Who knew carnival-worthy kettle corn is so easy to make at home?! Enjoy it every movie night or give it as a gift!
Jump to RecipeThis easy homemade kettle corn recipe gives you the same sweet-tasting flavor of carnival kettle corn at a fraction of the cost. So, no more waiting for the fair to come to town to enjoy your favorite popcorn treat!
You can enjoy kettle corn every movie night with just three ingredients and a sprinkle of salt. Or, give it as an affordable yet well-loved gift over the holidays!
We have a few quick tips for you, and then jump straight into the recipe.
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Tips for Giving Kettle Corn as a Gift
Kettle corn is a great holiday gift or party favor for any occasion. Here are a few quick tips for turning this favorite snack into the perfect gift.
- Before cooking your kettle corn, add 1-2 drops of a single color of gel food coloring to the sugar and stir thoroughly with a fork. Then follow the recipe as described. Do one batch for each color (or divide the recipe accordingly), letting the pot cool and wiping it clean before each batch.
- Pour cooked kettle corn onto a cookie tray instead of a bowl. Sift through to remove any unpopped kernels or any stray burnt kernels.
- Package in cute holiday popcorn tins or cellophane bags.
That’s it! Easy-peasy, affordable, and a treat everyone likes to receive!
Easy Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe
Don’t be dismayed if you get a few burnt kernels your first time making this. Cooking any popcorn over direct heat takes some practice and varies depending on your stove and the pot you use.
Your first try will still be great (no harm in a few burnt kernels). But, within 2 or 3 tries, you’ll cook kettle corn like a pro!
Easy Homemade Kettle Corn
Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings2
minutes5
minutes210
kcalWho knew carnival-worthy kettle corn is so easy to make at home?! This easy homemade kettle corn recipe gives you the same sweet-tasting flavor at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy it every movie night or give it as a gift!
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1/4 cup white sugar
Salt, to taste
Directions
- Place large bowl next to stove, so you can immediately remove cooked kettle corn from the hot pot.
- In a large pot, add vegetable oil and 3 unpopped popcorn kernels. Heat over medium heat until all 3 kernels pop. Now you know the oil is hot enough.
- Stir in popcorn kernels and sugar. Cover and continuously shake the pot to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Once the pops are 2 seconds apart, pour the kettle corn into the large bowl. Shake the bowl as you sprinkle salt to taste.
Notes
- WARNING: unpopped kernels don’t easily fall to the bottom like regular popcorn. If you have dental work or are feeding kettle corn to kids, pour the cooked kettle corn onto a baking tray instead of a bowl. Sift through to remove any unpopped kernels, then enjoy!
- Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
- To give as a gift, let it cool to room temperature before packaging it in an airtight container. Let your gift recipient know it’s best to enjoy within 1 week.