How to Make Salted Caramel Popcorn at Home

Quick Answer

To make salted caramel popcorn at home, pop fresh kernels, prepare a simple caramel sauce, coat evenly, and bake briefly for crunch. For a shortcut, use Fancypants Salted Caramel as a ready-made topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pop the corn: Pop 1/2 cup of kernels in a large pot with oil until the popping slows. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid breaking teeth. Use a large pot to prevent overflow; keep the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.
2. Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter, then add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup. Stir until dissolved, then boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Do not stir while boiling to prevent crystallization; the baking soda makes the sauce foam and coat evenly.
3. Coat the popcorn: Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and stir with a spatula until every kernel is coated. Work quickly before the sauce hardens. If the sauce hardens, reheat gently with a tablespoon of water to loosen it.
4. Bake for crunch: Spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This dries the coating for a crisp texture. Baking at a low temperature prevents burning; stir regularly for even drying.
5. Cool and store: Let the popcorn cool completely on the sheet. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to a week. Cooling fully prevents sogginess; store with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Product Spotlight

• Fancypants Salted Caramel 5oz Bag: Fancypants Salted Caramel is a sweet treat in a 5oz bag, categorized under non-alcohol, mixers, and soft drink tags. This ready-made caramel can be melted and drizzled over popcorn for a quick, consistent coating without making caramel from scratch.