Low Sodium Classic Popcorn Balls
Indulge in a nostalgic treat with these Low Sodium Classic Popcorn Balls—perfect for movie nights, parties, or an easy homemade snack! This recipe keeps the timeless charm of traditional popcorn balls while being kinder to your sodium intake, using just a touch of salt and relying on unsalted butter to create a flavor-packed caramel coating. Air-popped popcorn forms the wholesome base, while a simple mixture of light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract adds a delightful sweetness that binds the popcorn into perfectly chewy spheres. Ready in under 40 minutes, these easy-to-make popcorn balls are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Serve them as-is for a fun finger food or wrap them individually for a festive gift idea. Don’t miss out on this low-sodium twist on a classic favorite that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Unpopped popcorn kernels
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup Water
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Directions
Step 1
Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, ensuring you remove any unpopped kernels.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, water, and salt.
Step 3
Stir the mixture continuously until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it boil for about 5 minutes or until it reaches a light caramel color.
Step 5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6
Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn, gently stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure thorough coating.
Step 7
Allow the popcorn to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle but still pliable.
Step 8
With slightly damp hands, form the coated popcorn into balls about 2 inches in diameter, pressing lightly to shape.
Step 9
Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and let them cool completely to set.
Step 10
Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (681.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2425.1 |
| Total Fat 58.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 29.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 124mg | 0% |
| Sodium 633.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 466.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 31.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 291.5g | |
| Protein 26.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 33.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 678.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories