The $1 Aldi Canned Staple I Eat for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (I Refuse to Leave the Store Without It)

That’s where I’ve found an unsuspecting product that has shaved dollars off of my weekly receipt and time off of my weekly meal prep. I’ve started adding cans of Happy Harvest Sliced Potatoes to my cart, and you should, too.  

I usually rely on fresh and frozen vegetables, save for a few cans of tomatoes that I always have on hand. Until recently, I haven’t given canned vegetables enough credit — and there’s a place for them in my pantry. Canned vegetables, like Aldi’s Happy Harvest Sliced Potatoes, can be a major time- and money-saver. 

These canned potatoes are a hit with thousands of shoppers. They come peeled, sliced, and par-boiled, so there’s no knife work needed before using them in a recipe, just a can opener. If you were starting from scratch, you’d need a vegetable peeler, knife, and pot of boiling water before you even start adding flavorings to the dish. 

Often when produce is purchased already prepped, you can expect to pay a premium, but Aldi sells its sliced potatoes in a 15-ounce can for just 95 cents. There are enough potatoes in the can to serve as a side dish for two to four people. 

My favorite way to serve Happy Harvest Sliced Potatoes is crisped and browned in butter with just a few simple seasonings. I drain and rinse the potatoes, making sure to be gentle to keep the slices intact. Then pat them dry before adding to a hot cast-iron skillet. Cook the potatoes in a single layer until golden and crispy, flipping them to make sure each side is evenly browned. If you’re looking for a step-by-step method, try this recipe from Andrea Kaufman, The Kitchn’s social media manager, who shared her grandma’s recipe for roasted potatoes, which call for canned whole potatoes (which Aldi also sells). 

You can also use these potatoes in recipes that call for par-boiled sliced potatoes, including Lyonnaise potatoes and herb, potato, and goat cheese frittatas. Use these potatoes as a shortcut for potato salad and even mashed potatoes in a pinch. I always considered sliced potatoes a luxury on homemade pizza, because if I’m making pizza dough, there’s no way I’m also prepping potatoes. With a can of sliced potatoes on hand, I don’t have to choose. 

Find it in stores: Happy Harvest Sliced Potatoes, $0.95 for 15 ounces at Aldi

What canned staples are you buying at Aldi this fall? Tell us about it in the comments below.