A Whole New World of Flavor
Aladdin has always been one of my favorite Disney movies. Growing up during the Disney Renaissance was truly one of the most magical parts of being a kid in the 90s, and as per the norm I can still remember seeing Aladdin on opening night at the El Capitan Theater. The soundtrack remains unmatched, and Robin Williams' portrayal of the Genie will always be one of the most iconic performances in Disney history. RIP to the most beautiful soul. Every time I watch this movie, it takes me right back to that moment. I was beyond excited to put together this Aladdin Dinner and a Movie Night!
For this week’s Aladdin dinner and a movie night, I wanted to capture the richness and vibrancy of the film’s setting by creating a Mediterranean-inspired menu that felt just as magical as Agrabah itself. Mediterranean food has always been special to me and my husband, it’s his favorite cuisine for date nights. In fact, after trying homemade chicken shawarma for the first time with a close friend (and the best chef we know!), it became one of Matt’s all-time favorite dishes. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to perfect it.
This Aladdin movie night was the perfect opportunity to bring those fresh, bold flavors to our table. From a playful Genie-inspired cocktail to a homemade shawarma feast, this menu was truly fit for a sultan. And if you're ready to embark on your own magical culinary journey, all of the recipes are featured in my Magical Dinner and a Movie cookbook, which includes 12 planned movie nights, complete with appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beautiful printable menus.
Genie’s Blue Cocktail: A Magical Start
You know every Fairytale Foodie date night has to start with a magical beginning and I can’t think of a better way to start things off than with a whimsical, Genie-inspired cocktail! For this drink, I wanted to capture the BIG, vibrant energy of the Genie himself, so I crafted a fun blue cocktail served in a tall, flowy glass that kinda resembled the Genie himself. To take it up a notch, I added a touch of cotton candy on top that melted into the drink, creating a magical effect reminiscent of Genie in his lamp! I don’t say this often, but this cocktail was perfection.
Who doesn’t love a good themed drink? This Genie’s Blue Cocktail is a must-try. And for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, the mocktail recipe is also available in my Magical Mixology cookbook download! Where you will find 40 cocktails and 40 mocktails inspired by the most iconic Disney movies and characters of all time!
Mezze Platter: A Fresh and Flavorful Appetizer
As you all know, we love a good board around here - so I started this meal off with one! I made a GORGEOUS Mediterranean mezze platter that was fresh, vibrant and beauitful. Packed with fresh mozzarella, feta, hummus, pita, and bright veggies, this board brought the lively flavors of the Mediterranean to life. It was the perfect way to set the tone for our Aladdin dinner and a movie night.
This mezze platter was extra special for us because it brought together a mix of ingredients that my husband and I both love—and some we don’t always agree on! While Matt hates cucumbers (my favorite!), he absolutely loves feta, so this board was a treat for both of us. I also loved that it provided a variety of flavors and textures, making it not only a delicious appetizer but also a fun one to snack on throughout the evening.
And the best part about this mezze platter? The leftovers! One of the biggest questions I get asked on my IG posts, is why I make so much food for only two people - and the simple and most obvious answer is we love leftovers!! I packed up little snack packs for us to enjoy throughout the week, making this not just a movie night treat but also a meal prep win.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma: The Star of the Feast
For the main course, I wanted to create something that truly captured the rich, savory flavors of the Middle East, and nothing does that better than homemade chicken shawarma. This dish is a favorite in my kitchen. Ironic side note - as I mentioned above, Mediterranean food holds a very nostalgic place in my heart, but when we started dating, I couldn’t get my husband to try it to save our lives. Then, one night a very good friend of ours invited us over for some home cook food, and when the best chef you know invites you for dinner, you drop everything and go. He made homemade chicken shawarma and ever since that night, it’s become one of his all-time favorite meals, and I’ve been on a quest to perfect it ever since!
For our Aladdin dinner and a movie night, I marinated the chicken in a blend of spices that give it that signature shawarma flavor—warm, smoky, and bursting with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. I served it with fluffy yellow rice, which soaked up all the delicious juices from the chicken. The combination of the tender, flavorful chicken and the light, fragrant rice made this dish the star of the evening.
