Kettle Corn (2024)

Make kettle corn at home with just three easy-to-find ingredients. Sound too good to be true? It's not! This kettle corn recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

What Is Kettle Corn?

Kettle corn is a type of popcorn that was traditionally made in cast iron kettles. The lightly sweetened popcorn is usually made with just oil and white sugar, but you can mix it up with sugars and sweeteners to suit your taste.

Kettle Corn Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this easy kettle corn recipe:

· Popcorn kernels: To make about 10 cups of kettle corn, you'll need ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels.
· Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable oil, gives the sugar something to stick to without imparting flavor.
· Sugar: This kettle corn recipe is simply sweetened with just white sugar.

Tip: To enhance the flavor, sprinkle the kettle corn with salt before serving.

How to Make Kettle Corn

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this homemade kettle corn:

Cook the kernels and sugar in oil over medium heat. Cover and shake frequently, then remove from heat when the popping slows.

How to Store Kettle Corn

Store your kettle corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you gift the kettle corn, make sure the container is tightly sealed so it stays fresh for as long as possible.

Kettle Corn (2)

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This turned out great," according to Ryan Schroeder. "I was skeptical about pouring the sugar into hot oil, but with plenty of shaking it turned out great. I added plenty of butter and salt after. Will def make again!""

"So easy to make and very quick," says L Danica. "Thanks so much, I'm so glad I gave this recipe a try. This is going to be my new method for making popcorn at home."

"Who knew that you could make your own super easy, amazingly delicious and affordable kettle corn?!" asks cbailey97. "Tastes better than any store-bought brand!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Kettle Corn (2024)

FAQs

How is kettle corn different from popcorn? ›

Here are the most significant differences between kettle popcorn and regular popcorn: Classic popcorn is mostly popped with oil and butter, while kettle popcorn is traditionally air-popped in an iron kettle. Regular popcorn is considered a healthy snack.

What exactly is kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn is an old-fashioned, county fair treat. Your family will never want plain popcorn again! If you use white sugar, it will taste like popcorn balls; if you use brown sugar, it will taste like caramel corn. Submitted by Sue Cohagen Myers. Updated on November 3, 2022.

Is kettle corn just sweet popcorn? ›

A typical kettle corn recipe is cooked with sugar and salt for a sweet and salty flavor, while regular popcorn is usually buttery and salty.

What makes kettle corn special? ›

Kettle corn gets its name from its preferred method of preparation, which is in a cast-iron kettle. Another key difference is kettle corn's use of sugar. Along with oil and salt, sugar is added to the kettle and requires constant stirring to avoid burning the sugar. A little bit more work for a little sweeter treat!

Why do Americans call it kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn is a sweet variety of popcorn that is typically mixed or seasoned with a light-colored refined sugar, salt, and oil. It was traditionally made in cast iron kettles, hence the name, but in modern times other types of pots and pans are used.

Why is kettle corn so high in calories? ›

The sugar content in kettle popcorn contributes to its sweet flavor but also adds to the overall calorie count.

Why is kettle corn so addictive? ›

One of the reasons people enjoy kettle corn so much is its sweet flavor. The addition of sugar makes kettle popcorn very addictive, so it's no surprise that you can't stop eating it until you've finished the entire bowl.

What is kettle corn supposed to taste like? ›

Kettle corn is a combination of sweet and salty flavors. It is lighter in flavor and texture than caramel corn as the sugar and salt are mixed in during popping rather than coated.

How is kettle corn so round? ›

Regular popcorn comes from butterfly flakes or snowflakes, which are irregular in shape with many popping “wings” that stick out, hence the name. Butterfly flakes are much more tender and have a better mouthfeel. Mushroom flakes, used to make kettle corn, are mostly spherical in shape and can be either round or oblong.

Can dogs eat popcorn? ›

Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs? Yes and no. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.

Can dogs have kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn and caramel popcorn are not good snacks for dogs. In addition to the butter and salt, both types of popcorn have tons of sugar and other preservatives that are very unhealthy for our fur babies. They may give your pup stomach issues like gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

What are the different flavors of kettle corn? ›

Gourmet Flavors
  • Original Kettle Corn.
  • Caramel Glaze.
  • Chocolate.
  • Natural Cheddar.
  • Cheddar coated Caramel.
  • Spicy Cheddar.
  • Spicy Cajun BBQ.
  • Spicy Ranch.
Feb 12, 2021

Is kettle corn just caramel popcorn? ›

Kettle corn is a combination of sweet and salty flavors. It is lighter in flavor and texture than caramel corn as the sugar and salt are mixed in during popping rather than coated.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
  • Whole Foods 365 Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • Trader Joes Organic Popcorn With Olive Oil.
  • Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • How to Choose a Healthy Popcorn.
Sep 27, 2022

Can diabetics eat kettle popcorn? ›

However, it is important to check the packaging as prepared bags often contain extra butter or sugar. Instead, people can look for packets of popcorn with light, unsalted butter or fewer calories. People with diabetes should avoid kettle corn varieties, as the extra sweetness comes with additional sugar.

References

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