Everything You Need From ALDI To Make Thanksgiving Dinner For $40

Whether you’re an avid foodie, a parade enthusiast, the cruise director of your friend group, or just really into super-produced football halftime shows (who isn’t?), Thanksgiving has something for everyone. And if your “everyone” happens to be a party of 10, ALDI is dishing up the tastiest crowd-pleaser of all the Thanksgiving you love for $40. Sure, the people around your table matter more than what’s served on top, but feeding them all without breaking the bank? That’s gravy.

Speaking of gravy, what else can you expect from this show-stopping feast? Add in creamy mashed potatoes, velvet-y mac ‘n’ cheese, and a flavor-packed green bean casserole with crispy fried onions sprinkled on top. Ribbons of cranberry sauce lay out the ruby-red carpet for the evening’s headliner, that mouth-watering golden turkey just waiting to be carved. And just when your guests swear they can’t take another bite, the pumpkin pie sweeps in for the encore.

Sound good? It tastes even better. Keep reading to get the full list of ALDI items you’ll need to host this holiday like a total pro.

The Supporting Cast (aka, The Sides)

Before introducing the star of the show, let’s talk about the hard-working sides that basically carry this bird on their back. First in our hearts (and stomachs) are mashed potatoes, whipped to fluffy perfection from classic russets. Green bean casserole is right behind it with its sumptuous mix of crunchy fried onions, salty mushrooms courtesy of a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, and tender green beans. Stuffing flecked with a colorful mix of chopped carrots and celery comes next, followed by melty mac ‘n’ cheese. Finally, sweet potato casserole (tucked beneath a mandatory blanket of toasted marshmallows) rounds everything out, delivering vegetables and dessert in one wildly economical scoop.

The Small-But-Mighty Extras

Even the strongest performers (read: your out-of-this-world sides) need good styling. That’s where your extras come in, and the best part is they barely make a dent in your wallet. ALDI keeps the sweet cranberry sauce on standby for under a dollar thanks to fresh cranberries, ready to cut through all that rich, savory gravy (which, by the way, costs less than your average pack of gum). Together, the two can elevate even the simplest sides. Over at the kids’ table, this dynamic duo takes on legendary status as the ceremonial “lava” in the mashed potato volcano, a Thanksgiving tradition in its own right. Your third ‘extra’? A dozen sweet Hawaiian rolls, which are totally delightful on their own, but made even better when fastened into a handheld vehicle for turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

The Main Event

Without further ado, ALDI presents the butter-basted, herb-infused holiday heavyweight that reminds you why every other dish is considered a warm-up act. Your turkey is the undefeated champ of Thanksgiving dinner, delivering centerpiece energy without blowing the budget. Prepare it for the spotlight with some poultry spices and herbs, then serve it up next to the sides and extras that shine right alongside it. Cranberry sauce just hits different when poured over a slice of perfectly roasted turkey. Gravy was practically invented for it. Mashed potatoes? Turkey’s charismatic co-star. You get it, but the point is that a centerpiece-worthy turkey doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

The Encore

Just when your guests begin their humble choruses of, “I couldn’t eat another bite,” that iconic autumnal aroma begins wafting in oh-so casually from the kitchen (and no, it’s not a tray of overpriced PSLs). It’s the scent of pumpkin pie, anchored by an irresistibly flaky crust and topped with a deliciously tantalizing dollop of whipped cream. (May I point out that each of these essentials cost less than a couple of barista-made coffees?) It’s the final act of your ALDI feast, and it deserves a standing ovation. Instead, you’ll get the Thanksgiving equivalent, which is suddenly upright forks, accompanied by guests mysteriously finding room for “just one more bite.”

Ready to step into your role as director of the greatest holiday show of all time? Shop your local ALDI to get all the Thanksgiving you love for $40.