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Why I Love Homemade Kettle Corn
Popcorn is one of America’s favorite treats, and in my popcorn-loving eyes, that totally makes complete sense! Popcorn is always good: it can be sweet, salty, spicy, savory, and pretty much everything in between. On top of all that, popcorn is that perfect “munchie” snack. I find that when I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, popcorn always does the trick and satisfies my craving. And when I say that I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, I secretly do: it’s pretty much always some form of kettle corn!
I usually count down the days to the next festival where I know there’ll be kettle corn—not that stuff prepackaged and purchased at the local grocery store, but the real stuff. You know what I’m talking about: that kettle corn with an amazing sugar-to-salt ratio that captures the perfect homemade taste! Now, hold on to your hats, folks, because this is super simple to make at home. No joke!
This fall, I knew I wanted to make an amazing batch of classic kettle corn, but since I’m always into experimenting in the kitchen, I figured I might as well make a few unique varieties. With kettle corn as a base, you can make so many variations. After endless batches of kettle corn (I wasn’t complaining!), I’ve settled on three favorites.
My Favorite Kettle Corn Recipes:
- The ultimate classic: I just couldn’t pass up sharing this since it makes up the base of the other varieties. When I’m feeling like keeping the flavors safe, I stick with this recipe.
- Sweet and salty Cajun: This one has a touch of sweetness and then a pop of Cajun flavor that just makes the whole experience phenomenal.
- Sweet chili lime: Yeah, this one has some heat, but it’s mediated with a hint of sweetness. The lime also adds a bit of tartness that’s oh so welcome!
These are three of my favorites, but as you make these, you’ll surely be inspired to create some of your own favorite flavors. Don’t be scared to add in your own favorite spices – hey, even a pumpkin spice-inspired variety would be bangin’!
Be inspired, and as always, enjoy!
More Popcorn Recipes
- White chocolate and peanut butter popcorn
- Chocolate covered popcorn
- Cinnamon and cayenne caramel corn
- White chocolate peppermint popcorn
- Quick caramel corn
- Popcorn balls
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Homemade Kettle Corn
Equipment
- A Whirly-Pop popcorn popper (affiliate link) (or similar style) is important in making great kettle corn at home. You can make this in an extra-large kettle but have to be very careful that it is tall enough for the popcorn to pop without flying out of the kettle. (The Whirly-Pop is definitely worth it!)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons neutral high-heat oil
- ½ cup mushroom popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
Cajun kettle corn variation
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Chili lime kettle corn variation
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Place a popper over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add a couple of popcorn kernels. When the kernels pop, you know the oil is at the correct temperature.4 tablespoons neutral high-heat oil
- Pop the popcorn: Add the rest of the kernels, then stir to coat the kernels with the oil and add the sugar. Stir constantly. After a few minutes, the kernels will start to pop. Keep stirring until you no longer hear pops, 2-4 minutes.½ cup mushroom popcorn kernels, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Finish: Dump the popcorn into a waiting bowl and sprinkle with the salt while it's still warm. Let it cool before enjoying.1 teaspoon fine salt
- For the Cajun variation: Use the same directions as for kettle corn, but when completed, instead of fine salt, add the paprika, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and seasoned salt. Toss to coat.1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste), 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- For the chili lime variation: Use the same directions as for kettle corn. When completed, add the chili powder, chipotle chili powder, and lime zest. Toss to coat.2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, zest of 1 lime
Video
Notes
- Sweet and salty cajun kettle corn: 87 calories in 1 cup
- Sweet chili lime kettle corn: 88 calories in 1 cup
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
