Description
This festive Grinch Popcorn recipe is a delightful holiday treat combining homemade stovetop popcorn coated with melted candy melts and mixed with colorful Christmas candies. Crunchy, sweet, and perfect for sharing at holiday parties or movie nights, this recipe delivers a fun and flavorful seasonal snack in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- ½ cup (64g) popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)
- salt (to taste)
Candy Coating and Mix-ins
- 12 ounces (340g) candy melts
- assorted Christmas candies and mix-ins
- 10 cups (1250g) popped popcorn (from stovetop popcorn)
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn: Melt the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 3 or 4 popcorn kernels and cover the pan. When the kernels pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels evenly in the pan. Shake gently so they lay in an even layer. Keep shaking gently the pan as the kernels pop to ensure even heating and prevent burning. Slightly crack the lid to reduce steam and help crisp up the popcorn. When popping slows down, remove from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Melt the Candy Coating: In a separate large bowl, melt the candy melts according to the package instructions, typically using a microwave or double boiler method, until smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Popcorn and Candy Melt: Pour the melted candy melts over the popped popcorn. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the popcorn evenly with the candy mixture.
- Add Christmas Candies: Fold in the assorted Christmas candies and mix-ins gently but thoroughly so they distribute evenly throughout the coated popcorn.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly over a sheet of parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the candy coating hardens and adheres to the popcorn, creating a crunchy, festive treat ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil or coconut oil for popping the kernels as preferred.
- Make sure to keep the lid slightly cracked during popcorn popping to reduce steam and maintain crispiness.
- Use quality candy melts for the best coating texture and flavor.
- Mix-ins can include small candies like M&Ms, candy canes, sprinkles, or nuts according to your festive preferences.
- Once cooled, store the popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
