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- I tried every frozen appetizer I could find at Aldi. Almost all of them would be worth buying for a party. (businessinsider.com)
Aldi Appetizer Showdown: Your Game Day Snack Guide!
With the big game just around the corner, football fans everywhere are scrambling to finalize their game-day menus. For those of us short on time but big on flavor, Aldi has a treasure trove of frozen appetizers that won’t break the bank.
In a valiant effort to separate the snack-time superstars from the benchwarmers, one local enthusiast embarked on a culinary quest, sampling 18 different frozen appetizers from the discount grocer. Joined by a family of four discerning palates, each item was thoroughly tested and ranked from worst to first. (Note: Prices may vary by location, so keep an eye out for those local deals!)
Here’s a taste of what made the cut and what might be better left in the freezer aisle:
The Fumbles: Appetizers That Didn’t Quite Score
Appetitos Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip: Despite a love for all things Buffalo, this dip was a surprising letdown. Overloaded with onions and a strange vinegar aroma, it lacked the familiar Buffalo punch.
While it had plenty of chicken and peppery notes, the onion flavor was out of place, making the whole dip a bit too tangy. At $5 for 12.5 ounces, it didn’t feel like a winning value.
Fusia Chicken Egg Rolls: These fell apart during air frying and had a dry, crumbly crust. The cabbage-heavy filling left an unpleasant aftertaste. At $3.40 for a pack of four, these are a skip for next time.
The Mid-Field Players: Solid, But Not Superstars
Fusia Mini Wontons: A welcome steamed option amidst many fried contenders, these pork and vegetable wontons were heavy on scallion and a touch sweet. While on the pricier side at $6.90 for a 24-ounce bag, they earned a repurchase solely because a picky 4-year-old adored them.
Kirkwood Chicken Fries: A basic but reliable option for dipping. These chicken fries, at $5.30 for a 24-ounce bag, were light on seasoning and heavy on breading, making them ideal for pairing with your favorite sauce.
Casa Mamita Stuffed Beef and Cheese Nachos: Resembling fried ravioli, these had a chewy-crunchy shell and a filling reminiscent of a convenience-store burrito – in a good way! More cheese than beef, but with a nice peppery kick, they’re a fine $4 addition for a party.
Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Bagels: Similar to a well-known brand, these 36-count mini pizza bagels were less expensive at $7.10. However, the sauce was a bit too sweet, the bagel dry, and the pepperoni bland, leaving them just “okay.”
Kirkwood Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings: These pre-sauced wings, at $5.90 for over a pound, were a decent value. However, the pre-applied sauce hindered crispiness, and the chicken was a bit greasy. A separate sauce packet would have been a game-changer.
Mama Cozzi’s Pepperoni Pizza Snacks: These closely mimicked a popular brand, offering a crispy outer shell without the dreaded air fryer explosion. At $6.50 for a massive 45-ounce bag, the value is undeniable, though a smaller option would be appreciated for smaller freezers.
Appetitos Mac-and-Cheese Bites: These chicken nugget-shaped bites, filled with creamy mac and cheese, were salty but light on flavor. A homemade Cajun aioli elevated them, and at $3.50 for 8 ounces, they were a hit with a young critic who loved the “real mac and cheese inside.”
SeaPak Wild-Caught Clam Strips: The only non-Aldi brand sampled, these clam strips, at $5 for an 8-ounce box, air-fried to a great crunch and delivered a pleasant, mildly briny seafood flavor.
Bremer Mini Corn Dogs: Despite a preference for beef hot dogs, these chicken-based mini corn dogs, at $6.50 for a huge 26.8-ounce box, pleasantly surprised. They cooked up with a crisp, honey-tinged cornmeal crust, and while the franks were mild, they didn’t detract from the snack, especially with mustard or ketchup.
Appetitos Jalapeño Poppers: A solid, inexpensive choice at $2.90 for 11 ounces. While not overly spicy, the tender jalapeños, crunchy breading, and molten cream cheese made for a satisfying appetizer that wouldn’t disappoint at your local bar.
The Touchdowns: Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
Season’s Choice Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A surprising winner for a cauliflower skeptic! Unlike the chicken wings, these came with the sauce in a separate packet, allowing them to maintain a satisfying crunch. The cauliflower had a hearty texture, and at $3.50 for a 13-ounce bag, it was a great deal.
Appetitos Loaded Potato Skins: These weren’t just “skins” but rather hearty baked potato halves topped with cheddar and bacon. They delivered a smooth texture with delicious bits of salty, crunchy bacon. At $3.50 for a package of four, they were a favorite for one discerning family member.
Appetitos Breaded Cheese Curds: An undeniable hit with the whole family, these $4.40 cheese curds offered a winning combination of hot, gooey cheese and crunchy, salty breading. A definite must-buy!
Appetitos Cream-Cheese Wontons: With a crispy, flaky crust and smooth, rich cream cheese filling, these were best enjoyed on their own. The only downside? Only six wontons per $3.70 package, requiring multiple boxes for a crowd.
Appetitos Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels: Another family favorite, these warm, sweet, soft pretzels with hot, creamy cheddar cheese were a delight. Not overly salty, and at $3 for a 10-ounce box, they’re a guaranteed repurchase.
Fremont Shrimp Queso Bites: The narrow favorite of the entire taste test! At $5 for an 11-ounce bag, these golden-brown puffs were packed with more queso than shrimp, but the seafood flavor was distinct. The cheese offered a sharp, peppery spice, making them a standout.
So, as you finalize your Super Bowl spread, consider these Aldi finds to score big with your guests without tackling a massive grocery bill!