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Tess Lopez
- 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.
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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.
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Pre-sliced Gouda cheese saves me prep time.
A charcuterie board needs a variety of flavors and textures. The Emporium Selection Gouda is creamy with a light, nutty flavor that my guests love.
What I especially like about this brand of Gouda is that the cheese is pre-sliced into perfect cracker portions. I save lots of prep time by taking this cheese out of the package and setting it right onto the board.
The pre-sliced cheese comes out to $2.70.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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