This $3.99 Aldi Find Is My Saving Grace For Dinner Parties

I love to host, and I love to cook, but if I can avoid the pressure of cooking for the people I’m hosting, I absolutely will. I used to spend so many hours searching online for the perfect recipe, running to different grocery stores, and frantically throwing ingredients together. When all was said and done, my kitchen looked like a tornado hit it. It wasn’t long before I started leaning towards dishes that require minimal prep work and very little fuss. That’s why the Emporium Selection Marinated Sliced Fresh Mozzarella from Aldi has become my saving grace. With these marinated mozzarella slices, I can quickly assemble some Caprese atop a baguette or add extra flair to my charcuterie board, and everyone leaves a happy camper. It’s a simple way to please a crowd without breaking a sweat.   

Why I Stand By Marinated Mozzarella

I first discovered the freshly-sliced marinated mozzarella while gathering ingredients for a summer picnic Caprese. This product immediately caught my eye because I had never seen anything like it in stores. Aldi offers two variations: pesto and a zesty marinade. I always gravitate toward the mozzarella in marinade, not only because it's colorful and pleasing to look at, but because of its flavorful blend of red pepper, garlic, olive oil, and parsley. The pesto version is a great alternative when you’re in the mood for something milder, but it’s the zesty marinade that has garnered the most praise. My picnic Caprese was gone in a matter of minutes, and it’s been my go-to ever since.

You can find these marinated mozzarella logs in the refrigeration section alongside all the other charcuterie-worthy items. At $3.99, this 8-oz package of mozzarella will cost you about 50 cents per serving. Keep in mind that this product is a seasonal item, typically available during the warmer months, so be sure to stock up when you see it.

How I Use It

• Whip up a Caprese salad: I love Caprese because, like a well-curated monochromatic outfit, it exudes sophistication with minimal effort involved. All you need to do is layer the pre-sliced mozzarella on top of ripe tomato slices, and add fresh basil. Since this mozzarella is already marinated, you can even skip the balsamic drizzle (but I like to add it anyways). I recommend serving your Caprese with slices of baguette toasted in olive oil. 
• Make an unforgettable grilled cheese: Making comfort foods taste gourmet is an art of its own. If you love grilled cheese as much as I do, I recommend elevating your next sandwich with this marinated mozzarella. Melt this cheese between slices of toasted sourdough or ciabatta (both of which you can find at Aldi). I like to pair it with a hearty bowl of tomato soup.
• Add it to your next charcuterie board: Creating an impressive charcuterie board doesn’t have to break the bank, I promise. Aldi has an impressive range of cost-effective goodies perfect for making a traditional board. I like to add this vibrant, flavorful mozzarella to my charcuterie board alongside pita crackers, cured meats, fruits, and other Aldi finds. No matter how many new treats I add to my board, my friends always attack the marinated mozzarella first.