Matt declared, as he often does, that this was the best meal I’ve ever made! It’s hard to argue with him—this shawarma was out-of-this-world good, and it’s one of those dishes we’ll be making again and again.
If you’re looking for a main course that will transport you to the bustling markets of Agrabah, this homemade chicken shawarma is it. The full recipe, along with all the details on how to make the perfect yellow rice, is available in my Magical Dinner and a Movie cookbook.
Mediterranean Salad: A Bright and Refreshing Side
To balance out the richness of the chicken shawarma, I prepared a bright and refreshing Mediterranean salad that added the perfect pop of freshness to our Aladdin dinner and a movie night. This salad was filled with crisp vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers (my favorite, though Matt totally picked them out), red onions, and bell peppers, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that brought all the flavors together - it was a fresh flavor bomb. I topped the salad with some crumbled pita that i baked with some olive oil and lemon pepper to give the salad that perfect crunch.
The combination of crunchy veggies and the punchy, zesty dressing created a refreshing side that complemented the bold flavors of the shawarma. And, of course, I couldn’t forget the feta—one of Matt’s absolute favorites! My man loves his cheese, and he’s especially happy when feta is involved, and this salad gave him plenty to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful side to accompany your Aladdin movie night feast, this Mediterranean salad is a must. The full recipe can be found in my Magical Dinner and a Movie cookbook, along with the rest of this magical meal.
Magic Carpet Hand Pies: A Sweet and Playful Dessert
For dessert, I wanted to end the night with something fun and whimsical. I could have (and probably should have to keep things fancy) made some homemade baklava but I always have to add a little bit of imagery from the movie - so i came up with some adorable Magic Carpet Inspired Mixed Berry Hand Pies inspired by the iconic flying carpet from Aladdin. I used some purple icing sprinkles to mimic the intricate designs on the Magic Carpet, and this dessert made for the perfect sweet treat to end our Magical Aladdin Dinner and a Movie Night.
The hand pies were filled with a delicious mix of sweet berries, which gave them a juicy, fruity center. I’ve made these hand pies for my mom a few times, and every time she reminds me that they’re the best pie she has ever had. The flaky crust added the perfect contrast to the filling, and the playful design brought an extra touch of magic to our dessert. As much as I love traditional Mediterranean desserts, I wanted to do something different for this movie night, and these hand pies were the perfect choice.
The Magic Carpet Hand Pies were not only a sweet ending to the meal, but they also added a bit of Disney fun to the table. The creative design made them almost too cute to eat—but trust me, we didn’t hold back! These hand pies were such a hit, and I’ll definitely be making them again for future movie nights.
If you’re looking for a fun, non-traditional dessert to serve at your Aladdin dinner and a movie night, these Magic Carpet Hand Pies are sure to wow your guests. The full recipe, along with a detailed guide to decorating them, can be found in my Magical Dinner and a Movie cookbook.
Bringing the Magic of Agrabah to Your Table: A Feast Fit for a Sultan
Like all of our sweet at home date nights, this Aladdin dinner and a movie night was nothing short of magical. From the stunning Genie’s Blue Cocktail to the most flavorful Homemade Chicken Shawarma and the playful Magic Carpet Hand Pies, this meal transported us straight to the heart of Agrabah. Mediterranean flavors have always been a hit in our home, and this dinner felt like a special celebration of all the things we love about this cuisine and the movie.
As always, Matt declared it the best meal I’ve ever made - I don’t know how I get so lucky being married to him. His love for shawarma and feta runs deep, so this was a home run in our house. And the mezze platter? A snack-pack hero for the rest of the week! The combination of bold flavors and fresh ingredients made this meal a true standout.
If you’re ready to bring a bit of Agrabah into your own home, you can find all the recipes for this magical Aladdin Dinner and a Movie Night meal in my Magical Dinner and a Movie cookbook. It features 12 carefully planned movie nights with appetizers, main courses, and desserts that will make your family movie nights unforgettable. Plus, each recipe comes with beautiful printable menus to complete the experience.
For more movie night inspiration, be sure to check out my previous blog posts (link here), where I share even more themed dinner ideas!
