Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 12/03/20
Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 8 mins
Total: 18 mins
Servings: 12 servings

These popcorn balls are a snap to make with freshly popped popcorn, sugar, and corn syrup. Make these popcorn snacks for a party or game-day gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup corn oil
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 4 quarts popped)
  • 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for hands)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Heat corn oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

    saucepan with oil

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Add popcorn and cover, leaving cover just slightly ajar. Shake frequently over medium heat until popping stops.

    popcorn in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Meanwhile, mix together corn syrup, sugar, and salt.

    corn syrup, sugar, and salt in a bowl

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add the syrup mixture to the popped corn in the pan, stirring and tossing constantly over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until sugar is dissolved and popcorn is evenly coated with mixture. Remove from heat.

    syrup poured over popcorn

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Using buttered hands, gently shape the popcorn mixture into balls.

    popcorn and syrup formed into balls and placed on a parchment paper lined baking sheet

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga