Halloween Popcorn Balls

Two things we like about Halloween food are the creepy crawlies and the ghoulish items. The problem is that ghoulish or icky, isn’t always appropriate, but we love these Halloween popcorn balls.

To be honest, even we don’t want to attend a party where everything attacks the senses and imagination, and you end up hungry to scared to eat what’s been served up.

Sometimes you just want to eat what you can eye-identify if you know what we mean.

This is a fabulous  Halloween popcorn balls recipe that nails it! You can add all sorts of flavors and you can “dress” them up with gross creepy crawlies for older people or fun items appropriate for the younger children.

𝙄𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨
3 cups brown sugar
3 cups corn syrup
1 ½ cups butter (3 sticks)
3 tsp. salt
48 cups popcorn, popped (about 3 cups un-popped kernels)

Makes roughly 36 small Halloween popcorn balls

𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨
In a large pot over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Add 1 cup and about 1 cup of unpopped popcorn kernels. As popping begins, listen to the speed of the kernel pops.

When the speed slows to about 2-3 seconds between pops, popcorn should be ready… This is ONLY an estimate! Do not allow popcorn to burn. Repeat 2 more times or until you have about 48 cups of popped corn.

Note: Pour popcorn into a large bowl. If you do not have a bowl large enough, you can thoroughly clean & dry your kitchen sink, lay a saucer over the hole, and use it. Sift through popcorn to remove any unpopped kernels at the bottom of the bowl.

Using the same pan you popped the corn in, add the brown sugar and corn syrup.

Next, add the butter and salt. Bring to a simmer; continue simmering for about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and slowly pour over popcorn. Using a large spoon, stir until all popcorn is well coated.

Once the popcorn has cooled enough to handle, shape into balls with your hands, pressing tight to ensure they stay together.

Now you can decorate your Halloween popcorn balls with candy corn, candy sprinkles, gummy worms, etc.

Note: Adding candies into the mix doesn’t work well as the waxy candy coating tends to make the Halloween popcorn balls break apart.

You will also find other Halloween recipes that the kids can help you make!