Description
Indulgent sweet and salty popcorn snack mix blends classic movie theater flavors with irresistible crunch. Chocolate drizzles, caramel swirls, and perfectly seasoned kernels create a snacking experience you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts or sunflower seeds (optional for nut-free alternative)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps corn syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Station: Warm the oven to 300F (150C) and line a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even cooking surface.
- Ingredient Fusion: Gently combine popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and chocolate candies in a generous mixing bowl, creating a textural base for the snack mix.
- Caramel Transformation: In a compact saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Allow the caramel to develop for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and infuse with vanilla and salt for depth of flavor.
- Coating Process: Swiftly pour the warm caramel over the dry ingredients, using a folding technique to ensure each morsel is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
- Baking Technique: Distribute the caramel-coated mixture across the prepared baking sheet, creating a uniform layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to promote consistent golden crispness.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the mix to cool completely, then optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate for added indulgence. Once set, break into irregular chunks for a rustic, shareable snack.
Notes
- Select fresh, crisp popcorn and high-quality chocolate candies for maximum flavor and texture.
- Watch the caramel closely while simmering to prevent burning; aim for a golden, glossy consistency without scorching.
- Toss the popcorn mix quickly and evenly with caramel to ensure all pieces get a perfect sweet-salty glaze.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer during baking to guarantee crisp, crunchy results with even caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg