Kettle Popcorn
Bring the carnival experience straight to your kitchen with this easy, homemade Kettle Popcorn recipe! Made with just four pantry staples—popcorn kernels, sugar, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt—this sweet and salty treat is perfect for movie nights, festive gatherings, or satisfying those midday cravings. The secret lies in coating the kernels with sugar as they pop, creating a delicate caramel-like shell that’s irresistibly crisp. Ready in just 15 minutes, this stovetop snack combines the nostalgic flavors of classic fairground treats with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped corn. Serve it warm or let it cool for a perfectly crunchy, shareable snack!
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1
Start by placing 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Ensure the pot has a lid that fits securely.
Step 2
Add 2 or 3 individual popcorn kernels to the oil and cover the pot. This will help you know when the oil is hot enough.
Step 3
Once the test kernels pop, add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar to the pot.
Step 4
Quickly stir the popcorn kernels and sugar together to coat them in the hot oil, and immediately cover the pot again.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the sugar from burning while allowing the popcorn to pop evenly.
Step 6
Continue shaking the pot frequently using a back-and-forth motion. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
Step 7
Keep the pot moving until the popping slows down significantly to about one pop every 2-3 seconds.
Step 8
Turn off the heat and carefully remove the pot lid, keeping the opening away from your face to avoid steam burns.
Step 9
Sprinkle the popcorn with 1/2 teaspoon of salt while it's still hot, and toss gently to ensure even distribution.
Step 10
Transfer the kettle popcorn to a large bowl, allowing it to cool slightly before serving to enhance the crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (159g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 836.0 |
| Total Fat 54.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 7.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1184.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 86.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 50.4g | |
| Protein 6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 6.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 165.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories