Easy Kettle Corn

User Reviews

5

315 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    2 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    7 mins

  • Servings

    1

  • Calories

    450 kcal

  • Course

    Snacks

  • Cuisine

    American

Easy Kettle Corn

This kettle corn recipe uses popcorn kernels popped in vegetable oil, coated with granulated sugar and salt. The controlled cooking process with shaking encourages even caramelization of sugar on the popcorn, resulting in lightly sweetened, crispy popcorn with a balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Description

Easy Kettle Corn starts by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pot with three test kernels; once those pop, the remaining kernels are added with granulated sugar and salt sprinkled over. Shaking the pot intermittently while popping distributes the sugar evenly and prevents burning, forming a thin, sweet coating over the popped corn. When popping slows to a few seconds between pops, the kettle corn is removed from heat and cooled.

The sugar caramelizes lightly, giving the popcorn a gentle sweetness complemented by saltiness. The popcorn should be crisp rather than sticky once cooled. Careful attention to timing and shaking helps avoid burning and ensures even coating.

Pouring the popcorn into a bowl right after popping helps prevent sogginess. Allow it to cool several minutes before eating, and check for unpopped kernels, which may not always fall to the bottom due to their tendency to cling to popcorn pieces.

This method gives a classic kettle corn taste without specialized equipment and can be made using standard kitchen pots and ingredients.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking oil of your choice
  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25g
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Set a large bowl on the counter to pour your popped kettle corn into.*
  2. To a large heavy-bottomed pot (with a lid) add oil and 3 kernels of popcorn. Cover and heat over medium-high heat (medium if your stove runs hot) until you hear all 3 kernels pop.
  3. Add the rest of your popcorn and shake the pan for a few seconds to coat the kernels. Pour sugar and salt directly over the popcorn. Cover and shake for 3 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, repeat, until popcorn begins to pop steadily.
  4. Once that starts, shake pan mostly continuously, pausing occasionally to listen for breaks in popping. Once there is about a 2 second break between pops, pull from heat. Transfer popcorn immediately to your bowl.
  5. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes (sugar will be VERY hot) before eating. Keep an eye out for unpopped kernels as you eat, and enjoy.

Notes

  • After popping, spread the kettle corn on a tray to cool briefly before serving to avoid burns and to help remove unpopped kernels.
  • Be cautious of unpopped kernels clumped with the popcorn, which can be a hazard for dental work or young children.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid to promote even popping and prevent burning during cooking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 450kcal (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 450 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 450kcal 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

315 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)

BBQ Beef Sloppy Joes

American
5.0 (30 reviews)