Why Make This Recipe
Bewitched Halloween Popcorn is a fun and festive treat that gets everyone in the Halloween spirit! This popcorn mix is not only delicious but also colorful and appealing with its green candy coating and fun mix-ins. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treaters, or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s simple to make and sure to impress your friends and family.
How to Make Bewitched Halloween Popcorn
Ingredients:
For the Popcorn Base:
- 16 cups of popped popcorn (from about ¾ cup un-popped kernels), unsalted and unbuttered
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup M&M’s Ghoul’s Mix (or similar Halloween-themed chocolate candies)
- ½ cup edible candy eyeballs
For the “Witch’s Brew” Candy Coating:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp green gel food coloring (gel provides a more vibrant color than liquid)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step keeps the candy-coated popcorn from sticking.
- In a very large, heatproof bowl, combine the 16 cups of popped popcorn with the 1 ½ cups of mini pretzels. Set aside the candy corn, chocolate candies, and candy eyeballs; we’ll add these later to prevent them from melting.
- In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar and the ½ cup of light corn syrup.
- Bring this mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly. Stop stirring and let it boil for exactly 4 minutes. Timer use is highly recommended for accuracy.
- After 4 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully add the 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 tsp of green gel food coloring. The mixture will bubble—be careful. Finally, stir in the ½ tsp of baking soda. It will foam up, creating a lighter texture for the popcorn.
- Quickly pour the hot green syrup over the popcorn and pretzel mix in the large bowl. Use a long-handled silicone spatula to gently toss until all the popcorn is coated.
- Spread the coated popcorn evenly across your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes. This step helps the coating dry and creates that crunchy texture we love.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 20-30 minutes. While still slightly warm, sprinkle the candy corn, chocolate candies, and candy eyeballs over the top. Gently toss to mix.
- When completely cool, break the popcorn into clusters. It’s ready to serve or store!
How to Serve Bewitched Halloween Popcorn
Serve this delightful Halloween popcorn in large bowls for parties or in individual bags for trick-or-treaters. You can also use it as a fun topping for Halloween desserts or ice cream. It’s a sweet treat that kids and adults will enjoy!
How to Store Bewitched Halloween Popcorn
Store any leftover Bewitched Halloween Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. Just make sure it’s completely cool before storing so it doesn’t get soggy.
Tips to Make Bewitched Halloween Popcorn
- Be sure to measure your popcorn and pretzels accurately for the best results.
- Use a non-stick spray on your mixing bowl and spatula to help with sticking while tossing.
- Experiment with different Halloween-themed candies and sprinkles for a unique touch!
Variation
Feel free to change the color of the candy coating using different gel food colors. You can also swap out the candies for your favorites, such as chocolate-covered pretzels or gummy worms, to make the mix your own.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popped kernels?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just make sure it’s unsalted and unbuttered.
How do I make the popcorn spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the syrup mix before pouring it over the popcorn.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.