6 Ways to Elevate Your Movie Night Snacks

There’s nothing quite like a movie night at home. Whether you’re enjoying a family favorite with the kids, a thriller with friends, or just a classic by yourself, there are a few things every movie night calls for. First, you need to get cozy with PJs, pillows, and blankets. Then you need to settle in with some snacks!

Taking movie night to the next level is about upping your snack game. Ditch the bagged popcorn, chips, and candy, and try a few of these delicious recipes to level up your snack game and make your next movie night one to remember. 

1) Homemade popcorn

There are dozens of options to level up your popcorn game, all of which start by making your own popcorn fresh at home. For the best movie night ever, opt for a hulless popcorn popped in a stovetop popcorn. While there is no such thing as popcorn with zero hulls, a hulless variety will minimize the number of hulls stuck in your teeth while you focus on enjoying the movie. Popsmith has an easy-to-use stovetop popper that can pop your favorite kernels for any recipe. 

2) Candied grapes

This recipe has recently gone viral on Tiktok, and it’s no surprise why. Candied grapes are made by melting down Jolly Ranchers or another hard candy, dipping fresh grapes in the molten sugar, and letting it cool. Once it cools completely, the candy hardens into a crisp, sweet outer shell. This swap will be a significantly healthier option than your typical movie night candy, but the crunchy shell is super satisfying to munch on. 

3) Sweet popcorn balls

If you’re trying to please a crowd or get that perfect mix of salty and sweet, you can make homemade popcorn balls with just a few ingredients in your pantry. Combine marshmallows, light corn syrup, margarine, and confectioners sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the marshmallows melt and the mixture bubbles. Pour the mixture over a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, and toss until evenly coated, then form into hand-sized balls. You can add in other items like nuts, M&Ms, sprinkles, or other treats for a little bit of extra fun and flavor. 

4) Charcuterie boards

These trendy treats are great if your movie night doubles as a girls’ night. Charcuterie boards are, by definition, platters featuring cured meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments. These are a great option for movie night because they’re designed for grazing and perfect for sharing. They’re easy to make, too. Simply select a few types of cured meats: salami, prosciutto, and ham are great crowd-pleasing options. 

Next, pick a few cheeses. You want various firm and soft options, either cut into bite-size pieces ready for snacking or derived with a knife to make spreading easy. Last but not least, think about your pairings. Crackers or bread are a must, but you will also want to include a selection of jams, spreads, and smaller snacks to pair with your cheese board. Popular options include dried fruit, nuts, and even popcorn! 

5) Homemade nachos

While you may reach for a bag of chips as a movie night go-to, you can level it up by making fresh, homemade dips and toppings to create the best nacho buffet ever. Try whipping up a batch of fresh guacamole, homemade nacho cheese, and fresh pico de gallo salsa. For added protein, pick up a rotisserie chicken and shred it so that your guests can sprinkle it over their nachos, and offer some black beans as a vegan-friendly option. 

Last but not least, think about your nacho base. While corn chips are traditional, you can offer other options. Tater tots, grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, sweet potato chips, or even popcorn can be a delicious and filling alternative for your favorite nacho toppings. 

6) An over-the-top popcorn buffet

Making a memorable movie night doesn’t have to be difficult. Pop up a huge batch of your favorite homemade popcorn, and divide it into bowls for each attendee. Then, set out a selection of toppings to build a make-your-own popcorn buffet! 

For a sweet buffet, you’ll want:

• Sprinkles
• M&Ms
• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Crushed Oreo cookies 
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Bite-sized fruits, like berries or chopped fruit
• Drizzling sauces like caramel, strawberry syrup, thinned-out peanut butter, and chocolate syrup
• Sprinkling toppings like cinnamon sugar

For a savory option, offer:

• Melted butter
• Flavored oils, like truffle oil, garlic oil, or herb-infused oils
• Fresh herbs, chopped extra fine
• Finely grated cheeses like parmesan and sharp cheddar
• Seasoned salts and other seasoning blends
• Spices like cayenne pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika
• Lemon juice and lime juice

If you’re looking for more options to level up your popcorn experience, check out Popsmith.com and subscribe for more great recipes and ideas to fuel your popcorn obsession.