7 Aldi Freezer Finds Under $10 Perfect for Easy Holiday Entertaining

I’m still in denial about the fact that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. But with the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s time to think about how we’re all going to feed our family and friends. Of course, you could go all-out, making tons of appetizers and a lavish meal from scratch. But if that seems like a lot, here's how to make things a whole lot easier on yourself.

When I need appetizers to pass at your day-before-Thanksgiving happy hour or side dishes to fill out the holiday spread, Aldi is my best friend. From desserts to fun snacks, the freezer aisle has pretty much everything I’ll need to get the party started. Oh—and nothing is more than $9.99.

1. Everything Franks in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser, but the addition of garlicky, oniony, everything bagel seasoning makes 'em worthy of the adults' table. Everything Franks in a Blanket ($4.99 for 12) bring a whole lot of flavor to an old classic that can sometimes be a touch boring. Bonus: You’ll only need to pop them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, which will come in handy when your in-laws pop in for a “surprise” visit and you need a quick snack to serve. 

2. Asian Inspirations Appetizer Sampler

Who has the time to prepare three different appetizers for a holiday gathering? Certainly not me, but I do appreciate the variety of something like Fusia’s Asian Inspirations Appetizer Sampler. At $9.89, it’s a little pricier than some of the other items on this list, but it's genuinely enough to feed a crowd. Each box includes eight crispy mini spring rolls, eight veggie potstickers, and 14 mini chicken bites, making it the perfect pick to keep guests busy while you cook the rest of the meal. 

3. Mini Cheesecake Bites

You know I like a good frozen cheesecake, and Aldi’s freezer aisle is home to an especially compelling version. Cut into 24 adorable squares, Belmont Mini Cheesecake Bites ($9.99) are a chic addition to your holiday table. And the box includes three different flavors—plain New York style, strawberry swirl, and nutty turtle—which means you’re getting three different desserts in one package! 

4. Breaded Mushroom Bites

I love ordering crispy breaded mushrooms at restaurants, but there’s no way I’m going to attempt frying them at home. Enter the Appetitos Breaded Mushroom Bites ($4.99), which bring all of that flavor right to my table without any of the dredging, breading, or deep-frying. Serve with a side of Aldi’s Tuscan Garden Bacon Ranch ($2.99), and you’ve got snacks on the table in less than 10 minutes. 

5. Pretzel Bites With Cheese

Hear me out—pretzels might not seem like they belong on your holiday table, but these absolutely deserve a spot among your other appetizers. First, because they’re perfectly salty and fluffy, and remind me of much fancier pretzels I’ve eaten at German restaurants, but also because they come with a tub of creamy cheese dip that's perfect for dipping. Who doesn’t love dipping hunks of warm bread into melty cheese? 

6. Wild Caught Clam Strips

Whether or not you plan to celebrate with a Feast of the Seven Fishes, these crispy clam strips are a fun and unexpected party snack. Cook in the air fryer until they're impossibly crispy, then serve with a zingy cocktail sauce or dill-spiked remoulade and watch them quickly disappear. At $4.49 for an eight-ounce box, you can justify grabbing an extra to snack on between holiday events. 

7. Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

At $2.49 a pint, Aldi’s Sundae Shoppe Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is one of the best holiday bargains in the store. Grab a couple of pints of this peppermint ice cream swirled with minty fudge and peppermint bark, and serve scoops atop semi-homemade brownies fresh from the oven for a rich holiday dessert.