Low Sodium Classic Popcorn Balls
Indulge in nostalgic snacking with these Low Sodium Classic Popcorn Balls—a delightful twist on a beloved treat that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fluffy air-popped popcorn with a luscious, homemade caramel-like syrup made from unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and sugar, keeping the sodium content minimal while maximizing flavor. Enhanced by a hint of vanilla and just a touch of salt, these popcorn balls strike a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. Ready in just 40 minutes, these handheld snacks are as fun to shape as they are to eat, making them ideal for family gatherings, movie nights, or holiday parties. Store them in an airtight container to ensure they stay irresistibly fresh when the craving hits!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unpopped popcorn kernels
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup Water
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, ensuring you remove any unpopped kernels.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, water, and salt.
Stir the mixture continuously until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it boil for about 5 minutes or until it reaches a light caramel color.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn, gently stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure thorough coating.
Allow the popcorn to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle but still pliable.
With slightly damp hands, form the coated popcorn into balls about 2 inches in diameter, pressing lightly to shape.
Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and let them cool completely to set.
Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2425 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.3 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.4 g | 147% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 634 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 466.9 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.2 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 291.5 g | ||
| Protein | 26.8 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 679 mg | 14% | |
*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.
