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 08/05/19
Quick and easy popcorn balls

The Spruce
  • Total: 18 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 8 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.

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

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

    Add popcorn and cover
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  4. Meanwhile, mix together corn syrup, sugar, and salt.

    Mix together corn syrup, sugar, salt
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  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.

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

    Shape popcorn mixture into balls
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  7. Serve as a snack or a sweet treat and enjoy!