Kettle corn is a classic sweet-and-salty snack that’s perfect for movie nights, fairs, or anytime you crave a quick treat. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this homemade version comes together in minutes and tastes just like the kind you get at festivals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 10 minutes
- Sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite
- Requires only 3 pantry ingredients
- Fun to make and perfect for sharing
- Cheaper and fresher than store-bought kettle corn
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1/4 cup white sugar
Directions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add popcorn kernels and sugar, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cover the pot and shake it constantly to prevent the sugar from burning.
- When popping slows to once every 2–3 seconds, remove the pot from heat. Shake for a few more minutes until the popping stops.
- Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and allow to cool, stirring occasionally to break up clumps.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 cups of kettle corn, serving 4 people.
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Cooling time: 3 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for sweet-and-spicy kettle corn.
- Swap white sugar for brown sugar to give a caramel-like taste.
- Drizzle cooled popcorn with melted chocolate for a dessert-style snack.
Storage/Reheating
- Store cooled kettle corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Do not refrigerate, as it may become chewy.
- To refresh slightly stale kettle corn, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Why do I need to shake the pot while cooking?
Shaking prevents the sugar from burning and ensures the kernels cook evenly.
Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, canola oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil all work well. Avoid butter, as it burns too quickly.
Why is my kettle corn burning?
The heat may be too high or the pot wasn’t shaken enough. Use medium heat and shake constantly.
Can I use microwave popcorn for kettle corn?
No, microwave popcorn already contains oil and flavorings, so it won’t work the same way.
How do I keep kettle corn crunchy?
Store it in an airtight container and avoid humidity.
Can I make kettle corn without sugar?
Yes, but it will just be salted popcorn. The sugar is what makes it kettle corn.
How do I prevent clumps of sugar?
Stir well at the beginning and break up clumps while cooling.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure your pot is large enough so the popcorn has space to expand.
Is kettle corn vegan?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based oil and sugar, it’s completely vegan.
Can I add toppings after cooking?
Yes, you can toss cooled kettle corn with spices, cocoa powder, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Conclusion
Kettle corn is a quick and tasty snack that balances sweetness and saltiness perfectly. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this festival favorite at home anytime. Ideal for movie nights, parties, or simple snacking, this recipe is a must-try for popcorn lovers.
Print
Kettle Corn
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade kettle corn is a quick, sweet-and-salty snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or everyday cravings. Made with just three pantry staples—popcorn kernels, oil, and sugar—it comes together in under 10 minutes and delivers that irresistible festival flavor right at home. Light, crunchy, and budget-friendly, it’s a fun treat for all ages. Keywords: kettle corn, homemade kettle corn, sweet and salty popcorn, easy popcorn recipe, festival-style popcorn.
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1/4 cup white sugar
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add popcorn kernels and sugar, stirring to coat the kernels evenly.
- Cover the pot and shake it constantly to prevent sugar from burning and ensure even popping.
- When popping slows to once every 2–3 seconds, remove the pot from heat and continue shaking until popping completely stops.
- Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and let it cool slightly, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
- Shake the pot continuously once the kernels begin to pop to avoid burning the sugar.
- Try brown sugar for a caramel-like twist.
- Add spices or drizzle chocolate once cooled for variety.
- Don’t refrigerate—it makes the popcorn chewy.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
