Nutty Gourmet Popcorn Snack
Elevate your snack game with this irresistible Nutty Gourmet Popcorn Snack, a perfect blend of crunchy, buttery caramel popcorn and roasted mixed nuts. Made with freshly popped kernels and coated in a luscious homemade caramel sauce infused with a hint of vanilla, this recipe achieves the ideal balance of sweet and salty goodness. The addition of flaky sea salt as an optional finishing touch adds a gourmet twist to this treat. Baked to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch, this indulgent snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a giftable homemade delight. Ready in just 45 minutes and easy to store, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup popping corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup mixed nuts (roasted and unsalted)
- 0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add a couple of corn kernels and cover the pot.
When the kernels pop, add the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover again and shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large, heatproof mixing bowl. Discard any unpopped kernels.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and light corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble gently, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the baking soda to the caramel mixture and stir quickly. The mixture will foam up slightly; this is normal.
Pour the caramel evenly over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula to gently fold and combine, ensuring that the popcorn is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the roasted mixed nuts over the caramel-coated popcorn and gently toss to distribute.
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn and nuts on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake the popcorn for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even coating.
Remove from the oven. While the popcorn is still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2905 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.3 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.5 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 2044 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 299.8 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.6 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 190.7 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1355 mg | 29% | |
*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.
