Old Fashioned Sweet And Salty Kettle Corn Recipe

This old fashioned sweet and salty kettle corn recipe is a tantalizing treat that tastes exactly like kettle corn from the fair. 

Better yet, this easy recipe can be made with regular popcorn, sugar, and a large pot. Homemade kettle corn is a crunchy snack perfect for a game or movie night.

Is it just me, or do you long for the simple summer days of childhood where you wandered through a jostling, happy fairground, seeking out the best treats and delights?

Let this old fashioned homemade kettle corn recipe take you back to the good old days. 

With the perfect amount of salt and sugar and just a few ingredients, you can whip up this easy kettle corn in less than 10 minutes.  Time traveling never got easier!  

For more easy snacks try these easy popcorn balls, three ingredient fudge, or easy fruit salad.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Fast:  this sweet, salty popcorn is quick and easy to make!
• Cost effective: Using simple popcorn kernels and salty flavors, this kettle corn is an inexpensive, delicious snack to make at home
• Gourmet: Crunchy, salty, and unique, this is the best popcorn to make for gifts. 

Ingredients + Notes

Recipes with only a few ingredients win the blue ribbon in my book:

• Refined Coconut Oil – I always have coconut oil on hand because of it’s versatility.  But feel free to use other neutral oils (like canola), that can withstand high heat.
• Unpopped Kernels – White or yellow popcorn kernels can be used. 
• White Sugar – The sugar transforms the humble popcorn kernel into a sweet treat.
• Salt – Accenting the sweet flavor, salt scattered over this treat is essential.

Tools 

• This is a stovetop popcorn recipe, so you will need a pot that can be used for popping kernels on the stove and that is easy to lift and shake.
• It needs to have a glass top. The pan should be wide and shallow with a tight-fitting lid. I am using 6 quart stock pot with glass lid.  This small stock pot on amazon is similar.

Variations

Shake up this recipe with a few easy variations:

• Sprinkle pumpkin spice over the top for an autumn treat
• Add a gourmet touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the popcorn
• Add mix ins with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows

How To Make Old Fashioned Kettle Corn:

Step 1: Heat oil over medium high heat in a medium size stock pot with lid. Add 3 popcorn kernels to hot oil and place lid on top of the pot. When all 3 popcorn kernels pop, reduce heat to medium low and add the rest of the kernels.

Step 2: Shake kernels lightly to coat with oil. Add sugar and shake popcorn, oil and sugar together. Replace lid on pot.

Step 3: Shake pot regularly as the popcorn pops. Alternate heating and shaking your popcorn every 10 seconds to prevent sugar from burning. Lift the pot, shake, then return to heat.

Step 4: Once popping stops remove from heat and immediately transfer popped corn to a large bowl. Sprinkle sea salt over the kettle corn.

Pro tip: As you shake the popcorn use oven mits as needed.

Recipe Tips

• Check size and weight of your pot or pan.  Make sure you are using a lightweight pan that you can shake easily.
• Remember to turn your heat down while cooking. Shake popcorn continuously to prevent burning.
• Use a generous amount of oil…. don’t skimp! Give your kernels a good shake to coat when you add them in.

How To Make Multiple Batches Of Kettle Corn

Doubling this recipe will increase the chances of burnt popcorn. So, the best way to feed a crowd is to make multiple batches of the kettle corn. 

Prep this recipe in advance and store in an air tight container prior to your party.  

Enjoy this popcorn on a rainy afternoon with this delicious, wholesome hot chocolate. 

Faq’s

Enjoy this sweet and salty treat with a glass of this homemade lemonade that tastes like a creamsicle.

How To Store

Store kettle corn in an airtight container for up to two weeks.  (If friends and family can resist it for that long!)

If you are using a plastic bag, remove all excess air before sealing. 

For more easy and delicious kid friendly recipes visit:

Sourdough Pancakes With Starter Discard (Easy and Nutritious)

Two Ingredient Blueberry Syrup