Description
Sweet and salty Homemade Kettle Corn delights with its irresistible blend of sugary crunch and classic popcorn charm. Quick kitchen magic delivers a nostalgic snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
Seasoning:
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, ensuring it has a tight-fitting lid for even popping and safety.
- Pour vegetable oil into the pot and allow it to warm for 30 seconds, creating an even heat distribution.
- Add popcorn kernels to the heated oil, spreading them in a single layer across the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the kernels, avoiding clumping to ensure consistent caramelization.
- Cover the pot immediately with the lid and gently shake the pot back and forth across the burner to prevent burning.
- Listen carefully for popping sounds; when popping becomes sporadic and almost stops, remove from heat to prevent scorching.
- Immediately transfer the kettle corn to a large bowl to halt the cooking process and prevent burning.
- Quickly sprinkle salt over the warm popcorn, tossing gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Optional: Drizzle melted butter over the kettle corn for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Allow the kettle corn to cool for 2-3 minutes, which helps the sugar coating set and become crisp.
- Break apart any large clusters and serve warm for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Choose a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid to distribute heat evenly and prevent kernel burning.
- Keep sugar amount moderate to avoid burning; stir continuously during cooking to create perfect caramelization.
- Use medium-high heat and remove pot from stove when popping slows down to prevent bitter, scorched flavor.
- Add salt and optional butter after removing from heat to enhance taste without compromising crispy sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg