Sweet Kettle Corn

Bring the county fair home with this easy and delicious homemade kettle corn recipe. Every kernel is so sweet and crunchy, you won’t want to share!

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat oil in lg. pot over med. Add popcorn; close lid.

Step 2

Once you hear the first pop, lift lid & mix in sugar. Replace lid & shake pot constantly to keep sugar from burning.

Step 3

Once popping slows down (to 1 in 2 sec.) between, turn off heat. Continue shaking pot until all popping stops.

Step 4

Pour popcorn into lg. bowl; cool (5 min.), stirring frequently to break down lg. clusters.

Step 5

The pot has to be heavy-bottomed to ensure that sugar cooks evenly & doesn’t burn. Use a pot spacious enough for kernels to pop in.

Step 6

Don’t add kernels until oil is hot. (Quickly check by sprinkling some water into pot. If it sizzles, it’s ready to go.)

Step 7

Shake vigorously! This is the key to ensuring every kernel is coated with sugar.

Step 8

Don’t wait for the last popcorn to pop before you turn off the heat, or you’ll burn cooked kernels.

Step 9

Be sure to remove any unpopped kernels. Unfortunately, when making kettle corn, they stick to sugar rather than sink to bottom. (The best way to check for uncooked kernels is to pour out onto baking sheet.)

Step 10

If your popcorn turned out chewy and not crunchy, it’s most likely because the lid was too tight on the pot. Next time, crack lid a bit to give steam space to escape.

Step 11

Wash pot between batches if making a lot. This eliminates leftover sugar that’s likely to burn. For easy cleanup, pour hot soapy water into pot. (The water will melt & dissolve hardened sugar in no time.). If pot was allowed to cool, simply put it back on heat.

Step 12

Kettle corn is perfect as it is, but you’ll have a more delightful snack if you add your own twist to it. Try one or more of these suggestions:

Step 13

Sprinkle some salt for a sweet-n-salty contrast of flavors.

Step 14

Make it sweeter with M&M’s, chocolate chips, and/or mini marshmallows.

Step 15

For a sweet and spicy snack, mix in a little bit of Sriracha.

Step 16

Add cinnamon for a warm, Christmas-y flavor.

Step 17

Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.

Step 18

Throw in some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Step 19

In case there are any leftovers (which is highly unlikely) store in airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature (2-3 wk.)

Step 20

Store kettle corn in a dark, dry, cool place.

Step 21

If the popcorn has lost its crunch, crisp the kernels back up by popping them in the oven. Cook (5 min.) at 250°F.

Step 22

Made a huge batch of popcorn? Store kernels in freezer! Frozen kettle corn will keep well for several weeks. (Simply place the kernels in an airtight freezer-safe bag & freeze.)

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