Indulge in the simple, timeless delight of homemade Classic Kettle Corn Popcorn, perfect for satisfying sweet-and-salty snack cravings. With just four pantry staples—popcorn kernels, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt—this recipe delivers the iconic crunch and lightly caramelized glaze you love. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines quick prep and foolproof stovetop cooking, making it ideal for movie nights, casual gatherings, or anytime munching. Gently shaking the pot while the kernels pop ensures even coating and prevents burning, resulting in the perfect balance of crispy texture and sugary warmth. Serve warm or let it cool for extra crunch—this nostalgic treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
In a large pot or deep saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add a couple of popcorn kernels to the hot oil and cover the pot with the lid. Once the kernels pop, remove them and add the rest of the popcorn kernels.
Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the kernels, then immediately cover the pot with the lid again.
Gently shake the pot by moving it back and forth over the heat. This will keep the kernels moving, ensuring they don't burn and the sugar does not settle at the bottom.
As the popping slows to about 1 pop every 2-3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and keep shaking until the popping completely stops.
Carefully remove the lid, allowing steam to escape, and transfer the kettle corn to a large bowl.
Sprinkle the salt over the kettle corn and gently toss to evenly coat.
Allow the kettle corn to cool for a few minutes before serving, which will enhance its crunchiness.
Calories |
714 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.5 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1184 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.0 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 164 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.