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Flavorful Sweet and Salty Patriotic Popcorn Mix

sweet and salty patriotic popcorn mix - featured image
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A quick and easy festive snack combining salty popcorn with sweet bursts of red and blue candies, perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup popcorn kernels (about 100 g)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 g), melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25 g)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • ½ cup mini red and blue candies (75 g), such as mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
  • ¼ cup white chocolate chips (45 g), optional

Instructions

  1. Place ½ cup of popcorn kernels in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Cover with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Popcorn should start popping within 3-4 minutes and finish in about 6-8 minutes total. Remove from heat once popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops.
  2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Transfer the hot popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Immediately drizzle the butter-sugar mixture over it. Use a wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt over the mix while tossing.
  4. Once popcorn is coated and still warm but not hot, fold in ½ cup mini red and blue candies and ¼ cup white chocolate chips, if using. The warmth softens them slightly but prevents melting.
  5. Spread the popcorn mix onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and crisp up, about 10 minutes. This step helps prevent clumping and keeps the popcorn light and airy.

Notes

Use sturdy candies that hold their shape in heat to avoid melting. Toss popcorn while warm but not hot to ensure even coating. Spread on a baking sheet to cool and prevent clumping. For vegan variation, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Add nuts or pretzels for extra crunch, adjusting salt accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn, sweet and salty, patriotic snack, summer snack, easy snack, festive popcorn mix, Fourth of July snack

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/flavorful-sweet-and-salty-patriotic-popcorn-mix-easy-festive-snack-recipe/