Homemade Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Delight
Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with this Homemade Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Delight! This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to recreate the magical taste of fresh kettle corn right in your own kitchen. Perfect for movie nights, snacks on the go, or entertaining guests, this treat offers the satisfying crunch of popcorn coated in a delightful sugar and salt mixture. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of shaking, you can whip up a batch that will remind you of those cozy nights at the fair. Gather your loved ones, and get ready to indulge in a timeless snack that’s sure to please!
10
Servings
130
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Popcorn Kernels
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Coarse Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by placing a large pot with a tight-fitting lid on the stove and add the vegetable oil.
2
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it's hot enough.
3
3. Add the popcorn kernels to the pot, making sure they are in a single layer to pop evenly.
4
4. Once the oil starts to sizzle, sprinkle the sugar evenly over the popcorn kernels.
5
5. Secure the lid on the pot and shake it vigorously to ensure the sugar mixes well and the kernels are evenly coated.
6
6. Continue shaking the pot as the kernels begin to pop, for about 3 minutes, or until the popping slows down. Shake occasionally to prevent burning.
7
7. Once popping has significantly reduced, remove the pot from the heat and carefully lift the lid. Watch out for any final pops!
8
8. Transfer the popped corn into a large bowl and immediately sprinkle with coarse salt, tossing to coat evenly.
9
9. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your delicious homemade kettle corn!
Nutrition Information
7.2g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn?
It is a classic snack made by popping corn kernels with sugar and oil, then seasoning with salt for a perfect sweet and savory balance.
What ingredients are needed for this kettle corn recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon coarse salt.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 130 calories.
What type of oil should I use for kettle corn?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
It is better to use oil for popping to prevent burning, but you can add melted butter at the end for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
The key is to shake the pot vigorously and constantly once the sugar is added and the popping begins.
What kind of pot is best for making kettle corn?
A large pot with a tight-fitting lid is essential to contain the popping kernels and allow for vigorous shaking.
How long does it take to pop the kernels?
The popping process usually takes about 3 minutes once the oil is hot.
When should I add the sugar?
Add the sugar to the pot once the oil starts to sizzle after adding the kernels.
Is this kettle corn recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, since it uses vegetable oil instead of butter, this kettle corn is vegan.
What type of salt should I use?
Coarse salt is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but table salt can be used if necessary.
How do I know when the kettle corn is finished?
The corn is done when the popping slows down to several seconds between pops.
Can I make this in an air popper?
No, this specific recipe requires oil and sugar to be heated together in a pot to create the signature coating.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover kettle corn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy.
How long will the kettle corn stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and crunchy for 2 to 3 days.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Granulated white sugar works best for the chemical reaction needed to glaze the corn, so substitutes may not yield the same result.
Why is my kettle corn chewy?
Kettle corn can become chewy if steam is trapped in the pot; ensure you remove it from the heat and open the lid as soon as popping slows.
Can I add other flavors like cinnamon?
Yes, you can sprinkle cinnamon or other spices over the corn at the same time you add the salt.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.2g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good snack for parties?
Absolutely! Its combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it a crowd favorite for movie nights and parties.
What should I do if the sugar starts to smoke?
Immediately remove the pot from the heat and continue shaking; this indicates the heat is too high or you aren't shaking enough.
Do I need to preheat the oil?
Yes, heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the kernels to ensure even popping.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Kids can help measure ingredients, but an adult should handle the stove and the shaking of the hot pot.
How much protein is in this snack?
There is approximately 1g of protein per serving.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Brown sugar can be used, but it has a higher moisture content and may result in a different texture or burn more easily.
What makes kettle corn different from caramel corn?
Kettle corn is made by popping kernels with sugar, while caramel corn involves coating already-popped corn with a cooked caramel syrup.
Is it necessary to use a single layer of kernels?
Yes, keeping kernels in a single layer ensures they all heat evenly and pop at roughly the same time.