Mexican-Inspired Foods For Movie Night
Plan a movie night where the snacks are as interesting as the film with our easy Mexican-inspired food and snack ideas!
A great movie night isn’t just about the film—it’s about the full experience. And what better way to elevate your at-home screening than with a spread of delicious, Mexican-inspired snacks that are perfect for sharing? Whether you're watching with family or hosting friends, these movie night food ideas bring bold flavours and fun to your evening. From crispy nachos to gooey quesadillas, we’ve got plenty of movie night snack ideas to tuck into as you enjoy your film.
So, grab your favourite Old El Paso ingredients, press play, and let the snacking begin!
Snack Recipes For A Movie Night At Home
From beef nachos to chips and dip, there are plenty of Mexican-inspired movie night food ideas that you can enjoy at home! Ready in minutes, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy these delicious dishes as you prepare to enjoy your favourite films.
Beef Nachos: A Must-Have for Movie Night
Nothing says movie night food like a big, cheesy plate of beef nachos. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make them!
Recipe Name
Steak NachosTotal Time
40 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
8Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 x 225g sirloin steaks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 250g shallots, halved and sliced into thin wedges
- 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 1 x 185g pack Old El Paso™ Tortilla Nachips™
- 200g ready-grated Cheddar and mozzarella cheese mix
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
- 125g Old El Paso™ Soured Cream
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 6. Sprinkle the black pepper over the steaks.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large oven-proof frying pan over a high heat. Add the steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until seared and cooked to rare or medium rare (see Tips). Remove the steaks from the pan, cover and set aside.
- Add the rest of the oil to the pan and cook the mushrooms and onions over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring all the time, until golden and just tender. Stir in half the parsley and thyme and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from the pan and set aside. Wipe out the pan with kitchen roll. Thinly slice the steaks into bitesize pieces.
- Spread half the Nachips™ in the base of the pan and top with a quarter of the cheese followed by half the steak strips, onion and mushrooms and another quarter of the cheese. Repeat the layers once more. Cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted. Garnish with the remaining parsley and thyme and serve with the soured cream.
Expert Tips
- Choose fairly thick steaks and take care not to over cook in the frying pan – they should still be pink when sliced as they will cook a little more in the oven.
- If you don’t have an ovenproof frying pan then layer up the nachos in a large shallow ovenproof dish for baking.
Made With...
Even More Movie Night Food Ideas
Quesadillas: Warm & Gooey Goodness
For another movie night food idea that’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying, why not try our Quick Griddled Quesadillas! They’re crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and can be filled with just about anything, delicious with a side of tangy salsa.
How to Make Them:
- Heat a tortilla in a pan over medium heat.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese, cooked bacon, and salsa.
- Place another tortilla on top and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Why They’re a Hit:
- Quick to make—ready in 10 minutes
- Easy to customise with veggies, chicken, or beans
- Simple to slice and share with friends
Sweet Snack: Peanut Butter Banana Pockets
No movie night is complete without a little something sweet! Instead of traditional popcorn, try these Peanut Butter Banana Tortilla Pockets—a nutty and delicious treat that’s ready in minutes.
How to Make Them:
- Spread peanut butter over a soft tortilla.
- Add sliced bananas and drizzle with honey.
- Fold into a pocket and if you’d like them warm, toast in a pan for a minute on each side.
Why They’re a Sweet Movie Treat:
- No baking required—ready in 10 minutes or less
- Naturally sweet
- A unique, tasty alternative to popcorn
Dips & Chips: The Ultimate Snack Pair
Pair your movie snacks with a delicious, flavour-packed dip! Try making our Taco Hummus & Tortilla Chips recipe, a fun twist on classic hummus with taco seasoning for an extra kick. Serve with crispy tortilla chips for an addictive crunchy snack.
How to Make Them:
- Blend drained chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and taco seasoning in a food processor.
- Prepare the tortilla chips and bake them in the oven until crunchy.
- Serve hummus with tortilla chips for dipping.
Why It’s the Perfect Side:
- A delicious, fresh, homemade alternative to store-bought dips
- The perfect addition to any snack spread
- Easy to prepare in advance
Nachips with Homemade Salsa
For yet another chip and dips option, try our tasty Nachips with homemade salsa! Crunchy and flavourful, they pair perfectly with the salsa for just the right amount of zing.
How to Make Them:
- Slice the tomato into dices, sizzle the coriander and cut the onion.
- Place in a mixing bowl and mix with lime juice.
- Serve alongside our Nachips.
Why They Belong in Your Movie Spread:
- A brilliant chip and dip option
- Full of zingy flavour
- Easy to prepare
Create Your Perfect Movie Night Feast
With these movie night food ideas, your film night feast will be as exciting as what's on screen! Whether it’s crispy nachos, warm quesadillas, or indulgent sweet treats, there’s plenty of easy snack ideas you can enjoy during a movie night at home.
Happy snacking! Looking for more inspiration? Check out all of our easy recipes here.