This recipe should how to make kettle corn, at home! This sweet and salty treat tastes just like the classic festival snack, and is made with only four ingredients. Ready in 5 minutes, this homemade kettle corn is full of festive flavors and perfect for sharing.
What is Kettle Corn?
If you're familiar with this classic confection, kettle corn is a sweet/salty snack that's cooked in oil and sugar for a crisp outer coating. It's definitely one of the most "addictive" snacks I've ever come across. Something about its satisfying crunch and perfect touch of sweetness really keep you coming back for more! Better yet, its often served during cool weather outdoor events like harvest festivals or winter carnivals while carry a touch of nostalgia during our socially-distant times
Because so many events are cancelled, I figured an at-home recipe for this delicious salty-sweet treat was in order. Popcorn is always one of my favorite snacks, and this recipe is a fun twist perfect for autumn.
How Do I Make Kettle Corn At Home?
Making kettle corn on the stovetop in a pot is the easiest way. I am fortunate to have a Whirley Pop, which makes at-home popcorn incredibly easy and delicious. I'm happy to say today that this tool is not necessary for this kettle corn recipe. All you'll need to make kettle corn at home include:
- A large, handled stock pot (aluminum preferred) with a matching fitted lid
- A wooden spoon, for stirring
- A cookie sheet, for spreading popcorn to cool
What Ingredients Do I Need for Kettle Corn?
- Canola oil, to help crisp the outside of the popcorn
- Sugar, brown or white, for sweetness
- Un-popped popcorn kernels, yellow or white
- Sea salt
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What is the best popcorn for popping at home?
Yellow popcorn kernels are the best for popping yourself, and as a bonus they tend to be the most affordable. I have made a LOT of popcorn over the years and can attest there is no real difference between high level name brands and their generic counterparts. What's most important is the cooking method on the stovetop. You'll want to use a high heat and provide near-constant agitation to the kernels, to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
I hope you enjoy this at-home kettle corn recipe! Be sure to leave a rating + review if you try it.
If you're looking for more fall snacks, try one of these next:
Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup brown or white sugar unpacked
- ½ cup popcorn
- ½ - 1 TBS sea salt
Instructions
- Heat a large uncovered pot (that has a lid) on the stove over high. Add oil to pot and then add sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon to distribute sugar into oil.
- Add popcorn to the hot oil. Add lid and let popcorn heat in oil. Once you hear the first kernel pop, begin shaking the pan vigorously. A good way to do this is to grip both handles of the pan and shake back and forth, while keeping it over the flame. Be sure your hands are covered either with oven mitts or towels, as the pot will be hot. Try to shake until you hear the kernels slow down in their popping.
- Once the popping has stopped, remove the kettle corn immediately from the heat. Pour onto a large baking sheet, in as even of a layer as possible.
- While popcorn is still hot, sprinkle salt across. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
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Rosalia Q. Figueroa says
I tried this recipe, and it was really good, but I have questions I want to ask; how can I reach you?
Emily says
Thank you for trying it, Rosalia!
Barbie says
Do you think i can add more sugar so that more of the kernels are coated with that sweet outer coating?
Emily says
Hi Barbie, yes I think you can - I would also increase the oil slightly!