Learn how to make perfect kettle popcorn; this classic, sweet and salty Stovetop Kettle Corn Recipe is simple, easy and calls only for 3 ingredients.
This crispy, crunchy variant of the popular comfort food is sure to become your favourite ready-to-go snack for movie nights and road trips.
For more easy popcorn recipes, check how to make spicy popcorn at home.
The fact that it is not very sweet like caramelized popcorn makes it ideal for binge eating when you feel like it.
Kettle Corn is something that will undoubtedly appeal to you if you were the kind of person whose nose automatically drew them to the popcorn stall at the local fair.
Let’s jump right into the recipe so that you have a snack ready at hand to pack in the kids’ tiffin boxes the next time they are running late for school!
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Why Does This Recipe Work?
- The recipe is extremely quick to make. Thus, you are all set for a spontaneous movie night with friends or family.
- This dish is very cheap to throw together. No worries if you are expecting to host and feed a huge crowd at your place.
- The fact that the recipe is so easy to make leaves very little room for error.
- This easy homemade kettle corn recipe is made on a stovetop with nothing but a pot and a wooden spoon. You do not need special equipment to make this recipe.
- This homemade popcorn is perfect for parties or special occasions; you can make a big batch by doubling or trebling the recipe.
Difference Between Kettle Corn And Popcorn
Well, the only difference is that kettle corn is usually cooked with sugar which melts from the heat and coats the popping kernels.
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil. It is best to use a variety of Vegetable Oil with a neutral flavour for this recipe. This keeps the taste of the popcorn intact. You can also go for lightly flavoured oils like refined coconut oil or olive oil.
Popcorn Kernels. Popcorn Kernels are the base of this recipe. You can get ready to microwave bags of loose popcorn at any supermarket near you.
White Sugar. White Sugar is the crux of this recipe. This will give your dish the sweet flavour that it is known for.
Salt (optional): For a salty-sweet delight, sprinkle some sea salt or kosher salt on top of your sweet kettle corn.
How To Make The Best Stovetop Kettle Corn?
One: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir the sugar and popcorn kernels in the hot oil.
Two: Put the lid on and shake the pot frequently once hearing the popping. This will prevent the sugar from burning.
Three: After 2-3 seconds, when the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat.
Four (optional): Sprinkle salt on top of the popcorn and shake it well to ensure that it coats every kernel evenly.
Five: Transfer the popcorn into a large bowl and serve.
Top Tips!
- Keep a large bowl ready next to your stove. The bottom layer of the popcorn kernels will burn quickly, even off the heat. Thus, it is best to get them off the pan as soon as possible.
- Make sure that you use a pot that is significantly sizeable. This will give everything room to move and will reduce the risk of burning.
- Make sure that you sift through the corn before you serve it to pick out any unpopped kernels that may have slipped in. Unlike regular popcorn, they will clump to the popped kernels instead of settling down. Thus, you may bite into it if not careful.
- When making multiple batches of popcorn, make sure that you are washing the pot and letting the pot cool slightly between the batches. Otherwise, leftover sugar from the previous batch may end up burning immediately.
- Avoid eating the popcorn straight out of the pot. Letting it cool for a couple of minutes before eating it will make sure that you do not burn your tongue (sugar tends to get very hot while making this recipe).
- Take the popcorn off the heat as soon as the popping slows down. Do not wait for it to completely stop. You will just end up burning the entire batch in the process if you keep waiting.
- Avoid making the dish in a microwave for the best flavour and aroma.
- Make sure that the Popcorn Kernels you are using have not been sitting in your cupboard for too long.
- It is of utmost importance that your pot has a tight-fitting lid.
Some Variations
- If you want more of the caramel flavour, you can switch out white sugar with brown sugar.
- You can try out other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, etc. Instead of the sugar for slightly different flavours.
- For adding spice into the mix, add curry powder, cayenne pepper, and pumpkin pie spice.
