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Harvest Some Bargains

Aldi is one of the most reliable national grocery chains for low-priced staples. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, many holiday cooks are planning large-format dishes that require a long list of costly grocery items. Thanks to the seasonal and everyday bargains at Aldi, it's easy to put together a budget-friendly feast for a crowd. When planning your menu, keep these deals in mind for classic turkey day dishes.


Additional reporting by Wilder Shaw.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


Related: Depression-Era Thanksgiving Recipes That Are Actually Delicious

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Cranberry Sauce

Est. Price: $1.29
Cranberry sauce is one of those items that is an absolute must on the Thanksgiving table. A little tends to go a long way, and a can or two of the pre-made sauce will save precious time without costing extra.


Related: Thanksgiving Recipes for a Small Gathering

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French Green Beans

Est. Price: $2.99
Whether turned into casserole, sauteed with garlic and almonds, or simply steamed, green beans are a traditional way to work something green onto the dinner plate.

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Fried Onions

Est. Price: $2.09
Sweet, salty, and crispy, these fried onions make everything better. From classic green bean casserole to mac and cheese or sprinkling a few on top of mashed potatoes as a garnish, they're a simple and cheap way to dress up vegetable sides.

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Turkey

Est. Price: $1.07 per pound
The obvious star of the meal, reasonably priced turkey is essential to creating a successful Thanksgiving. Sold fresh and frozen, there is flexibility so you can shop at your convenience.

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Canned Creamed Soups

Est. Price: 49 cents per can
While not the tastiest on its own, creamed soup is a valuable cooking ingredient. Classics such as green bean casserole rely on creamed soups, and they can be used to give texture when combined with other stocks for a first-course soup.

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Stock

Est. Price: $1.69
Homemade is the best, but unless you have a freezer full of homemade stock, it can be a lot to make on top of all the other dishes come Thanksgiving. Aldi carries a wide array of stocks so you don't run the risk of having dry stuffing or watery gravy.

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Gravy

Est. Price: $1.09

Making gravy is an art form, one that not everyone has perfected, which is okay. Take the stress out of whisking together the perfect gravy, or worse, running out of gravy by keeping a jar or two on hand.

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Corn Flakes

Est. Price: $1.43
Cornflake stuffing is classic, providing the right texture that is not too soft or too dry. Use any leftovers for a simple breakfast to feed the family on the days surrounding Thanksgiving.

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Stuffing Mix

Est. Price: 75 cents per box
With so much cooking and so many recipes, it's nice to simplify where possible. Stuffing mix makes preparation for this main attraction a breeze. Having a backup box also ensures you will be able to accommodate big appetites.

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Squash

Est. Price: 89 cents per pound
Seasonal, dirt cheap, and delicious, it's hard to beat squash for the most bang for your buck. Simply roasted and served as a side, made into soup, or sweetened up and poured into a pie crust, there are so many ways to incorporate these tasty gourds. 

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Onions

Est. Price: $1.89
It's easy to forget about onions — they're so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted. Stocking up on a big bag of onions ensures that you'll be able to layer in plenty of flavor into all of your savory dishes.

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Sweet Potatoes

Est. Price: $1.17
Like squash, sweet potatoes can be used as a savory or sweet dish at Thanksgiving. With a high nutritional value and low price tag, it makes sense to incorporate them as much as possible.

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Whole White Mushrooms

Est. Price: $1.55
Mushrooms can make an appearance virtually anywhere in the Thanksgiving meal. Add them to stuffing, gravy, green beans, or on their own for a boost of nutritional and to add bulk. Stuffing and baking them makes an inexpensive but fancy appetizer.

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Sparkling Cider

Est. Price: $3.49
Having a festive beverage during a holiday is a must. Alcohol can be expensive and not suitable for everyone, while sparkling cider at just a few dollars a bottle is a special treat everyone can enjoy.

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Danish Butter Cookies

Est. Price: $2.99
Take one more thing off your to-do list by plating cookies on an attractive platter for dessert. Arranged nicely, these can also turn into a welcome contribution if you are a guest at someone else's place.

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Milk

Est. Price: $2.52
Milk is a staple used in everything from mashed potatoes and gravy to biscuits, not to mention in everyone's coffee and tea after the meal or in the morning. If you plan to have people over, it's important to have enough milk on hand when grocery stores close for the holiday.

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Crescent Rolls

Est. Price: $1.99
Crescent rolls offer an easy way to serve fresh-from-the-oven rolls with dinner. You can also use them to make pigs in a blanket, everyone's favorite appetizer.

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Mini Hot Dogs

Est. Price: $3.35
Cocktail weenies pair perfectly with the game-watching pre-party of Thanksgiving. Paired with crescent rolls as pigs in a blanket alongside some dipping sauces, they become even more special.

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Pink Lady Apples

Est. Price: $3.69
Apple pie is a nostalgic and delicious way to end the meal. With super low prices on apples, it's easy to create a homemade version to serve at your own dinner, or to bring over to your host's celebration.

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Pie Crust

Est. Price: $1.35

Even seasoned cooks frequently opt for pre-made pie crusts because they are good and convenient. Armed with crusts, it's as simple as pouring in a filling and setting a timer for a (mostly) homemade dessert.

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Hot Cocoa

Est. Price: $3.99
Gathering around to share a cup of cocoa can be one of the most special times of Thanksgiving. Cocoa can be enjoyed by everyone at any time of day, even as an adult-only treat spiked with booze once the kids go to sleep.

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Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese

Est. Price: $2.49

Put this cranberry- and cinnamon-coated goat cheese log out as a snack with crackers and it'll be gone before dinner. The soft cheese is rich and tangy, while the cranberries are fresh and tart.

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Pecan Pie

Est. Price: $5.69

Why not just buy dessert? You'll be spending all that time making dinner, so take it easy and get a store-bought pecan pie. It's full of nuts with a golden brown crust.


Related: Thanksgiving Recipes for a Small Gathering