What’s a celebration without a festive snack? This Patriotic Popcorn is a fun, sweet, and salty treat that’s perfect for any summer party, especially one celebrating Independence Day. It's a simple, no-bake recipe that's incredibly easy to make, and it’s a total showstopper on any dessert or snack table.

The beauty of this recipe is the irresistible combination of textures and flavors. You get the light, airy crunch of the popcorn, the sweet, creamy coating of melted chocolate, and the satisfying bite of a variety of red, white, and blue candies. It's a quick and easy way to add a pop of patriotic color to your party and a snack that everyone will love.

Festive Patriotic Popcorn

A Sweet Snack for Independence Day!

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chill time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10-12 cups of plain popcorn, popped (about ½ cup of unpopped kernels)

  • 1 (12-ounce) bag of white chocolate or vanilla candy melts

  • 1 cup patriotic M&M's (red, white, and blue)

  • ½ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles

  • 1 cup yogurt-covered raisins (optional, for a "white" element)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Popcorn

  1. Pop the Corn: Pop your popcorn using your preferred method (air-popped, stovetop, or microwave).

  2. Spread It Out: Spread the popped popcorn in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to coat and cool.

  3. Remove Kernels: Take a moment to remove any unpopped kernels to ensure no one breaks a tooth.

2. Melt the Chocolate

  1. Melt: Place the white chocolate or vanilla candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.

  2. Heat: Microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat, as it can burn or seize.

3. Coat and Decorate

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

  2. Toss: Use a large spatula or spoon to gently toss the popcorn, coating it evenly with the melted chocolate. Work quickly, as the chocolate will start to set.

  3. Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle the M&M's, sprinkles, and yogurt-covered raisins over the chocolate-coated popcorn. Gently toss again to distribute the toppings.

4. Chill and Serve

  1. Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and hardened.

  2. Break Apart: Once hardened, break the popcorn into small, bite-sized clusters.

  3. Serve: Serve immediately in a large bowl. This popcorn mix is also a great option for packaging in small bags or jars as a party favor.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Snack

  • Use Air-Popped Corn: Air-popped popcorn is best here because it is drier and lighter, which allows the chocolate to adhere better and keeps the snack from being too greasy.

  • Work Quickly! The melted chocolate sets very fast, so have all your toppings ready and on hand before you start drizzling.

  • The Right Chocolate: White candy melts are often easier to work with than white chocolate, as they melt more smoothly and are less likely to seize.

  • Don't Over-Stir: Once the toppings are added, a gentle toss is all you need. Over-stirring can cause the chocolate to clump and the sprinkles to get lost.

  • Customize It: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add red and blue-colored chocolate drizzle, crushed pretzels for extra salt, or even dried cranberries and blueberries for a more natural look.