Serving Suggestions
This snack can be served hot or at room temperature and it is best-served solo. Like any other kind of popcorn, you can serve it as a snack. However, the sweet flavour of the dish also makes it ideal for dessert.
Storage
To Store: Stovetop Kettle Corn can stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week! Just allow them to cool down completely and store them at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic bag, and you are good to go. Make sure they are stored away from sunlight, though.
So, the next time it’s pouring outside, just pull the container of popcorn off the shelf, roll yourself up into a cozy blanket burrito, and put on your favourite movie or show for the best night-in you can have.
To Freeze: Surprisingly enough, you CAN actually freeze popcorn! Seal them in an airtight freezer bag, and voila! You have just learned a hack to prolong their freshness by several weeks at least!
Reheating Instructions: You do not need to reheat popcorn. It tastes perfect at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Your pot probably has a tightly fitting lid which causes too much steam to get trapped in when the kernels are popping. Keep the lid open a crack next time. Use a hand towel to crack open the lid to let the steam escape. Keep the crack facing away from you to avoid injuries.
Kettle Corn is a healthy-ish, dairy-free and gluten-free recipe. The amount of sugar used in the recipe is not a lot. Moreover, corn has tons of fibre which keep you full for longer, effectively preventing you from snacking on far unhealthier processed snacks.
The easiest and safest way to check if the oil is hot enough is to put two to three kernels of popcorn in the oil. As soon as you hear all of the pop, consider it your cue to put the rest of your popcorn in!
Yes, It is a bit sweet because the sugar melts from the heat and coats all the popping kernels giving them a caramelized flavour.
Yes, you can. Make it in a well-sealed microwave-safe pot, and microwave for about 3-4 minutes.
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Recipe Card
Best Stovetop Kettle Corn Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup White sugar
- ½ cup Popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup Vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon Salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in sugar and popcorn kernels.¼ cup White sugar, ¼ cup Vegetable oil, ½ cup Popcorn kernels
- Put the lid on and shake the pot frequently once hearing the poping (to prevent sugar from burning).
- After 2-3 seconds (the popping will slow), remove the pot from the heat.
- Sprinkle the salt on top. Transfer the popcorn into a large bowl and serve.¼ teaspoon Salt
Notes
- Keep a large bowl ready next to your stove. The bottom layer of the popcorn kernels will burn quickly, even off the heat. Thus, it is best to get them off the pan as soon as possible.
- Make sure that you use a pot that is significantly sizeable. This will give everything room to move and will reduce the risk of burning.
- Make sure that you sift through the corn before you serve it to pick out any unpopped kernels that may have slipped in. Unlike regular popcorn, they will clump to the popped kernels instead of settling down. Thus, you may bite into it if not careful.
- When making multiple batches, make sure that you are washing the pot and letting the pot cool slightly between the batches. Otherwise, leftover sugar from the previous batch may end up burning immediately.
- Avoid eating it straight out of the pot. Letting it cool for a couple of minutes before eating it will make sure that you do not burn your tongue (sugar tends to get very hot while making this recipe).
- Take the popcorn off the heat as soon as the popping slows down. Do not wait for it to completely stop. You will just end up burning the entire batch in the process if you keep waiting.
- Avoid making the dish in a microwave for the best flavour and aroma.
- Make sure that the Popcorn Kernels you are using have not been sitting in your cupboard for too long.
- It is of utmost importance that your pot has a tight-fitting lid.
Some Variations
- If you want more of the caramel flavour, you can switch out white sugar with brown sugar.
- For a salty-sweet delight, sprinkle some salt before the popcorn is ready and shake it well to ensure that it coats every kernel evenly.
- You can try out other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, etc. Instead of the sugar for slightly different flavours.
- For adding spice into the mix, add curry powder, cayenne pepper, and pumpkin pie spice.
Cath
Replaced withe with brown sugar. Good recipe, you only have to keep stirring, or the sugar will burn quickly.
Olivia
Healthy snacks for children. Thanks!
Erin
Sweet and salty, I love it. Thanks for sharing this excellent recipe.