This Iconic Meal from ‘The Parent Trap’ Is Back—and You’re Going to Want to Make It ASAP

If you grew up quoting lines like “I have class and you don’t,” or “I have never been so insulted in my entire life!,” chances are the 1998 classic, The Parent Trap, holds a special place in your heart. Now, thanks to a heartwarming TikTok trend, fans are giving the childhood classic a tasty new life by recreating the film’s most iconic food moments.

Dubbed “The Parent Trap Meal,” this viral celebration is equal parts nostalgic movie night and cozy dinner party. TikTok creator Natalie Meacham (@nataliemeachamm) and pushed the trend toward viral status when she posted a video hosting friends for a Parent Trap-inspired evening complete with a matching menu. Since then, countless fans have jumped on board, hosting watch parties that blend childhood comfort with grown-up charm. Here’s what to know—and how to throw your own.

What Is a “Parent Trap Meal”?

In the movie, Annie and Hallie, twins separated at birth, bond during their stay at summer camp Camp Walden, and later hatch a plan to reunite their divorced parents. But The Parent Trap’s emotional core isn’t just about family; it’s also about the simple pleasures of childhood. Enter: the family favorite dinner of chili and cornbread, the late-night “Isolation Cabin,” snack of Oreos dipped in peanut butter, and the adults-only indulgence of a glass of Chardonnay.

These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format. The idea is simple: invite your friends over, queue up the film, and serve the exact foods the characters enjoyed on screen. As viewers sip wine and share warm bowls of chili, they’re transported straight back to the early 2000s, when sleepaway camps, secret handshakes, and secret twin swaps were the height of summer fantasy.

Bonus points if you queue up “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole during your party prep or when guests walk in, because no Parent Trap experience is complete without that joyful, toe-tapping soundtrack moment from the movie’s unforgettable opening and closing scenes.

How to Host Your Own Parent Trap Dinner Party

1. Start with Chessy’s Chili and Cornbread

This combo is a direct nod to a key scene featuring Chessy serving cornbread and chili to Annie and Hallie. For your party, skip the combat and go for a hearty, simmered pot of homemade (or store-bought) chili. Keep it classic with ground beef, beans, and a mild spice level, kid-friendly and nostalgic.

Pair with golden cornbread, whether you bake it in a cast-iron skillet for that rustic touch or opt for muffins for easy serving. Want to elevate the experience? Offer toppings like shredded cheddar, scallions, sour cream, and hot sauce so guests can customize their bowls.

2. The Sweetest Scene: Oreos and Peanut Butter

It’s one of the most beloved bonding scenes in the film: Hallie introduces Annie to her favorite snack, Oreos dipped in peanut butter, and the two realize just how much they have in common. Recreate this moment at your own table with a platter of classic Oreos and a jar (or a few) of creamy peanut butter for dipping.

You can keep it simple or make it a moment by setting up a “dip bar” with crunchy and creamy peanut butter, chocolate spread, and maybe even a few alternative cookies for fun.

3. Don’t Forget the Chardonnay

In a grown-up nod to the film, guests can toast with glasses of Chardonnay, just like Annie’s mom, Elizabeth James (played by Natasha Richardson), does during one memorable dinner scene. Choose a buttery California bottle or go crisp with a French-style Chablis. Offer a bottle of Evian water for guests who don’t drink but still want to join in on the cheers, also referencing Meredith Blake, the film’s comedic and stuck-up antagonist. Either way, it adds an adult twist that complements the comfort food on the table.