Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn
Ingredients
- 8 cpopped popcorn
we use air popped popcorn
- 1 ½ cpretzels
- ½ cunsalted butter
- 1 clight brown sugar
- 2 tbsplight corn syrup
- 12big marshmallows
- ½ tspvanilla
- 1 tspsea salt
- 1 cM&M's
Directions
- 1
Place the popcorn and pretzels on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and cook until melted and combined. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
- 3
Evenly pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzels. Gently stir until the popcorn and pretzels are well coated. It will be sticky! Stir in the M&M's. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. The popcorn will stay sticky and soft!
- 4
Note-if you need the recipe to be gluten-free, make sure you use gluten-free pretzels. You can also use peanut M&M's or stir in peanuts!
Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn: Your New Favorite Snack!
Get ready to discover your new obsession: Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn! This irresistible popcorn snack brings together everything you love about sweet treats and savory crunch in one incredibly easy-to-make package. It's truly a family favorite that disappears almost as quickly as you make it, perfect for movie nights, party platters, or just a delightful anytime treat.
What makes this homemade popcorn treat so special? It's the magical combination of light, airy popcorn and crunchy pretzels, all coated in a gooey, buttery, brown sugar marshmallow caramel. A generous sprinkle of sea salt perfectly balances the sweetness, while colorful M&M's add a fun burst of chocolatey goodness and extra texture. With a total time of just 15 minutes, this is an easy popcorn recipe that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort.
Tips for the Perfect Batch
- Popcorn Base: We recommend using air-popped popcorn for the lightest, fluffiest base. Ensure it's fully cooled before mixing to prevent sogginess.
- Caramel Consistency: Cook the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup until bubbly, then stir in the marshmallows until completely melted and smooth. This creates that wonderfully sticky, irresistible coating.
- The Salt Factor: Don't skimp on the sea salt! It's crucial for achieving that signature sweet and salty balance that makes this marshmallow popcorn so addictive.
- Timing the M&M's: Add the M&M's after the popcorn has been coated and slightly cooled, so they don't melt completely. This keeps their vibrant color and satisfying crunch.
Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions
While fantastic as is, this sweet and salty popcorn is also wonderfully versatile.
- Candy Swap: Try mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or different colored candies for holidays.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped peanuts, cashews, or pecans for extra crunch and protein.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice added to the caramel can create a cozy twist.
Serve this delightful easy popcorn recipe at your next gathering, for a school bake sale, or simply as a well-deserved treat after a long day. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask you to make again!