This post is sponsored by M&M's. As always, all opinions are mine alone.
Salted Caramel M&M Popcorn. It's sweet, salty, crunchy, and filled with M&M's. This is the perfect addition to any movie night.
As we may have touched base on many of times, I'm a fanatic of sweet and salty. One of my favorite movie night snacks is this salted caramel M&M popcorn. It's a treat my whole family can enjoy, especially me! My grandma actually started this tradition by just adding candy to her popcorn. I've tweaked it a bit lot over the years to satisfy my family's tastes.
I love to use M&M's in my popcorn recipe. The bite-sized candy coated chocolates are a perfect addition to each bite. They liven up the snack with their vibrant colors too. Here's a fun question! If you were an m&m, which kind and color would you be?
Most of us know that the Oscars are coming right up and you're going to need the best popcorn in town. Don't worry, I'll share my recipe with you. The best part is, there are so many different varieties of M&M's that can be swapped out for the plain chocolate m&m's. I was going to tell you my personal favorite and realized that I couldn't decide. I can tell you though, that I'm so excited that the crispy M&M's are back on the shelves.
Salted Caramel M&M Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup + 2 T. butter cubed
- ¼ teaspoon . salt
- 1 teaspoon . vanilla bean paste optional
- ½ cup M&M's
Instructions
- Using an air popper, pop the ¼ cup of corn kernels. You can also pop the corn kernels in a kettle with some vegetable oil. Keep the kernels moving and the lid on the kettle. I would use 1 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Set popcorn aside.
- Spray a large jelly roll pan (17¼ x 11½ Inch) with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent any sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, add the sugar into a dry pan. Place the pan over medium heat. Every minute or two, give the sugar a swirl by picking the pan up and moving it in a circular motion. Don't use utensils. You'll start to see the sugar caramelize. Keep picking up and swirling the pan until all the sugar has melted. It will take about 17 minutes for the sugar to caramelize and melt.
- Once the sugar is melted, turn the heat down to medium/low. Add in the salt and vanilla bean paste. Do not use vanilla extract. It will make the caramel gritty.
- Add in all of the butter and whisk until the butter incorporates into the caramelized sugar and it becomes thick. It will take a good couple of minutes of whisking vigorously to have the salted caramel come together. I used salted butter, but feel free to use unsalted. Remove from the heat.
- Pour the salted caramel into the bowl of popcorn and stir until all the popcorn is coated.
- Add in the m&m's and stir to combine.
- Spread the popcorn on the prepared jelly roll pan and let cool. As the caramel cools, it will harden.
- Break apart the popcorn and serve.
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
When I think of the Oscars, I think of total glam. Fancy dresses, flawless makeup, and food. Is that weird that I relate the Oscars with food? Nah, I'm probably just being paranoid. Everyone else grabs a snack and runs to the couch to catch the academy awards, right?
Do you have snack tradition for the Oscars?
Check out Red's Red Carpet Tips before you go! (They're extremely cute.) First tip. Second tip.
Angela {mind-over-batter.com} says
I would be a green m&m. In case I get lost I can stand out in a crowd. This popcorn!! I love the vibrant colors of the m&m amongst all that caramel goodness. I want a bowl. Or 3.
Miranda says
haha! I love the reasoning!
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
What a great idea! I love caramel popcorn but never thought to add M&Ms!
Miranda says
Thank you, Tonia! It's amazing!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
My mom gives up candy for Lent because M&M's are her weakness. She may need a batch of this on Easter! I may need a batch much sooner 🙂
Miranda says
That would be awesome, Brianne! I hope she got a batch!
heather @french press says
the oscars really snick up on me this year, and our menu is not yet planned, but I bet the kids would LOVE to add this popcorn to our festivities
Miranda says
The kids would definitely love this! It has M&M's in it!
All That I'm Eating says
This sounds amazing; what more could you want in a bowl?!
Miranda says
Exactly! Thanks for the comment.
Mallory says
Caramel popcorn and M&Ms are two of my favorite snacks on the planet! They sound amazing together too!!
Miranda says
You must try this recipe then! It's so darn good!
Mischa @ Accidental Farm Wife says
I need to make 3 bowls of this so my husband, stepdaughter, and I aren't fighting over it for movie night! Love the salty and sweet!
Miranda says
Great idea!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Is it sad I don't even watch the oscars?!I am not a big awards show type person but I would love to snack on this M&M caramel popcorn any night!
Miranda says
Well, it can easily be an any night salted caramel M&M popcorn then! 😀
Alice says
I love this recipe! and I'd be Blue... I remember when the blue M&Ms came out 🙂 Also I love the salted part of this, so important with popcorn!
Miranda says
Yay! Salt is very, very important!
Erin @ Simple, Sweet & Savory says
I just saw this on TasteSpotting and had to come get a closer look. YUM! This popcorn looks amazing and your site is absolutely gorgeous. Pinning!
Miranda says
Thank you Erin! I'm glad you came over to take a look. 😀
Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen says
I love this combination!! I used to mix up my pop corn and MnMs when I go to the movie! I can't wait to try this for our next movie night 🙂
Miranda says
Me too! Let me know how it turns out for you, Dini!