Sweet Salty Halloween Party Popcorn (Print View)

Festive popcorn mix tossed with candy, pretzels, and sweet buttery coating. Perfect for parties or fall celebrations.

# Components:

→ Popcorn Base

01 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels or 8 cups plain popped popcorn
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Sweet & Salty Mix-ins

03 - 1 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed
04 - 1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (such as M&M’s; use Halloween colors)
05 - 1 cup candy corn
06 - 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts
07 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)

→ Coating

08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
09 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows. Remove from heat and allow to cool, or alternatively use air-popped or microwave popcorn.
02 - Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove and discard any unpopped kernels for safety.
03 - In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in packed light brown sugar and kosher salt. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is dissolved, bubbling, and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Drizzle the warm butter-sugar mixture immediately over the popcorn and toss gently to achieve even coverage.
05 - Incorporate mini pretzels, candy-coated chocolate pieces, candy corn, roasted salted peanuts, and chocolate chips to the coated popcorn. Toss gently for uniform distribution.
06 - Let the popcorn mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the coating set and helps prevent candies from melting.
07 - Serve in a large bowl or divide among treat bags for parties.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses only pantry basics and a handful of candies for easy shopping
  • Quick and kid-friendly to make in just about 15 minutes
  • Easily adapted for dietary needs like nut or gluten allergies
  • Irresistible mix of textures and flavors for all ages
02 -
  • High in fiber thanks to the popcorn base
  • Easy to customize with alternate candies or nuts
  • Stays fresh up to three days if stored in an airtight container
03 -
  • Work quickly once your sugar-butter syrup is ready so popcorn does not get soggy and candies do not melt
  • Use a very large mixing bowl for tossing everything so you do not break popcorn or spill your mix-ins
  • Always check candy packages for allergy info and freshness dates before mixing in for parties

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