Name: Salted Caramel Popcorn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (popped (about 8 cups)); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup corn syrup; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 6 oz Blue Diamond Roasted Salted Almonds (1 container)

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When I think about the perfect way to satisfy a sweet craving, I can’t help but think of Salted Caramel Popcorn. It brings back memories of cozy movie nights with friends, laughter filling the room, and that irresistible scent of caramel wafting through the air. The combination of crunchy popcorn and rich caramel, with just a hint of salt, is simply magical. You can’t resist grabbing another handful! The best part? Making this delightful treat at home is easier than it sounds, and it’s perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple family movie night, this Salted Caramel Popcorn always steals the show. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a treat that everyone will love!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
400 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
20g g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Oven, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

The Appeal of This Salted Caramel Popcorn

Irresistible Flavor Combination

Salted Caramel Popcorn combines the sweetness of caramel with the savory hint of salt, creating a flavor that balances perfectly. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, making it impossible to stop at just one handful.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just having a cozy night in, Salted Caramel Popcorn fits the bill. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to snack for any gathering.

Easy to Make

You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to make this treat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch of Salted Caramel Popcorn that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add a bit of flair? You can easily customize this recipe by incorporating nuts, chocolate drizzles, or even a sprinkle of spices. This makes it a unique treat every time you make it!

Great for Gift Giving

Put your Salted Caramel Popcorn in a decorative bag or jar, and you have a perfect homemade gift. Friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness and deliciousness of this treat.

Snack with a Crunch

The satisfying crunch of popcorn mixed with caramel not only satiates cravings but also provides a fun texture. It’s a light snack that feels indulgent without being too heavy!

Ingredient List for Salted Caramel Popcorn

When creating Salted Caramel Popcorn, the ingredients you choose play a pivotal role in the final flavor and texture. You’ll find that each element works together harmoniously, from the fluffy popcorn to the rich caramel. Here are the key players:

1/2 cup popcorn kernels (popped, about 8 cups): This is the base of your snack, providing a light, airy crunch that holds up beautifully to the caramel.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: The butter adds richness to the caramel and helps it achieve that silky texture we all love.
1/4 cup corn syrup: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing.
1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the buttery flavor of the caramel perfectly.
1/2 tsp salt: Just the right amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 tsp baking soda: Baking soda is key for creating a lighter, airier caramel that clings to the popcorn without being too heavy.
6 oz Blue Diamond Roasted Salted Almonds: These nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste.

Instructions for Salted Caramel Popcorn

Making Salted Caramel Popcorn is a fun and fulfilling process that results in a snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps for a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more:

Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help keep your popcorn warm and crisp while you make the caramel.
Prepare a large roasting pan or a deep 9 x 13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes for easy clean-up later on. Fill the dish with the freshly popped popcorn and top it with the almonds. Keep this warm in the oven.
In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure it all combines well.
Once your mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it boil untouched for about four minutes. This allows it to reach the right consistency.
After four minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda and the remaining vanilla extract. This will cause the mixture to bubble up, providing a lighter texture.
Carefully pour the caramel sauce over the warm popcorn and almonds. Use tongs to gently mix everything together, ensuring that the popcorn is thoroughly coated with the caramel.
Transfer the baking dish back into the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, take it out and give it a good stir to ensure an even coating and to prevent clumping.
After 45 minutes, take the caramel corn out of the oven and let it cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to achieving that perfect crunch.
Once cool, break it into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Popcorn!

Things Worth Knowing

Temperature Matters: Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Don’t Stir Too Soon: Allow the caramel to boil without stirring for the specified time to develop the best flavor and consistency.
Cooling Time: Let the popcorn cool completely before breaking it into pieces to ensure it remains crispy.
Storage Tips: Store your popcorn in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are countless ways to adapt your Salted Caramel Popcorn to fit your tastes or occasion. Here are some ideas:

Storage: Once cooled, store your popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This will help maintain its crunchy texture.
Freezing: You can freeze your caramel popcorn for up to three months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nuts or even add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions: This popcorn pairs wonderfully with your favorite movie or as a delightful party snack.
Gift Ideas: Package your Salted Caramel Popcorn in decorative bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Serve This Salted Caramel Popcorn With

When it comes to serving Salted Caramel Popcorn, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas:

Movie Nights: Set up a cozy movie night at home and have a big bowl of Salted Caramel Popcorn to snack on. It’s a classic pairing!
Parties: This popcorn makes for an excellent party snack. Serve it in small cups or bowls for easy sharing.
Game Day: Bring this delicious treat to your next game day gathering and watch it disappear in minutes!
Picnics: Pack Salted Caramel Popcorn for a sweet touch to your outdoor picnics. It travels well and is easy to share.
Holidays: Make it a holiday tradition! Gift bags filled with this delicious popcorn make for great presents during festive seasons.
Brunch: Set out a bowl of Salted Caramel Popcorn during brunch for a sweet surprise alongside your usual fare.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can make Salted Caramel Popcorn ahead of time. In fact, it stays fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing the container, so it doesn’t become sticky. It’s a great option for parties and events because it saves you time on the day of.

To keep your Salted Caramel Popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can cause the caramel to become sticky. If you find your popcorn has lost its crunch, you can pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again.

If you find that your caramel has turned out too hard, it may have been cooked for too long. To fix this, you can try adding a little bit of water and reheating it on low until it softens. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil too long again. Remember to pour it over the popcorn while it’s still warm for easier mixing.

Definitely! One of the best parts of making Salted Caramel Popcorn is how versatile it is. You can add different nuts like pecans or walnuts, drizzle chocolate over it, or even sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Make it your own!

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Popcorn is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that combines sweet and salty flavors perfectly. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, every bite offers a comforting crunch that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try making this recipe soon; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!