Our Halloween Megaplex
We’re just one day away from Halloween, which means this is our final Halloween-themed movie night of the month! 🎃 Tonight’s pick is Phantom of the Megaplex, a movie neither Erik nor AG has seen before. I’m pretty sure I watched it with AG when she was younger, but she doesn’t remember it, so I was extra excited to introduce them both to one of my all-time favorite Halloween movies.
This movie was (and still is!) an annual watch for me this time of year. Does anyone else remember Zoog Disney and Disney Channel’s countdowns to Halloween, Christmas, and the New Year? I absolutely loved all the seasonal shows and movies they would play. Phantom of the Megaplex was my favorite Halloween movie for the longest time. It had just the right amount of spooky mystery and fun, making it the perfect Halloween watch!
Naturally, I had to create our own little “Megaplex” experience for tonight. We’re talking popcorn, nachos, candy, and all the movie theater snacks you could want. Because what’s a movie night without an unreasonable amount of snacks?
And speaking of snacks, I’m sharing how to make homemade movie theater popcorn! It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like the real thing. The best part? You can add as much butter as your heart desires without anyone giving you that look.
Tonight's Menu
Pete’s Popcorn Bar
Scary Terri’s Terrifying Nachos
Ricky Rules’ No Exception Pretzels
Hilary Honey’s Theater Candy
Racy Lacy’s Fast Freezing Pops
Movie Mason’s Margaritas
Pete’s Popcorn Bar
The secret to that classic movie theater flavor is using popcorn coconut oil and Flavacol seasoning. Together, they give you that familiar buttery, salty popcorn taste without having to leave the house or pay movie theater prices.
I’m sharing the measurements for a 2.5-quart stockpot, but you can easily adjust the amounts depending on the size of your pot and how much popcorn you want to make.
Ingredients
1½ tablespoons popcorn coconut oil
1–1½ tablespoons Flavacol popcorn seasoning
Popcorn kernels, enough to cover the bottom of your pot in a single layer (about ¼ cup for many 2.5-quart pots; use the amount that fits your pot comfortably)
Optional toppings:
Movie theater-style butter topping
Your favorite popcorn seasonings, such as ranch
Jalapeños for a savory kick
Caramel sauce
Melted chocolate
Instructions
Melt the oil. Add the popcorn coconut oil to your stockpot and heat over medium heat until completely melted.
Test the temperature. Add four popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with the lid. Once all four kernels have popped, carefully remove them.
Add the remaining kernels. Spread the popcorn kernels across the bottom of the pot in a single layer. Sprinkle the Flavacol over the kernels, then cover with the lid.
Pop the popcorn. Once the kernels begin popping, carefully shake the covered pot from side to side every so often to help distribute the seasoning and keep the popcorn from scorching. Keep the pot covered, leaving only a small gap for steam to escape if your lid allows it safely.
Make room as needed. Keep a large bowl nearby. If the popcorn starts getting close to the top of the pot, carefully transfer some to the bowl, then return the pot to the stove to finish popping the remaining kernels.
Add your toppings. Once the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the finished popcorn to a large bowl and add your favorite toppings!
Make It Your Own
The fun part about making popcorn at home is that everyone can customize their own bowl. Keep it classic with movie theater butter and extra seasoning, or switch things up with ranch seasoning and jalapeños for a savory snack.
Have a sweet tooth? Drizzle your popcorn with caramel, melted chocolate, or both. There are no rules on movie night!
Now grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the show. Happy Halloween movie watching!
