Here’s a recipe for traditional sweet and salty kettle corn, made right on your stovetop!
Recipe Details
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Let’s Get Popping!
- Prep your workspace: Have all ingredients measured and ready. Trust me, things move quickly once you start!
- Heat it up: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Test the temperature: Drop 3-4 kernels into the oil. When they pop, you’re ready to go!
- Add the ingredients: Quickly add the remaining kernels, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and shake: Put the lid on and start shaking the pot gently back and forth across the burner. This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Listen closely: As the kernels start to pop, continue shaking. The popping will intensify and then slow down.
- Know when to stop: Once the popping slows to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat.
- Cool and enjoy: Carefully pour the kettle corn into a large bowl, breaking up any clumps. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Tips for Kettle Corn Perfection
- Use fresh kernels: Fresh popcorn kernels yield the best results. Store them in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
- Keep it moving: Constant shaking is key to prevent burning and achieve that perfect sweet-salty coating.
- Act fast: Sugar can burn quickly, so be ready to remove the pot from heat as soon as the popping slows.
Flavor Variations to Spice Things Up
Why stop at classic? Here are some delicious twists on the traditional recipe:
- Cinnamon Sugar Bliss: Sprinkle 1 tsp of ground cinnamon over the kettle corn right after popping and toss to coat.
- Caramel Drizzle Dream: Drizzle cooled kettle corn with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Chip Heaven: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over warm (not hot) kettle corn. The residual heat will slightly melt the chips, creating delightful chocolate streaks.
- Vanilla Velvet: Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract to the oil before popping for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Time to Share the Joy!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own kettle corn at home. The process is almost as enjoyable as the end result – almost! Whether you’re settling in for a movie night or need a quick snack, this stovetop kettle corn recipe has got you covered.
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about it! Share your kettle corn creations and tag us on social media.
Happy popping, and may your kettle corn always be perfectly sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible!
