Festive Patriotic Popcorn: A Sweet Snack for Independence Day!

Looking for a fun, festive snack to celebrate Independence Day? This Patriotic Popcorn is the perfect solution. It's a sweet, crunchy, and colorful treat that is incredibly easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a simple coating and a mix of red, white, and blue candies, this snack is as beautiful as it is delicious.

This recipe is a fantastic way to get the whole family involved. Kids can help with the mixing and decorating, and it's a great option for picnics, parties, or a movie night to celebrate the holiday. It’s a sweet snack that embodies the spirit of summer fun and patriotism.

Festive Patriotic Popcorn

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 cups popped popcorn (from about ½ cup of unpopped kernels)

  • 16 oz white chocolate or white candy melts

  • 1 cup red M&Ms

  • 1 cup blue M&Ms

  • ¼ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles

  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Popcorn

  1. Pop the Corn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

  2. Spread: Spread the popped popcorn in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

2. Melt the Chocolate

  1. Melt: Place the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

3. Assemble the Popcorn

  1. Pour: Pour the melted white chocolate evenly over the popcorn on the baking sheet.

  2. Toss: Use a spatula to gently toss the popcorn, coating as much of it as possible with the chocolate.

  3. Add Mix-ins: Quickly scatter the red and blue M&Ms and the patriotic sprinkles over the chocolate-coated popcorn.

  4. Toss Gently: Use your hands to gently toss everything together, distributing the candies and sprinkles.

4. Set and Serve

  1. Set: Let the popcorn sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.

  2. Break Apart: Once the chocolate is set, break the popcorn into clusters.

  3. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Snack

  • Get the Right Popcorn: Use a plain, unbuttered, and unsalted popcorn so that the sweet flavors can shine.

  • Work Quickly: Once the melted chocolate is on the popcorn, you need to work quickly to toss everything together before it hardens.

  • Customize It! Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried cranberries, blue candy-coated chocolate pieces, or even some mini marshmallows for a different texture.

  • Keep It Festive: The sprinkles and M&Ms are what make this snack so festive. Don't be afraid to add extra for a vibrant, fun look.

  • No Soggy Popcorn: Make sure your popcorn is completely cool before you add the melted chocolate. Adding it to warm popcorn will make it soft and chewy.