Sweet & Salty Patriotic Popcorn for Your Summer BBQ

This Patriotic Popcorn is the ultimate festive treat for any party, picnic, or BBQ!

Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just looking to add a little sparkle to your summer festivities, this easy recipe will be a hit with everyone.

With colorful candy melts, fun sprinkles, and crunchy popcorn, it’s a deliciously fun snack for your next celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: about 6-8 cups

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup red candy melts
• 1/4 cup white candy melts
• 1/4 cup blue candy melts
• 1/4 cup M&Ms (preferably red, white, and blue)
• 1 tbsp sprinkles (stars and stripes themed if available)

Step-by-step Guide:

1 – Use an air popper to pop the 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Alternatively, place the popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag. Fold the top over a few times to seal it.

Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows to about 5 seconds between pops.

2 – Place the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls.

3 – Microwave each bowl for 1 minute, stir, and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.

4 – Transfer each color to a separate small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off for drizzling.

5 – Spread the popped popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6 – Drizzle the melted red, white, and blue candy melts over the popcorn in a back-and-forth motion.

7 – While the candy is still melted, sprinkle the M&Ms and decorative sprinkles evenly over the popcorn to ensure they stick.

8 – Allow the candy melts to harden at room temperature, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

You can also place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the hardening process.

9 – Once the candy has set, break the popcorn into clusters.

10 – Serve in a large bowl or distribute into individual serving bags for a party. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success:

• Chill for Faster Setting: If you’re in a rush, pop the tray in the fridge for about 10 minutes after drizzling the candy melts. This will help the treats harden quicker so you can enjoy them sooner!

• Use Quality Candy Melts: For a smoother drizzle, make sure your candy melts are fully melted before drizzling. If you find them too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to loosen them up.

• Customize the Sprinkles: Get creative with the sprinkles! You can find stars and stripes-themed sprinkles for a patriotic touch, or swap them for any festive sprinkles that match your celebration.

This Patriotic Popcorn will brighten up any holiday gathering, and with its colorful candy coating and fun decorations, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

Try making it for your next Independence Day bash, picnic, or any summer celebration.

It’s a sweet, crunchy, and colorful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Patriotic Popcorn

Yield: 6-8 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup red candy melts
• 1/4 cup white candy melts
• 1/4 cup blue candy melts
• 1/4 cup M&Ms (preferably red, white, and blue)
• 1 tbsp sprinkles (stars and stripes themed if available)

Instructions

1. Pop the Corn: Air Popper: Use an air popper to pop the
   1/2 cup of popcorn kernels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Microwave: Alternatively, place the popcorn kernels in a
   brown paper bag, fold the top over a few times to seal it, and microwave on
   high for 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows to about 5 seconds between
   pops.
3. Prepare the Candy Melts: Place the red, white, and blue
   candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each bowl for 1 minute,
   stir, and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between,
   until fully melted. Transfer each color to a separate small piping bag or a
   zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off for drizzling.
4. Assemble the Patriotic Popcorn: Spread the popped popcorn
   on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the melted red,
   white, and blue candy melts over the popcorn in a back-and-forth motion.
5. While the candy is still melted, sprinkle the M&Ms
   and decorative sprinkles evenly over the popcorn to ensure they stick.
6. Let It Set: Allow the candy melts to harden at room
   temperature, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can also place the tray
   in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the candy has set, break the
   popcorn into clusters. Serve in a large bowl or distribute into individual
   serving bags for a party.