Salted Caramel Popcorn Recipe
An Irresistible Snack with a Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty
If you’re craving a snack that’s both sweet and salty, this Salted Caramel Popcorn is the answer! With a crispy, golden coating of caramel and the savory touch of salt, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for movie nights, gatherings, or just when you want something indulgent. The great thing about making homemade caramel popcorn is that you get to control the sweetness and saltiness, resulting in a perfect balance tailored to your taste buds. Plus, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, quick to prepare, and delightfully easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Popcorn:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Corn Kernels | 1/3 cup |
For the Caramel Coating:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 5 tablespoons |
| Corn Syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
To begin, heat the sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the dry corn kernels to the pot, then cover it. Gently shake the pot every 30 seconds to ensure the kernels pop evenly. Once the popping slows down and all the kernels are popped, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside. You should have fluffy, fresh popcorn ready for the caramel coating.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a separate large pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the corn syrup and sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. Continue boiling the mixture for about 3–4 minutes until it turns a beautiful amber color. This step is crucial, as it ensures the caramel reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Once the caramel has turned amber, carefully remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble up, so be cautious during this step. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the caramel becomes thick and glossy.
Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
In a large mixing bowl, add your freshly popped popcorn. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn, making sure to coat every piece evenly. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the popcorn and caramel together, ensuring every kernel is covered in the sweet, sticky caramel.
Step 5: Cool the Popcorn
Once the popcorn is fully coated, spread it out in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the caramel popcorn cool completely. As it cools, the caramel will harden, creating a satisfying crunch on each piece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Salted Caramel Popcorn has cooled and hardened, it’s ready to serve. This popcorn makes an excellent snack for movie nights, parties, or just an afternoon treat. Pair it with a Cold Coffee Smoothie for an extra special experience, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Popcorn
- Use Fresh Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn gives the best texture and crunch. Make sure to pop your corn just before making the caramel for the freshest taste.
- Caramel Consistency: Watch the caramel closely as it boils. The amber color is key to achieving that deep, rich flavor, so don’t rush this step. It typically takes about 3–4 minutes for the mixture to reach the right stage.
- Even Coating: For a more even coating, make sure the caramel is poured over the popcorn while it’s still hot. Stir gently, but thoroughly, to coat each kernel.
- Add More Salt (Optional): If you prefer a stronger salty flavor to balance out the sweetness, sprinkle a little more salt on top of the cooled popcorn.
Variations and Add-ins
- Nuts: Add roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel popcorn for a decadent twist.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spiced-up version of caramel popcorn.
This Salted Caramel Popcorn is the ultimate treat for those who love the contrast of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re settling in for a cozy night in or preparing snacks for a larger gathering, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. The rich caramel coating combined with the perfect touch of salt is nothing short of irresistible, making this popcorn a crowd-pleaser in every sense of the word!
