It’s no secret that a movie night is always a blast. There’s just something about gathering together with friends, family, or your significant other to watch a great film that makes for a fun and memorable evening. And of course, one key ingredient to making any movie night enjoyable is having delicious snacks on hand. If you’re currently unsure what to bring to your next movie night, here are 6 snack ideas that will help you prepare the most amazing spread ever.
1. Nutritious And Delicious
How said snacks have to be unhealthy? From different nutty mixes to granola bars and fresh fruits, there are plenty of nutritious and delicious snacks that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. And these are perfect for movie nights because they’ll give you sustained energy throughout the film without feeling too weighed down by overly processed food. Now, most people are on the fence when it comes to these kinds of snacks because they tend to cost a bit more than just your run-of-the-mill options. However, nowadays, you can find great deals and coupons even for well-known brands like Nuts.com so that you can enjoy all the deliciousness while spending hardly anything. From roasted almonds and cashews to dried apricots and dark chocolate sugar-free macadamia nuts, the possibilities are endless.
2. Indulgent
On the other side of the spectrum, you can go all out. Indulgent snacks are always a hit with movie night audiences, as they provide that extra bit of deliciousness that everyone loves. Whether it’s a big bowl of movie-theater-style popcorn, nachos with all the trimmings, or a plate of brownies and cookies, these snacks are sure to please. You can always ask the people coming over what their top three snack choices are and then tailor the menu to fit those desires. That way, not only will everyone get their favorites but you can all share and try out new things as well. Of course, the key to having an indulgent spread is to have a hefty mix of sweet and savory items so that you can enjoy the crunchy goodness while riding that sugar rush all at the same time.
3. Themed
Themed snacks are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Not only do they provide a bit of extra fun and excitement to movie night, but themed movie snacks can also help to set the mood for the film you’re about to watch. If you’re looking for some ideas, why not try out some of these themed snack combos?
- Grease night: french fries, onion rings, hamburgers, hot dogs.
- Horror night: popcorn mixed with red food coloring, assorted candies (gummy worms, bloody hearts, etc.), soft drinks in dark colors.
- Cocktail party night: mini pizzas, cheese and crackers, fruit skewers.
- Fairytale night: assorted fruits and berries, mini cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Beach day: popcorn, pretzels, fruit cups, watermelon slices.
If you’re watching a major franchise, there might even be snacks specifically designed to pair with that movie. For example, Harry Potter fans can pick up some Butterbeer-flavored popcorn, or Star Wars fans can get their hands on some Death Star-shaped cookies.
4. Homemade
If you’re entertaining a more mature crowd, they’ll be sure to appreciate some homemade snacks. Not only do they show that you put a lot of thought and effort into the night, but they can also be much more delicious than anything you could pick up at the store. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and try out some new recipes. Some of our favorites include:
- Baked jalapeno poppers: These are a perfect mix of spicy and cheesy, and they’re always a hit with movie night audiences.
- Creamy spinach and artichoke dip: This dip is perfect for serving with crostini or tortilla chips, and it’s always a hit with those who love their veggies.
- Pesto chicken pinwheels: These little pinwheels are easy to make and even easier to eat, and they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken.
You can also bake a fresh batch of cookies or brownies, or make a big pot of hearty chili to keep everyone warm and cozy.
5. Kid-Friendly
If you’re hosting a movie night with kids in attendance, it’s important to have some kid-friendly snacks on hand. This doesn’t mean that you have to resort to unhealthy or sugary options, though. There are many fun and tasty snacks that both kids and adults will love. Some of the crowd favorites include:
- Pizza bagels: These are perfect for little ones who want something a bit heartier than popcorn, and they’re easy to customize with all their favorite toppings.
- Goldfish crackers: These classic snacks are always a hit with kids of all ages, and they’re perfect for packing in a small container so that they can be enjoyed on the go.
- Trail mix: This is the perfect snack for kids who want something a bit more exciting than plain popcorn, and it can be tailored to include all of their favorite ingredients.
6. Diet-Specific
Finally, if you or your guests are on a specific diet, it’s important to plan accordingly. This doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the fun – there are plenty of snacks that fit within most dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-free diet: Gluten-free snacks include things like popcorn, nuts, and fruit.
- Vegetarian diet: Vegetarian snacks include items like hummus, guacamole, and veggie sticks.
- Paleo diet: Paleo snacks include fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Low-carb diet: Low-carb snacks include items like cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs, and celery with peanut butter.
No matter what type of diet you’re following, or what your food preferences are, there’s sure to be a snack that fits the bill. With these 6 ideas in mind, you’re sure to have an amazing movie night – no matter what film you choose to watch.