Classic Halloween Recipe: Popcorn Balls

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Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

This post contains affiliate links. See the end of this post and/or my disclaimer for more.

 

Few treats are as iconic during Halloween season as the humble popcorn ball. And, blessedly, they are ridiculously easy to make with just three ingredients!

Some recipes will have you brewing up what basically equates to candy to make your popcorn balls, but, well, ain’t nobody got time for that. I like easy, simple and failproof.

That’s why I love these popcorn balls using just popcorn, marshmallows and butter!

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

These were featured in my vintage-inspired Halloween party, and today I’ll teach you how to make – and customize – them!

 

Here’s how to make these super easy popcorn balls:

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

Classic Halloween Recipe: Popcorn Balls

Make this classic Halloween recipe using just three pantry staples. You won't find an easier recipe out there!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 1 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsps butter
  • 8 oz mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups popcorn

Instructions
 

  • Pop microwave popcorn according to directions on box/preference. Set aside to cool. (After it's cool, you might consider creating a large sift using a cooling rack like this on a sheet pan (what I use) to spread the popcorn out on and sift out the unpopped kernels.)
  • Melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large saucepan.
  • Once butter is melted, add 8 ounces of mini marshmallows to saucepan and melt.
  • When butter and marshmallows are smooth, turn off heat, quickly add popcorn and toss using spatula.
  • Allow mixture to cool. In the meantime, coat wax paper with vegetable oil spray.
  • When popcorn mixture is cool enough to handle, coat your hands with vegetable oil spray (trust me on this), grab approximately 1/2 cup of popcorn mixture and gently roll into a ball. Place on oiled wax paper to set. Repeat until all popcorn has been rolled into balls.
  • Allow popcorn balls to set for at least one hour. Store in air-tight container.

Notes

To customize, consider adding your favorite Halloween candy (chop into small pieces of larger than bite-size), Halloween-themed sprinkles or your favorite nuts.
You may also add food coloring to the butter and marshmallow mixture before adding the popcorn to create colored popcorn balls.

 

How to make Halloween popcorn balls, step by step:

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

As always, we start by gathering our ingredients – mini marshmallows, butter and popcorn. I used microwave popcorn containing as little salt as possible, but you can use whatever kind you’d like. (Popping it yourself with zero additives would be ideal!)

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

First, you’ll want to pop your popcorn according to the directions on the package or your own preference. Once popped, set aside and allow to cool.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Then, add three tablespoons of butter to a large saucepan. I actually used the one pot I own to do this so I would have space to stir up my mixture. I recommend doing the same!

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Next, throw in your 8 ounces of mini marshmallows. Mini ‘mallows are optimal because the surface area will ensure they melt quickly.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Heat until the mixture is combined and smooth.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Then toss in the popcorn.

Note on popcorn: I mention it in the instructions above, and I wish I would have done this to sift out the unpopped kernels.

Consider creating your own sift by setting a checked cooling rack (like this) on top of a sheet pan (these are what I have), then pour the popped popcorn on top of the cooling sack. Shake gentle to work kernels out of the popcorn.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Gently stir the mixture to combine, then allow it to cool until you can handle the popcorn without burning your hands.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

In the meantime, spread out wax paper and spray with vegetable oil. We’ll place our popcorn balls here to dry, and the oil will keep them from sticking.

When the popcorn mixture is cool enough to handle, spray your hands down with vegetable oil too to prevent the mixture from sticking. Make balls using 1/2 cup of the mixture per ball. Roll gently and place on wax paper to dry.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

They should look something like this!

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

Allow them to dry for one hour, then store in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.

 

Popcorn balls using just three ingredients! Make this classic Halloween recipe with pantry staples you already have, plus how to customize them.

 

The perfect classic Halloween treat!

 

How to customize your popcorn balls:

 

This is a ridiculously easy recipe to customize! Here are a few ideas for doing that:

  • Add your favorite bite-sized candy, like M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces
  • Chop up your favorite candy bar and toss it in
  • Add your favorite nuts
  • Add candy corn!
  • Coat with Halloween-themed sprinkles
  • Add food coloring into the butter and marshmallow mixture before adding the popcorn to make your balls fun colors

 

 

What classic Halloween recipe do you make each October?

 

Caramel apples are one I’m still trying to crack the code on. It might be the climate where I live (Houston is almost always humid…), but I am forever battling against the caramel sliding off the sides of the apples, even when I do everything I can to get rid of the waxy seal on them!

But…that’s another blog post for another day.

Until then, give these popcorn balls a try and let me know what you think of them!

Looking for more Halloween recipes? Browse the blog archives and follow my Halloween recipes board on Pinterest.

 

 

Happy haunting,

This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Spooky Little Halloween will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween

Miranda is the Houston-based writer, blogger, and Halloween lover behind Spooky Little Halloween, the blog celebrating October 31st all year long. Her favorite Halloween things include pumpkin guts, chocolate bars in her trick-or-treat pail, real haunted houses (including the one she lives in!), and historic cemeteries.

2 Comments

  1. Reply

    Ali

    July 20, 2018

    Who says you have to wait for Halloween to enjoy these!

  2. Reply

    Chelsea Celaya

    July 23, 2018

    My favorite treat to make are candied apples! I love the red of the candy with the green of the apple and as a cinnamon treat, it’s perfect for the fall weather. I’m not a big caramel apple person, but I love my candied apples. They’re the best! I make them every year without fail (and they’re a lot easier than you might think).

    I’m definitely going to give these popcorn balls a go, though. I thought they were so much harder, but it’s a lot like making rice krispee treats!

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