Easy Homemade Kettle Corn
Easy Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe – The perfect treat for family night. This simple popcorn recipe is not only easy to make, it makes everyone I know happy with its subtle sweetness!
The Best Snack Ever… Salty-Sweet Popcorn
Today I’m sharing my absolute, all-time, can’t-beat, would-never-give-up, FAVORITE snack… Homemade Kettle Corn. This simple kettle corn recipe is not only easy to make, it makes everyone I know happy. That is, until their bowl is empty.
What to say about homemade kettle corn. I LOVE IT.
In fact, I can’t think of anything I’d rather snack on during movies or family game night.
The salty-sweetness and crunch of a good kettle corn recipe are nearly more than I can bear. I can only make kettle corn when the whole family is at home, or else I will sit and eat the entire batch all by myself. We’re talking four quarts worth.
How to Make Kettle Corn at Home
If you’ve never tried making homemade kettle corn, today’s the day. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
Ingredients
- Popcorn Kernels – these can be easily found at most grocery stores
- Vegetable Oil – or Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or another high-heat oil (flavorless oils are best)
- Sugar – provides the sweetness for this recipe and a glistening coating on each kernel
- Salt – because nothing pairs better with sugar than saltiness
- Cayenne Pepper – the pepper is completely optional, but adds a great pop of heat to this popcorn recipe
Cooking Steps
- Start by making stovetop popcorn just like you normally would… Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the popcorn kernels and oil. Cover the pot with a lid, but make sure to open the vent to let the steam escape.
- Measure the sugar and salt, then listen as the popcorn pops.
- Timing is everything in a good kettle corn recipe. You need to add the sugar at exactly the right moment. If you add it too early, the sugar will burn. Yet if you add it too late, the sugar won’t melt and coat the popcorn.
- The moment the popping starts to slow down, and you can tell there are only a few kernels left to pop, add the sugar and salt (and a little cayenne for kick if you like.) Toss it vigorously while the popcorn and pot are still hot. Tossing thoroughly will ensure the sugar melts and coats all the kernels. Then dive in!
Homemade Kettle Corn is a great after-school snack or movie night staple. Give it a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Homemade Popcorn Keep?
This kettle corn recipe can stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, if you can keep your hands out of it!
Is This Recipe Healthy? Or is Popcorn Healthier Than Kettle Corn?
The biggest difference between this recipe and regular stovetop popcorn is the sugar coating. Therefore because kettle corn includes sugar it is slightly less healthy than standard popcorn. But it’s still worth making, especially for weekend gatherings or holiday gifts.
Why Do My Popped Kernels Burn Every Time I Make it?
It sounds like you are either: A) adding the sugar too early, B) forgetting to turn off the heat, or C) not shaking the pot vigorously.
If you follow the directions below, adding the sugar right when the popcorn is done popping, and shake shake shake, your kettle corn will turn out perfect every single time!
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Nut-Free so it’s a great snack for those with food allergies.
Other After School Snacks
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Kettle Corn Recipe
- Corn Salsa Dip with Bacon Recipe
- Spicy Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
- Holy Guacamole (Healthy and Authentic) Recipe
- Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe (Angel Eggs)
- No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe
- Healthy Baked Banana Chips Recipe
- Chinese Dumplings Recipe (Potstickers)
- Easy Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls)
- Crispy Patatas Bravas (Mexican Potatoes Recipe)
- Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Pancakes)
- Easiest Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe (Pao de Queijo)
- Sweet Fried Plantains Recipe
Easy Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup oil vegetable oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 dashes cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Place the oil and popcorn kernels in a large 6-8 quart heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. Shake the pot to cover the kernels in oil. Place the lid on the pot and open the vent. If your lid doesn’t have a vent, offset the lid a little so there’s a crack in the side.
- Place the pot over medium heat and wait for the kernels to start popping. Measure the sugar and salt so it’s ready once the popcorn stops popping.
- The moment the kernels slow and are about to stop popping, open the pot and pour in the sugar, salt, and cayenne. Turn the heat off, hold the pot by the handles, and toss the popcorn in a circular motion. Do this quickly while the popcorn and pot are still hot so the sugar melts and coats the popcorn. If your pot isn’t big enough to toss the popcorn, pour it out into a large bowl to toss, but work fast. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week.
I’ve been meaning for awhile to try this recipe. Made it last night. It’s the first recipe that didn’t burn the kettle corn. Thank you! It was delicious. Should have made more.
This recipe is so great! I love to make it when I have friends over and we are planning on watching a movie!
Delicious snack
I had no idea that making the perfect kettle corn has all to do with timing. Such a great tip. I’m excited to try this yummy recipe.
It was so hard not to eat it all at once! Definitely making again!
My kids will love this!
Fabulous popcorn!!
Yum!!
Hahahahaha…. That’s hysterical…. “Store in an air-tight container for up to a week.” hahahaha – as if it would last for more than 3 minutes with my fiends!