A mouthwatering snack that brings together the irresistible sweetness of caramelized sugar and the delightful crunch of popcorn, creating a heavenly flavor that is sure to please any sweet tooth. Perfect for movie nights, game nights, family gatherings, or an on-the-go snack, kettle corn is a must-have that will leave you craving more.
what is kettle corn?
Kettle corn is a delectable and popular snack that perfectly balances the contrasting flavors of sweet and salty. It is a unique variation of popcorn that undergoes a special cooking process. The kernels are popped in a large kettle or pot with a combination of oil, sugar, and salt. The heat causes the corn to pop, while the sugar melts and caramelizes, forming a luscious glaze that coats each kernel. This creates sweet and satisfying crunch imparting a subtle sweetness to popcorn. The addition of salt provides a savory element that beautifully complements the sweetness, resulting in a tantalizing taste experience.
While the classic kettle corn recipe features the combination of sugar and salt, other variations have emerged over time. Some recipes incorporate additional ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate, or other seasonings to add new dimensions of flavor. These variations offer exciting twists on the traditional kettle corn, allowing you to explore different taste profiles and find your personal favorite.
How to serve kettle corn
For the best flavor and texture, serve kettle corn when it is warm and fresh. This delicious snack can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including as an on-the-go snack, a movie or game night treat, or a party snack!
Easy homemade kettle corn
Serves: 2 people
Ready in: 7 minutes
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Equipment
A large pot with a lid – we recommend using a 6 quart pot (5.7 liters).
ingredients
- 1/4 cup popping corn
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
method
Step 1
In a large pot, pour in the oil and drop in 3 kernels of popping corn. Cover and place over medium-low. Wait until the 3 kernels pop and carefully remove them from the pot with a spoon.
Step 2
Add the rest of the popping corn and lightly shake the pot. Pour the sugar over the popcorn. Cover the pot. Hold down the lid and shake for a few seconds and rest for a few seconds, repeating until the popping corn begins popping.
Step 3
When the popping corn begins popping, continuously shake the pot.
Step 4
Once the popping slows and there is about a 3-second break between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the kettle corn to cool before digging in.
Notes
- When shaking the pot, take care not to burn yourself.
- It is important to continuously shake the pot to prevent the kettle corn from burning.
Storage
This kettle corn can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fun Fact
- Inside a soft circle of starch in the popcorn kernel is a small drop of water. At 212 F, the drop of water turns to steam and at 347 F, the pressure that builds inside explodes the kernel, releasing the steam and starch inside. These immediately cool to form popcorn’s distinct shape.
How to enjoy kettle corn
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy kettle corn when it is fresh. This delicious snack can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including as an on-the-go snack, a movie or game night treat, or a party snack!
History of kettle corn
While kettle corn is thought of as an American treat, sold at carnivals, festivals, and other events, its roots can be traced back to the 1700s in Europe. European farmers would cook corn in large cast iron kettle over an open fire.
In the late 1700s, America was first introduced to kettle corn. The first written reference to kettle corn in America dates back to 1776 from the diary of a Dutch settler in Pennsylvania.
Kettle corn rapidly spread across America with each region adding its own unique spin: some would use honey in place of sugar while others substituted in molasses.
However, towards the end of the 19th century, the popularity of kettle corn began to wane. But towards the end of the 1900s, kettle corn made a swift resurgence.
What equipment do you need?
A large pot with a lid – we recommend using a 6 quart pot (5.7 liters). It is better to use a large pot when making kettle corn, as the popping corn will expand during the cooking process.
How to make kettle corn
Making kettle corn requires only three ingredients: sugar, popping corn, and oil.
Popping corn
The process begins by placing the olive oil and three kernels of popping corn in a large pot over medium-low heat with a lid covering the top. Once the three kernels have popped, carefully remove them from the pot using a spoon. This step helps to ensure that the oil is hot enough to pop the remaining corn kernels.
Sugar
Add the remaining popping corn to the pot and give it a light shake to distribute the heat and oil evenly. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the popcorn.
Cover the pot again and hold down the lid firmly while shaking it for a few seconds. Then, let it rest for a few seconds before repeating the shaking process. Continue shaking the pot intermittently until you hear the popping corn begin to pop.
As the popping corn begins to pop, maintain a continuous shaking motion to prevent the kernels from burning. Shaking the pot is the most important step in making kettle corn. The shaking helps to distribute the heat and sugar evenly, ensuring that each kernel is coated with a delicious caramelized layer.
Once you notice that the popping slows down and there is about a 3-second break between pops, it is time to remove the pot from the heat. This indicates that most of the corn has popped, and you don’t want to risk burning the remaining kernels. Be cautious while handling the hot pot.
Delicious Defined 
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