Kettle Corn

Sweet, salty, and crunchy kettle corn right at home! – Everything you need to know about making delicious movie night kettle corn. This quick and easy snack is super simple and uses only 4 easy to find ingredients, no popcorn maker needed for this sweet and salty treat.

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What is Kettle Corn?

Kettle corn is a type of popcorn that is usually made in large cast iron kettles, hence the name kettle corn. Unlike normal popcorn, kettle corn contains a bit of sugar making it crunchy and slightly sweet. This treat is often served at carnivals or fairs, kettle corn is a healthier alternative to deep fried foods and chips.

This homemade version is incredibly easy to make at home and is the perfect finger food for movie night, game nights, or birthday parties.

Variations to Try

Kettle corn can be enhanced with your favorite seasoning for popcorn toppings. Try some cajun seasoning, white cheddar, sweet chili and lime, caramel, candy, chocolate, licorice, or black pepper.

If you are trying to avoid sugar on your diet then kettle corn can be made with alternative sweeteners like stevia. Simply replace the sugar with a required amount of sweetener and make your kettle corn as you normally would.

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Tips for making Kettle Corn

• Use a large and sturdy pot with a tight fitting lid for kettle corn. Larger pots will heat evenly and the tight lid will keep any hot oil or popcorn from spilling out while shaking.
• Fresh high quality kernels will make the best popcorn. If you have had kernels sitting in the cupboard for a while, consider buying some fresh ones.
• Use a high heat oil like canola, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil to avoid burning and adding any unwanted flavors.
• Do not stop shaking for more than a few seconds or the popcorn and the sugar will burn quickly.
• Take the pot off the heat before the popping stops. Some of the kernels will keep popping even once off the heat. Removing the pot a little early can prevent burnt popcorn.

Best way to Store Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover kettle corn, make sure that it is completely cooled before storing. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

For longer term storage consider freezing the cooled kettle corn in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. This makes it a great grab and go movie snack for you and the family.

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Kettle Corn FAQs

Kettle Corn

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes minutes

Servings: 13

Homemade kettle corn is an easy to make treat the whole family will love! Hot and fresh right off the stove this kettle corn recipe uses only 4 ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes!

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Ingredients 

• extra light olive oil, not extra virgin
• ½ cup good quality, fresh popcorn kernels
• ¼ cup sugar
• tabl

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Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large heavy pot or dutch oven over medium high heat. Place 2-3 test kernels into the oil. Once the kernels pop, the oil is hot enough to make popcorn.
  
• Add the popcorn kernels and sugar to the oil and stir together before covering. Shake the pot carefully every few seconds to prevent the popcorn from burning. Be careful not to spill any of the hot oil. You should hear the popcorn popping.
  
• Once the popping has slowed down, remove the pot from the heat. Keep shaking the pot until there is no more popping. Once the popping has stopped, remove the lid and immediately pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
  
• Allow the popcorn to cool and break up any clumps as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 0.5mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 0.4mg | Iron: 0.2mg