The Best Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade kettle corn recipe is a sweet and salty treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch in just minutes!
- Perfect balance—the mix of sugar and salt gives that crave-worthy flavor you can’t find in store-bought versions.
- Quick and fun—watch the kernels pop and transform into a crunchy, caramelized snack right before your eyes.
- Customizable—add a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate to make it your own special twist.
Recipe
Kettle corn is a sweet and salty snack that’s easy to make at home. This classic fairground treat combines the crunch of popcorn with a caramelized sugar coating for a delicious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 popcorn kernels and cover with a lid.
- Once the test kernels pop, add the remaining kernels and sugar. Quickly stir to coat the kernels.
- Cover the pot and shake gently to prevent burning. Listen for popping—when it slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from heat.
- Pour the popcorn onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let cool before serving.
Notes:
- Stirring the sugar and kernels quickly prevents clumping.
- Be careful—the sugar coating will be very hot.
Equipment:
- Large pot with lid
- Baking sheet
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
Kettle corn is a sweet and salty snack that can be enjoyed in moderation. Below is the nutritional information for a typical homemade kettle corn recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade kettle corn with something sweet and salty, like chocolate-covered pretzels or caramel popcorn twists. It’s also fun to serve it alongside other crunchy snacks, such as roasted nuts or veggie chips, for extra texture. Trust me, these combos make movie nights or parties even more fun!
Sweet and Salty Pairings
When you’ve got a bowl of homemade kettle corn ready to go, you might wonder what else could make this snack even better. Pair it with a cold glass of lemonade for a revitalizing contrast, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent twist. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a playful dessert, while a handful of roasted almonds adds extra crunch. If you love bold flavors, try sprinkling a pinch of chili powder for a sweet-heat combo. The key is balancing the popcorn’s natural sweetness with something creamy, tangy, or spicy—experiment and find your favorite match!
Crunchy Snack Options
Looking beyond pairing kettle corn with drinks or toppings, let’s think about other crunchy snacks that can join the party. I love mixing textures, so pretzel sticks add a salty contrast, while roasted almonds bring earthy richness. For something lighter, veggie chips or crispy apple slices work wonders. If you’re feeling adventurous, try spiced chickpeas—they’re packed with flavor and crunch. Don’t forget tortilla chips with a hint of lime, or even homemade granola clusters for a sweet twist. Each bite should complement the kettle corn’s lightness, creating a snack spread that’s as fun to munch as it is to share.
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