy and comforting butternut squash soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Aldi’s butternut squash is always a great price, and their vegetable broth adds depth of flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups Aldi’s vegetable broth
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg
* ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
* For the Toasted Pepitas:
* ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
* ½ teaspoon olive oil
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Squash (Optional for enhanced flavor):** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. This step intensifies the flavor, but you can skip it and cook the squash directly in the pot if you’re short on time.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. **Add Squash and Broth:** Add the roasted (or raw) butternut squash, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
4. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
5. **Add Cream (Optional):** Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and heat through.
6. **Toast the Pepitas:** While the soup is simmering, heat the ½ teaspoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and puffed up. Sprinkle with salt.
7. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the toasted pepitas. A swirl of cream or a dollop of plain yogurt also makes a lovely addition. Serve with Aldi’s crusty bread for dipping.
Recipe 3: Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble Topping
No fall recipe collection is complete without a classic apple crisp. Aldi’s selection of apples is perfect for this dessert, and their rolled oats create a delicious crumble topping.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji from Aldi), peeled, cored, and sliced
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Aldi’s cinnamon is a great deal)
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* For the Crumble Topping:
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* ½ cup Aldi’s rolled oats
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
2. **Assemble the Crisp:** Transfer the apple mixture to a 9-inch square baking dish or pie plate.
3. **Make the Crumble Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Sprinkle Topping:** Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
6. **Cool Slightly:** Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (Aldi has some great options!) or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe 4: Spicy Sausage and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash
This savory and satisfying dish is a perfect way to showcase the flavors of fall. Aldi’s acorn squash and Italian sausage are the stars of the show, and the kale adds a healthy dose of greens.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 medium acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ pound Aldi’s Italian sausage, removed from casing
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chopped kale
* ½ cup cooked quinoa or rice (Aldi often has pre-cooked options)
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Aldi’s Parmesan is a good value)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Dried cranberries or chopped pecans for added flavor and texture
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Squash:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. **Cook the Sausage:** While the squash is baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Add Kale and Quinoa/Rice:** Add the chopped kale and cooked quinoa or rice to the skillet. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. **Season and Combine:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans, if desired.
6. **Stuff the Squash:** Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spoon the sausage and kale mixture into the cavities of the squash halves.
7. **Bake Again (Optional):** If desired, return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This step is optional, but it helps to meld the flavors together.
8. **Serve:** Serve the stuffed acorn squash hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recipe 5: Cranberry Brie Bites
These easy and elegant appetizers are perfect for fall gatherings. Aldi’s flaky pastry dough and creamy brie cheese make them a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet Aldi’s puff pastry, thawed
* 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
* ½ cup cranberry sauce (Aldi has a great cranberry sauce, especially around Thanksgiving)
* Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Puff Pastry:** Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to slightly thin it.
3. **Cut into Squares:** Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares.
4. **Assemble Bites:** Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each square with a cube of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
5. **Add Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
7. **Cool Slightly:** Let the cranberry brie bites cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
Aldi Fall Finds: Beyond the Recipes
Aldi’s fall offerings extend beyond just food. Keep an eye out for:
* **Seasonal Decor:** Pumpkins, gourds, and fall-themed decorations to spruce up your home.
* **Cozy Blankets and Throws:** Perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a good book.
* **Fall-Scented Candles:** Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or other autumn fragrances.
* **Baking Supplies:** Stock up on baking essentials like flour, sugar, spices, and chocolate chips.
* **Coffee and Tea:** Aldi’s selection of coffee and tea is always expanding, with new fall flavors appearing regularly.
Tips for Shopping at Aldi for Fall Recipes
* **Check the Aldi Finds Aisle:** This rotating selection of unique and seasonal items is where you’ll find the most exciting fall-themed products.
* **Compare Prices:** Aldi is known for its low prices, but it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Bring Your Own Bags:** Aldi charges for bags, so bring your own reusable bags to save money and reduce waste.
* **Have a Quarter Ready:** You’ll need a quarter to rent a shopping cart at Aldi, but you’ll get it back when you return the cart.
* **Shop Early for Popular Items:** Aldi’s fall items are often popular and sell out quickly, so shop early to avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
Aldi’s fall merch provides the perfect ingredients and inspiration for creating delicious and comforting recipes. From pumpkin spice pancakes to butternut squash soup to apple crisp, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, head to your local Aldi, stock up on your favorite fall ingredients, and get cooking! Happy fall, and happy eating!