Aldi's October 2021 Products Make Holiday Charcuterie Boards A Snap

Charcuterie boards may be one of the hottest trends in home entertaining. When everyone had to take a break from dining out in 2020, home entertaining stepped up and people started clamoring for charcuterie. Whether you're creating a spread for a holiday party or loading up for a streaming night in, Aldi has a fantastic lineup of holiday-themed items to complete the seasonal snacking board you always needed.

There are some main elements you should always remember when creating a charcuterie board. Food & Wine suggests beginning with something pre-sliced that adds salt and texture and combining it with something you slice yourself that will add some chewy texture, like cheese. Don't forget to add a spread for richness (Food & Wine recommends pâté or a veggie equivalent) and some accents that surprise, whether it be with crunch, aroma, spice, or sweetness. Finally, make sure you choose a holiday beverage that pairs well with your savory spread.

And fortunately for our readers, Aldi has ALL of these vital elements ready to help you create your own special occasion foods — just check out these fresh, new items to add to your lineup.

Is pumpkin spice too overdone? The answer is definitely not if it's in this adorable packaging. Described as Scary Pumpkin Spice Wensleydale cheese, this 6-ounce item features hints of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Available October 13 for $3.99, this festive lineup also includes No Rest for the Wicked Wensleydale with strawberry and Prosecco, a Freaky Franken Sage Derby, and a Bat Knit Crazy Cheddar variety — Aldi's known for its festive cheese options, after all.

Cheese with cranberries is a holiday must-have, and Aldi doesn't disappoint with their British-inspired Crimson Cranberry White Stilton Cheese with Cranberry by Emporium Selection. Available October 15, the cheese is sold in 5.3-ounce blocks for $3.29. Check out the entire fall line-up of British-inspired cheeses with Masquerade Mango (a white Gloucester featuring flavors of mango and ginger), Blue Stilton, and Double Gloucester with added onion and chive.

Why grill your own crostini when you can have Aldi do it for you? These Specially Selected Garlic Herb Grilled Crostini Toasts can be found on October 15 for $2.99 per 5.5 ounce bag. If garlic and herb isn't the vibe you're going for, you can also choose a sea salt flavor, but either way you'll get perfectly sized portions with those attractive grill marks and minimal effort. 

No charcuterie board is complete without spread, and this red pepper option hits all the points on your flavor palate. Sweet and spicy, this red pepper fruit spread by Specially Selected is a perfect pairing for fancy cheeses. This spread, which comes in a 9.88 ounce jar for $1.99, is hitting Aldi stores October 15. If sweet doesn't appeal, there is a savory spread option debuting as well, in the form of an onion chutney.

Specially Selected Mission Figs will add a fruity and sophisticated accent to your meats and cheeses. Available on October 15th, these 7-ounce bags of dried figs retail for $1.95. Naturally sweet, these figs are also a good source of fiber, allowing you to add a guilt-free option to some holiday splurges. If figs aren't preferred, consider a different kind of dried fruit.

The star of the show for some, and the thing to skip for others, sliced meats are found on almost every charcuterie board. Starting on October 15, Aldi will have sliced meat trays for $9.99 that are perfect for all your entertaining needs. For your next charcuterie creation, try a selection like assorted dried salami, alternate calabrese with pepperoni, or add in some prosciutto, another popular option.

An all-around crowd pleaser, almonds and other nuts are often included on a charcuterie board. Marcona almonds, a gourmet almond grown in Spain, add a little something extra. Try these Rosemary Marcona Almonds by Specially Selected. Find a 6 ounce bag for $4.99 at Aldi starting on October 15. Not a rosemary fan? These almonds are also available in sea salt.

Brie is always top of mind when thinking about fancy cheeses. This artisan goat's milk brie by Emporium Selection is available October 15 at $3.89 for a 7 ounce wheel. You can also enjoy the richness of goat milk in Emporium's goat cheddar, everything bagel goat cheese, and truffle goat cheese. Whether your board needs a sliced or spreadable element, there's a goat option available.

Olives are amazing additions to a charcuterie board. Aldi wants you to try these Specialty Selected feta cheese stuffed olives. Starting October 15, you can get a 12-ounce jar filled with salty, cheesy goodness. If you don't like feta, there are also varieties featuring jalapeno jack and white cheddar at the same price point.