I love making charcuterie boards using Aldi products. Here are 11 items I buy to make a gourmet-looking spread for under $30.
My husband and I are a young couple on a budget who love hosting friends.
Charcuterie-board ingredients can be pricey in some stores — but not at Aldi.
These 11 tasty, budget-friendly items from Aldi help me make a gourmet-looking charcuterie board.
As a young couple saving for our first home, my husband and I can't afford to spend a lot of money on groceries. However, we also love hosting friends for parties with wine and a charcuterie board.
Unfortunately, at most grocery stores, these ingredients can sometimes cost upwards of $80. Given the high prices of groceries, I'm always looking for cheaper alternatives when available.
Luckily, Aldi offers great charcuterie-board ingredients that allow me to put together a jaw-dropping spread for under $30. Here are 11 Aldi items I use to create a gourmet-looking board while saving big bucks.
Prices may vary by location.
The Emporium Selection sharp cheddar is tender but has an earthy bite.
For more bite, the block of Emporium Selection sharp cheddar is a perfect choice. While tender, it offers a slightly more crumbly alternative to the Gouda, and its earthy flavor pairs well with rich meats like salami and prosciutto.
A little goes a long way, so I often have some left over to nibble on with a glass of wine at night.
A block of sharp cheddar costs $2.60 at my local Aldi.
The garlic-and-herb goat cheese is perfectly spreadable.
For a cheese that spreads like butter, don't skip the Emporium Selection garlic-and-herb goat cheese. The hints of garlic and herbs elevate the cheese's natural flavor without overpowering it.
It's a new favorite of mine, and I'm not the only one who feels that way — only two logs were left at the store when I went.
The goat cheese costs just $1.90 at Aldi.
Simms’ summer sausage is a versatile meat.
When prosciutto isn't available, I grab Simms' summer sausage. It's fully cooked, easy to slice and has a rich, fatty flavor that stands out by itself and when piled onto a cracker with a subtle cheese.
It also makes a great breakfast sausage. I like to slice it thick, throw it in the pan, and serve it with eggs. Each package of sausage costs $4.
The cold-smoked Atlantic salmon levels up the board.
Smoked salmon adds an elegant flair to a traditional charcuterie spread. It's a departure from the land meats usually served, and its smoky flavor pairs well with both mild and sharp cheeses.
The Specially Selected smoked salmon comes in palm-sized deli slices, so it's easy to stage as the board's centerpiece. These cost me $3.20 a pack.
Aldi’s deli-sliced Genoa salami elevates a charcuterie board classic.
Aldi's fresh, deli-sliced Genoa salami is a step above regular salami, with its delicate seasoning and buttery, tender texture. It also doubles as a tasty addition to a deli-style sandwich.
Each pack of salami comes out to $3.10.
The Savoritz thin-wheat crackers are the ideal size, taste, and texture for boards.
Finding good charcuterie crackers is hard, but these Savoritz thin-wheat ones do the job well. They're thin and soft, making them a perfect foundation for stronger-flavored items on the board.
They also have a subtle sweetness comparable to graham crackers, so my husband likes to eat them with his coffee in the morning.
A box is only $2 at my local Aldi.
The Savoritz pita crackers are a showstopper by themselves.
The Savoritz sea-salt pita crackers are a new household favorite. They're thin and have a delicate toasted flavor, making them perfect for snacking.
When paired with meats and cheeses, they add an extra crunch without detracting from the meat's flavor. Each box costs $2.15.
The Specially Selected premium raspberry fruit spread is delicious and versatile.
Every board needs a sweet element to balance the savory, salty flavors. I like to grab the Specially Selected raspberry fruit spread, which has a vibrant flavor that's a dream to pair with crackers.
It also pairs well with the garlic-and-herb goat cheese. A jar comes out to $2.60.
Grapes are an easy palate cleanser.
Fruit Royals' green seedless grapes add that much-needed pop of color and textural interest to the board. They're tart and easy to pluck off the stem, making them an easy palate cleanser.
The grapes come out to $2.30 a bag.
Great Gherkins' Kosher dill pickles pack a punch.
These Great Gherkins kosher dill baby whole pickles have a punchy acidity to contrast the richness of the meats and cheeses. They also make a fun visual on a charcuterie board.
They're adorably sized and a perfect choice when I'm looking for a quick snack from the fridge. Each jar is only $1.45.
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