We love movies. The kids, husband, and I have regular Friday movie nights all year long. We make it a priority to set aside that time to just have fun together. Forget errands, after-school activities, and the crazy pace of the week. We are all about slowing down and easing into the weekend. With such a regular movie-viewing habit, it’s just not realistic to go to the theater that often. Because here’s the thing: The cost of tickets, hassle of braving Minnesota blizzard-like conditions in winter, and limited family-friendly movie options at any one time make the whole theater experience more of a headache than a good time.
We usually opt to stay home, get comfy and cozy on our super-deep couch, and stream a movie or two. Of course, any good movie night deserves top-notch snacks, and ours is no exception. The kids always ask for popcorn. My husband likes nachos, and I want to eat sweets. While we could just go the classic hot dog, nacho, popcorn route, we like to experiment with fun toppings and unexpected ingredients for our food for flicks. Here, I’ve rounded up 10 movie snacks you can make at home — and yes, these ideas are even better than the theater versions.
Movie Night Snacks At Home
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Unicorn Popcorn
This rainbow-hued popcorn makes me believe in magic. Seriously. I may never be able to go back to salt-and-butter popcorn again. Like, ever.
Photo and recipe: Nerdy Mamma
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Snickers Bars
Get your chocolate and caramel fix with this homemade variation of the classic candy favorite.
Photo and recipe: How Sweet It Is
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Junior Mints
With only four ingredients, these chocolaty, minty treats are an easy treat to add to your movie night festivities.
Photo and recipe: Taste and Tell
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Honey Butter Popcorn
Melted butter and sweet, sticky honey is a surefire recipe for just about everyone. Add it to crunchy popcorn, and get ready to hear lots of oohs and ahhs throughout the movie.
Photo and recipe: Tried and True
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Slurpees
Frosty drinks made of Kool-Aid and maraschino cherries are what junk food dreams are made of. Make your own Slurpee to guzzle during the show.
Photo and recipe: lil luna
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Peanut Butter Cups
Sweet chocolate paired with peanut butter is a movie staple; here's how to make the homemade version to enjoy during the show.
Photo and recipe: Baker by Nature
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Sour Gummy Bears
Pucker up! These little bears pack a tart punch.
Photo and recipe: Bigger, Bolder Baking
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Thai-Inspired Hot Dog
Shredded carrots, peanut butter, and lime with a dash of cayenne pepper give this dog a Thai twist that's even more delish than the classic movie theater hot dog.
Photo and recipe: Life Love Liz
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Waffle Fry Nachos
Who says all those yummy nacho toppings have to be piled on top of tortilla chips? Not me, that's for sure. Try waffle fries as a crispy foundation for your favorite nacho toppings.
Photo and recipe: Dinner at the Zoo
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Brie and Rosemary Stuffed Pretzel
Get fancy with movie night, and bust out these brie and rosemary stuffed pretzels. Yum!
Photo and recipe: Port and Fin