Festive popcorn mix tossed with candy, pretzels, and sweet buttery coating. Perfect for parties or fall celebrations.
# Components:
→ Popcorn Base
01 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels or 8 cups plain popped popcorn
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Sweet & Salty Mix-ins
03 - 1 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed
04 - 1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (such as M&M’s; use Halloween colors)
05 - 1 cup candy corn
06 - 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts
07 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
→ Coating
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
09 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows. Remove from heat and allow to cool, or alternatively use air-popped or microwave popcorn.
02 - Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove and discard any unpopped kernels for safety.
03 - In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in packed light brown sugar and kosher salt. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is dissolved, bubbling, and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Drizzle the warm butter-sugar mixture immediately over the popcorn and toss gently to achieve even coverage.
05 - Incorporate mini pretzels, candy-coated chocolate pieces, candy corn, roasted salted peanuts, and chocolate chips to the coated popcorn. Toss gently for uniform distribution.
06 - Let the popcorn mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the coating set and helps prevent candies from melting.
07 - Serve in a large bowl or divide among treat bags for parties.
