Get ready to transform your family movie night into a delightful experience with our "Easy Popcorn Balls" recipe! These sweet and chewy treats are not only a nostalgic classic but also a fun and interactive snack that everyone will love. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible popcorn balls in no time. Perfect for sharing, these gooey delights are bound to steal the show, making your movie night one to remember. So grab your popcorn and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare a large mixing bowl by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent popcorn from sticking.
- Transfer the 10 cups of freshly popped popcorn into the prepared mixing bowl, ensuring there are no unpopped kernels.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook the sugar mixture, continuing to stir, until it reaches a full rolling boil and becomes smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sugar syrup from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popped popcorn, using a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes until it's comfortable to handle but still warm and pliable.
- Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully shape the popcorn mixture into compact balls, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place the formed popcorn balls on wax paper or a silicone mat to cool and set completely.
- Once cooled, wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Popping the Popcorn: For the best results, use fresh popcorn kernels and pop them just before you start the recipe. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor in your popcorn balls.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly greasing your hands with butter or cooking spray will help prevent the popcorn mixture from sticking to your fingers while you shape the balls.
- Temperature Check: Be cautious when pouring the hot syrup over the popcorn. Allow it to cool for a minute or two to avoid burns, but work quickly to shape the balls while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
- Mixing Technique: Use a spatula to gently fold the syrup into the popcorn rather than stirring vigorously. This helps maintain the shape of the popcorn and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Storage Tips: If you want to keep your popcorn balls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two days, but they’re so delicious, they might not last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
