There's something truly magical about homemade kettle corn — the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This recipe brings the fairground favorite right to your kitchen in just a few simple steps. It's a perfect snack for movie nights or lazy afternoons.
Vegetable oil is the key to ensuring that your popcorn kernels pop evenly without sticking. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
Popcorn kernels are the star of the show. Use fresh kernels for the best pop and flavor.
Granulated sugar gives the kettle corn its signature sweetness and slightly caramelized flavor. It melts and coats the popcorn as it pops.
Salt balances the sweetness perfectly. A light sprinkle is all you need to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Kettle corn is a fantastic standalone snack, but why not make it part of a bigger munchies spread? Pair it with a cheese platter, some fresh fruit, or even a selection of nuts for a well-rounded snack table. It's also a great addition to a homemade snack mix, alongside pretzels and chocolate chips.
Start by grabbing a large pot with a lid, and pour in the vegetable oil. Place the pot over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a couple of popcorn kernels and cover the pot. When you hear those kernels pop, it's go time.
Quickly add the remaining popcorn kernels to the pot. Pour in the granulated sugar and give it a fast and gentle stir to mix the sugar with the kernels. Immediately cover the pot again to catch the popping action.
Now, here's the fun part: as the popcorn pops, give the pot a good shake every few seconds. This helps prevent any burning and ensures that all the kernels get a chance to pop. Keep an ear out for the popping to slow down to about 2-3 seconds between pops.
Once the popping has slowed, remove the pot from the heat and quickly transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Sprinkle your salt over the top and toss everything together to coat the popcorn evenly. Dive in while it's fresh!
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