“Time” to eat! If y’all grew up in the 1980s or the 1990s, you probably loved the movie Back to the Future just as much as we did. Strike that — just as much as we do, to this day.
Whether it’s Michael J. Fox’s adorable teenage face (and those skateboarding skillz!), the killer soundtrack (hello, Huey Lewis!), the sleek DeLorean or the idea of going back in time to fix our embarrassing mistakes, this flick more than deserves a second viewing.
So why not make a night of it by inviting some friends and serving a menu good enough to bend the space-time continuum? Marty McFly would most definitely approve of dinner and a movie Back to the Future-style.
Dress the part
First things first! A trip back in time is nothing without fun costumes. We personally love dressing up like it’s the 1980s. Because big hair FTW, obviously. But since the flick actually takes place primarily in 1955, it could also be fun to don a skirt and a fancy blouse.
Our suggestion? Try a little bit of both decades, just like the movie does. That way, you’ll get plenty of off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and hoop skirts. Don’t forget to offer your pals a fun prize for the best attire. Tickets for a “future” night out, perhaps?
Get your Back to the Future on
Before you can travel in time to some delicious food, you have to get the movie ready:
MOVIE: Back to the Future (Don’t have it? Get it at Amazon or see more options)
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 51 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1985
RATING: PG
STARRING: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
Dinner and a movie: Your Back to the Future menu
And now, for our feature presentation…
Beverage: Diet Pepsi cocktail
No party and food menu in honor of our favorite movie would be complete without a nod to Marty’s favorite drink: Pepsi!
We’re in love with The Chic Site’s Diet Pepsi cocktail featuring Diet Pepsi paired with cherry and vanilla. It’s a classic flavor combo that manages to feel adventurous for the occasion, and it’s guaranteed to take your guests from zero to 88 miles per hour.
MORE: Dinner and a movie: E.T. the Extraterrestrial
Appetizer: Havarti-stuffed meatloaf minis
Marty’s family is pretty retro, even for the 1980s. After all, we see them eating meatloaf in one of the earliest scenes of the movie. The ultimate comfort food and a great snack for cooler weather, these Harvarti-stuffed meatloaf minis created by Easy Peasy Meals will set the vibe.
And thanks to their individual serving size, they make a great appetizer or first course. Even the kids will love them!
Entrée: Turkey burgers with avocado
The classic 1950s diner is a happening spot for George McFly, his true love Lorraine and his archenemy Biff.
MORE: Dinner and a movie: Ghostbusters
Your guests will love feasting on a diner classic with a modern, healthy twist. Try these turkey burgers with avocado from 400 Calories or Less for a guilt-free treat that would be right at home on a retro countertop
Side Dish: Crispy rosemary Parmesan baked sweet potato fries
Burgers and fries go together like polka dots and poodle skirts. These crispy rosemary Parmesan baked sweet potato fries by Little Leopard Book will be your new favorite side dish.
Nosh while you watch Marty get his own parents to fall in love, steal the show at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and get back to 1985 all in the same night. Whew! Talk about working up an appetite.
Dessert: Wild blueberry lemon-thyme granita
After such a delish and hearty meal, a refreshing and lightweight sweet treat is a good choice for dessert. We’re crazy about this wild blueberry lemon-thyme granita from The Foodie Dietitian Blog.
MORE: Dinner and a movie ideas for a single girls’ night in
Made with frozen blueberries and our favorite herb for celebrating time travel, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
