halloween-approved movie & snack pairings

October 18, 2024

We are two weeks from Halloween, which I completely and unabashedly love.

Why? In general I just think adult life is far too serious and we don't do enough things for the sake of fun or whimsy. It may be ridiculous to dress up in silly costumes and go door to door asking for candy, but that's exactly the point.

Every year I make a list of Halloween movies to watch. A lot of the work I do, like painting and bread making, can be done with a movie I've seen before playing in the background so I like to indulge in seasonal re-watches. I also have a tradition of watching a few of my favourite shows' Halloween episodes back-to-back in one run (think: the Office, Parks & Recreation and Brooklyn 99).

Now, what's the point of a movie without snacks? For your next movie night, I've compiled a list of spooky movies with their perfect snack pairing to set the right creepy mood. Note I say "spooky" and not "scary". I am far too much of a baby to watch proper horror movies (once in awhile, in bright daylight if I've seen it before... and I STILL get nightmares).

So grab your pals and plan your next movie night with a scary twist!

the pairing: ghostbusters & s'mores dip

An absolute classic for me with all the Halloween nostalgia. Pair it with an ooey, gooey s'mores dip the Stay Puft Marshmallow man himself wouldn't be able to resist.

Best S'mores Dip recipe via Delish

the pairing: scream + jiffy pop

I still have not fully recovered from watching the iconic Drew Barrymore scene in 1998 at a sleepover, AND SOMEONE RANG THE DOORBELL. I can kind of watch it now, during the day, with the lights on. Pair with Jiffy Pop and make sarcastic comments about why the characters are always running upstairs instead of calling the police.

the pairing: practical magic + midnight margaritas, guac & chips

I just discovered this little gem last year after devouring the book series. Listen, the plotline doesn't really matter. This movie is all about the aunts' incredible witchy house (it has a solarium/greenhouse off the kitchen!) and Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman's 90s wardrobe perfection. Pair with midnight margaritas, homemade guacamole & chips for the perfect rom-com yet spooky viewing.

midnight margaritas recipe via g&m kitchen

the pairing: beetlejuice + caramel apple nachos

This movie was huge when I was a kid and quietly scared the crap out of me (even though I'd never admit it in front of my big brother or cousins). Nowadays...well, it still scares me but I've come to appreciate it for it's campy, creepy vibes. Not technically a Halloween movie, but also definitely a Halloween movie. Pair with the big, bold flavours and chaotic presentation of caramel apple nachos studded with Halloween candy.

candy madness caramel apple nachos via modern honey

the pairing: nightmare before christmas + spooky charcuterie

You could argue this one is either a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, but for me it's Halloween all the way. In honour of Jack Skellington, keep it classy and pair it with a nice charcuterie board and a glass of wine. I love this themed board complete with gherkin eyeballs and skeleton brie.

nightmare before christmas charcuterie board via pixie dust & posies

the pairing: the addams family + flatbread mummy pizzas

The older I get, the more I appreciate Morticia and Gomez as ultimate lifestyle & marriage goals. The Addamses and their gang pair well with mysterious & spooky mummy flatbread pizzas.

flatbread mummy pizza recipe via rose bakes

the pairing: haunting of hill house + red velvet cupcakes

This miniseries is one of the best shows I've seen in so many years, and I can't stop telling people to watch it. Yes it's scary, but also delves into deeper themes of family and mental health. It's now on my annual rewatch list (daytime hours only). Pairs well with red velvet cupcakes reminiscent of "the red room".