Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/22/21
Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 8 mins
Total: 18 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
123 Calories
6g Fat
19g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 123
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 120mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 7mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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.

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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