The sweet and salty flavor of homemade kettle corn is hard to beat. This light and tasty snack is ready in only 10 minutes!!
S’mores Muddy Buddies and Mint Cookies And Cream Fudge hit the spot for those chocolate cravings, but this sweet and salty kettle corn is a light and delicious snack for anytime!
Sweet + Salty
Popcorn is our favorite snack to munch on during movie, game night, or just as an afternoon snack. It’s a healthy alternative for when those munchies hit.
While we love buttered popcorn, this kettle corn is a welcome change. It has the perfect hint of sweetness mixed into the saltiness. While popping your own corn might seem a bit daunting, it’s actually easier than you think! With just a few simple steps to follow, you’ll be snacking in no time.
If you don’t have a hand crank pot, you can easily use a stock pot! I’ve included recipes for both options. Time to snack!
How to make Kettle Corn
Using Hand Crank Pot
HEAT. Heat oil over medium heat with 3 kernels in the pot .
POP. When the kernels pop, add the remaining corn and sugar. Fit the lid on and turn the crank continuously until the popping stops.
SEASON. Immediately pour into a large bowl and sprinkle 1/4-½ tsp salt evenly over everything. Stir with 2 spatulas or spoons to mix thoroughly and break up any clusters.
Continued…
Using Large Stock Pot
HEAT. Heat oil over medium heat with 3 kernels in the pot .
POP. When the kernels pop, add the remaining corn and sugar. Stir everything together. Place a tight fitting lid on. Use protection to grip the handles and in case steam escapes (I use a kitchen towel to cover half of the lid and handles).
SHAKE. Wait 15 seconds then alternate 3-5 seconds of putting the pot on the burner and then picking the pot up and shaking it. Repeat until you no longer hear popping. Takes about 3 minutes.
SEASON. Immediately pour into a large bowl and sprinkle 1/4-½ tsp salt evenly over everything. Stir with 2 spatulas or spoons to mix thoroughly and break up any clusters.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips before you get poppin’:
- Using brown sugar will give your kettle corn more of a caramel corn flavor.
- If using a stock pot it’s important to shake the pot often to keep the sugar from burning.
- Any neutral cooking oil can be used in this recipe – canola oil or refined coconut oil would also work well.
- Set a large bowl out on your counter near your stove so you can pour your kettle corn out of the hot pot immediately after it is done popping. Popcorn can burn in the bottom of the pot even if it is taken off of the stove.
- If your kettle corn turned out a little chewy it may be because the lid was on too tight and too much steam got trapped inside. Next time crack the lid just a little bit at the side of the pot that is away from you. Be sure to use your towel to hold the lid to avoid burns.
- When making multiple batches of kettle corn be sure to wash the pot thoroughly between batches to avoid scorched sugar on the bottom.
Storing info
STORE leftover kettle corn in a Ziploc bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
More yummy popcorn recipes:
- Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch Popcorn
- White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
- Black Pepper Parmesan Popcorn
- “Frozen” Popcorn Snowballs
- Bunny Bait Snack Mix
Kettle Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Using Hand Crank Pot
- Heat oil over medium heat with 3 kernels in the pot .
- When the kernels pop, add the remaining corn and sugar. Fit the lid on and turn the crank continuously until the popping stops.
- Immediately pour into a large bowl and sprinkle 1/4-½ tsp salt evenly over everything. Stir with 2 spatulas or spoons to mix thoroughly and break up any clusters.
Using Large Stock Pot
- Heat oil over medium heat with 3 kernels in the pot .
- When the kernels pop, add the remaining corn and sugar. Stir everything together. Place a tight fitting lid on. Use protection to grip the handles and in case steam escapes (I use a kitchen towel to cover half of the lid and handles).
- Wait 15 seconds then alternate 3-5 seconds of putting the pot on the burner and then picking the pot up and shaking it. Repeat until you no longer hear popping. Takes about 3 minutes.
- Immediately pour into a large bowl and sprinkle 1/4-½ tsp salt evenly over everything. Stir with 2 spatulas or spoons to mix thoroughly and break up any clusters.
