How to Make Popcorn Balls

How to Make Popcorn Balls

When considering the week ahead, meals are often top of mind. Yet, while we wonder what we should make for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we frequently forget to prepare a quick snack. So, whether you are meal-prepping for the week or simply searching for new snack options, we're here to help. Out of all the snack recipes we've made, popcorn balls top our list of favorites. They can be made in savory and sweet versions to satisfy everyone's taste preferences and satisfy snackers of all ages. Eager to learn more about this simply delicious treat? Continue scrolling for step-by-step instructions on how to make popcorn balls.

What Are Popcorn Balls?

Popcorn balls are a crunchy, sticky treat in which popcorn is combined with other ingredients to form balls that you can enjoy as a snack. A fun cross between homemade caramel popcorn and a Rice Krispie treat, we're confident that the next time you make popcorn balls, you won't be able to eat just one.

How to Make Popcorn Balls

Ready to try this snack out for yourself? Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Choose a High-Quality Popcorn

Though there are several popcorn brands to choose from, when making popcorn balls, you'll want to reach for a brand that features one ingredientcorn. Many packaged brands contain butter, oil and salt already mixed into the kernels. While this produces flavorful popcorn, the taste may easily clash with the other ingredients in the popcorn balls. Additionally, additives and artificial ingredients are often used to keep these flavorings from spoiling. Choosing the best oil for popcorn and Bob's Red Mill Yellow Popcorn is an easy way to ensure that your popcorn balls are free of artificial ingredients and can be customized to your taste preferences. When choosing a popcorn to form your first batch of popcorn balls, there are two types of popcorn: white and yellow. Though the most notable difference is the color, the texture of the popcorn also varies. White popcorn often pops into smaller, more fine bright white shapes and creates a more tender texture. In comparison, yellow popcorn produces a sturdier build with a yellowish tint. caramel Popcorn Balls

Popcorn Nutritional Facts

Before making popcorn balls regularly, it's important to check the nutritional information of the popcorn you're using to ensure that it meets your dietary requirements. Here's a quick overview of what you'll find in a serving of Bob's Red Mill White Popcorn and Yellow Popcorn. Bob's Red Mill White Popcorn Serving Size 2 Tbsp (27g) Calories 100 Total Fat 1g Saturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 0mg Total Carbohydrate 19g Dietary Fiber 4g Total Sugars 0g Protein 3g Vitamin D 0mcg Calcium 1mg Iron 1mg Potassium 85mg Bob's Red Mill Yellow Popcorn Serving Size 2 Tbsp (25g) Calories 100 Total Fat 1g Saturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 0mg Total Carbohydrate 20g Dietary Fiber 5g Total Sugars 0g Protein 2g Vitamin D 0mcg Calcium 14mg Iron 1mg Potassium 62mg

Step 2: Choose a "Glue"

Now that you've chosen the type of popcorn you'd like to use, it's time to select a glue-like ingredient to hold it all together. When searching for a binding agent, you'll need to consider two things. First, make sure that the substance is sticky enough to hold the popcorn and the desired add-ins together. Second, choose something that will taste great with the other ingredients used. Though several elements can be used, some of the most common include peanut butter, honey, almond butter, maple syrup and agave.

Step 3: Choose the Desired Add-ins

Popcorn balls are incredibly customizable, which means you can add almost anything to them! Though the add-ins will vary depending on your taste preferences, we recommend sticking to one flavor for the best results. Sweet, savory, and even spicy popcorn balls can be created with the right ingredients. Here are a few of our favorite add-ins to help get the creativity flowing.

Popular Popcorn Ball Add-ins

colorful Popcorn Balls

Step 4: Form the Popcorn Balls

Now that you've chosen all the ingredients you'd like to include in your popcorn balls, it's time to start putting it all together. Here's a quick overview of how to create a round, solid shape with your ingredients. How to Make Popcorn Balls
  1. Place pre-popped popcorn into a large baking pan and keep warm at 200F.
  2. In a heavy saucepan, combine the ingredient you've chosen as the "glue" (peanut butter, honey, agave) with water and salt. Cook over medium heat until the combination is thoroughly mixed.
  3. Remove from the heat and add additional ingredients: butter, nuts, cacao nibs, etc.
  4. Immediately pour the mixture over the popcorn until it is fully coated.
  5. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, shape the popcorn into 3-inch balls, dipping your hands into cold water to prevent sticking.

Tip: Opt for Healthy Ingredients

We love combining wholesome and natural ingredients to create healthy snacks and popcorn balls are no exception. Several recipes on the internet feature sugar syrups and unhealthy add-ins, and while this may taste great, it can quickly turn this fiber-filled snack into candy. When creating your first batch of popcorn balls, opt for healthy and natural ingredients like nut butter, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, honey and dark chocolate.

Popcorn Ball Flavor Combinations

Popcorn balls Now that you know just how easy it is to make popcorn balls, it's time to make some for yourself. We've created a list of our favorite flavor combinations to help you get started. From bacon to s'mores, there's sure to be something that you enjoy!

Tropical Popcorn Balls

Are you craving a tropical vacation? This flavor combo will transport you there in just one bite. To make tropical popcorn balls, agave nectar or honey keeps all of the ingredients in place, while chopped macadamia nuts, coconut and peanut butter create a flavor fresh off the island. Enjoy these popcorn balls as you kick off summer vacation, or whip up a batch to cure the winter blues. Whenever you choose to make and enjoy this treat, it's sure to be a hit.

S'mores

For a kid-friendly recipe that people of all ages will enjoy munching on, turn your kitchen into a campground by making S'more popcorn balls. By combining common s'more ingredients like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and golden graham cereal, you can create a sweet after-school snack that doubles as a dessert. So easy to make, it's the perfect recipe to invite the kiddos to help out with while also squeezing in some quality family time.

Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate

As simple as this combination may be, it's one of our favorites. Many popcorn balls are made with corn syrup and sugar. However, just a few simple ingredient swaps can make them much healthier. To create a tasty treat that's out-of-this-world delicious, combine butter, peanut butter and honey to stick your popcorn balls together. Then drizzle on a bit of dark chocolate and sea salt to form a sweet and salty flavor that will satisfy all of your cravings.

Bacon and Cheese

When most people think of popcorn balls, they think of a sweet treat. And while that's usually the case, some of our favorite popcorn ball recipes are actually made with savory ingredients. Switch up your favored snack by swapping chocolate and peanut butter with ingredients like cheese and bacon. Start with a base like a maple syrup and add elements like chipotle powder, chili powder, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon. You'll create a savory and satisfying snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

White Chocolate and Cayenne

Take things to the next level by combining a typical popcorn ball ingredient like white chocolate with a zesty spice like cayenne. Sweet, spicy and warming, it's the ideal flavor combo for those looking to change things up in the kitchen. A fun and unique treat, these popcorn balls are sure to be the talk of the dessert table. We hope this guide to making popcorn balls has inspired you to try this snack out for yourself. Choose from one of the flavor combinations above, or create one yourself. We've found that some of the best-tasting treats are made with a bit of creativity. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, happy snacking! Do you enjoy making popcorn balls at home? We'd love to hear the tips and tricks you use to ensure that they're a success. Share your favorite popcorn ball-making tips with us in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
April 02 2022

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