Sweet and Salty Popcorn Balls are the perfect treat to satisfy a salty and sweet craving. These are great for family gatherings during the holidays.
TIPS FOR THE BEST POPCORN BALLS
Popcorn balls are easy to make, but there are a few issues that some people encounter. I am going to help you troubleshoot these possible issues before you start!
- If your popcorn balls are falling apart you probably don’t have enough of the marshmallow mixture. Too much popcorn can be a problem. Make sure you have plenty of the marshmallow mixture to fully coat all the popcorn.
- Always use freshly popped popcorn for the best results.
- Be sure to pull out any unpopped kernals. You don’t want someone to break a tooth when they eat the popcorn ball.
- Popcorn balls are sticky business when you are making them. Always grease your hands while you are putting the balls together so they don’t stick to your hands.
- Don’t pack the popcorn balls too tightly. You don’t want them to be too dense.
HOW TO STORE POPCORN BALLS
Popcorn balls are always best when stored individually. I like to wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap. Then I put all the wrapped balls into a larger airtight container.
Technically, these are good for a week or so, if stored properly. But I think they are best if eaten within one or two days.
INGREDIENTS
This recipe for sweet and salty popcorn balls only calls for four ingredients. If you don’t want to add M&M’s you can leave those out!
- Popcorn
- Marshmallows
- Butter
- M&M’s
HOW TO MAKE SWEET AND SALTY POPCORN BALLS
Once you have made your first batch of popcorn balls, you will be hooked. They get easier to make over time! You may want to make a double-batch!
POP THE POPCORN
First, pop your popcorn in the microwave according to the package directions. Be sure not to burn your popcorn! There is nothing worse than the smell or taste of burnt popcorn, LOL! If there are any kernels that don’t pop, be sure to throw those away so they don’t get in your Sweet and Salty Popcorn Balls.
Put your popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.
MAKE MARSHMALLOW MIXTURE
In a large pot on the stove you will melt your butter. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows. Stir the marshmallows and the butter until the marshmallows are melted.
Pour the melted butter and marshmallow mixture over your popcorn and stir. It is important to get the popcorn well coated.
MAKE POPCORN BALLS
Now make small popcorn balls with your hands. If the mixture is too sticky you can put butter on your hands to make it easier to work with.
Once the popcorn ball is formed, add some M&M’s to the outside. Use festive colors for different holidays!
To make these Sweet and Salty Popcorn Balls easy to eat….I put each ball inside a cute cupcake liner and used a cupcake pick so that they are easy to pick up! If you plan to eat these later, then be sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
SWEET AND SALTY POPCORN BALLS RECIPE
- 10 cups popcorn popped
- 10 oz Marshmallows mini or regular
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies
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Pop popcorn and remove any unpopped kernals.
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Put your popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.
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In a pot on the stove melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted add the marshmallows. Stir the marshmallows and the butter until the marshmallows are melted. Keep stirring while the marshmallows melt so the mixture doesn't burn.
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Pour the melted butter and marshmallow mixture over your popcorn and stir. Make sure all the popcorn is coated.
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Put some butter on your hands and form the coated popcorn into balls. Add M&M's if desired, to the outside of the balls.
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Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap then store in an airtight container.
This makes 6 large popcorn balls or you can make smaller balls and get 10-12.
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Those popcorn balls would be the perfect addition to our next movie night! I have been wanting to see War Room! What a great idea! #client.
Thanks Amber!