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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
Watch How to Make These Recipes
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Three Fall Kettle Corn Recipes
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
For the classic kettle corn
- 4 tbsp sunflower oil
- ½ cup mushroom popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- sea salt to taste
For the sweet and salty Cajun kettle corn
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
For the sweet chili lime kettle corn
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- zest of 1 lime
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
For the classic kettle corn
- Place a popper over medium-high heat and add the oil. Sunflower oil is essential as it is a high heat oil with a high smoking point so it can withstand the temperature without burning the popcorn.4 tbsp sunflower oil
- Add a couple of popcorn kernels. When the kernels pop, you know the oil is at the correct temperature. Add the rest of the kernels, then stir to coat the kernels with the oil and add the sugar.½ cup mushroom popcorn kernels, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Stir constantly. After a few minutes, the kernels will start to pop. Keep stirring until you don’t hear any more pops.
- Dump the popcorn into a waiting bowl and sprinkle with sea salt while the popcorn is still warm. Let cool and enjoy!sea salt
For the sweet and salty cajun kettle corn
- Use the same directions as for kettle corn, but when completed, instead of sea salt, add the paprika, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and seasoned salt, and toss to coat.2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to taste), 1 tsp seasoned salt
For the sweet chili lime kettle corn
- Use the same directions as for kettle corn, but when completed, instead of sea salt, add the chili powder, chipotle chili powder, and lime zest. Then, season with salt. Toss to coat.2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, zest of 1 lime, sea salt
Notes
- Sweet and salty cajun kettle corn: 87 calories in 1 cup
- Sweet chili lime kettle corn: 88 calories in 1 cup
