Easy Homemade Kettle Corn: Sweet and Salty Fair Classic in 20 Minutes
Classic Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe
Kettle corn is a timeless sweet-and-salty snack that brings county fair magic straight to your kitchen in just three simple ingredients.
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Servings: 5 servings
Rating:
4.6 (1588 reviews)
Ingredients for Homemade Kettle Corn
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Stovetop Kettle Corn
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, sprinkle in three popcorn kernels and cover. When they pop, you know the oil is hot enough.
- Remove the three kernels, then pour in the sugar and remaining popcorn kernels; stir quickly to coat.
- Cover the pot and gently shake it back and forth over the burner to prevent burning.
- Once the popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove from heat and immediately transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, toss lightly, and serve while warm and crisp.
County Fair Flavor: The Story of Kettle Corn
Picture a bustling fairground, cotton candy in hand, and the irresistible aroma of fresh kettle corn drifting through the air. Originating in New England colonial fairs, this sweet-and-salty popcorn has stood the test of time as the ultimate snack for gatherings.
- Fair-Style Sweetness: A glistening sugar coating caramelizes as the kernels pop.
- Crunchy Satisfaction: Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures.
- Simple Ingredients: Just oil, sugar, kernels—and a dash of nostalgia.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pop
- Use a heavy pot to distribute heat evenly.
- Shake continuously to avoid scorching that sugar glaze.
- Adjust salt after popping for balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Kettle Corn
Serve in vintage paper cones for an authentic county fair vibe, or mix with nuts and pretzels for a party-ready snack mix. Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.
Enjoy your kettle corn with friends and family, sharing this sweet-and-salty delight in every crunchy bite.
Recipe inspiration from Allrecipes
Classic Homemade Kettle Corn Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, sprinkle in three popcorn kernels and cover. When they pop, you know the oil is hot enough.
- Remove the three kernels, then pour in the sugar and remaining popcorn kernels; stir quickly to coat.
- Cover the pot and gently shake it back and forth over the burner to prevent burning.
- Once the popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove from heat and immediately transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, toss lightly, and serve while warm and crisp.
