Best Ever Microwave Kettle Corn Recipe

Over the holidays I learned how easy it is to make caramel corn. While I love me some caramel corn, I love kettle corn even more. And so the trial and error of perfecting my own microwave kettle corn recipe began—and I finally found just the right combination of sweet and salty for my taste buds…and hubby LOVES it too!

Calorie counters—please be forewarned that this is a treat to be enjoyed now and again in moderation.

First, you will need to pop 1/2 cup popcorn kernels.

NOTE: I have found Jolly Time brand to be the best because all of the seeds pop and the popcorn is airy, but I had Aldi brand in the house and it worked just fine.

I use the microwave for this entire recipe, so for this step I dumped the popcorn kernels into a big paper grocery bag and folded down the top. I used the microwave popcorn setting twice and listened for the popping to start slowing and then canceled it. Carefully remove the paper bag from the microwave—it may be hot.

Next, dump the popcorn into a bowl and remove and dispose of any unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn back into the paper bag.

Next, place the following ingredients into a microwave safe bowl: 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar, 3 Tbs. butter, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, and 10 turns of sea salt in a grinder.

Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for 30 more seconds or until completely melted and blended.

Next, dump the mixture into the paper sack containing the popped popcorn.

Fold the paper sack down and shake the bag to mix it up. Place the bag into the microwave and microwave for 30 seconds on high. Carefully remove the bag (do not open it) and shake it again. Place the bag back into the microwave for 30 more seconds on high. Carefully remove the bag (do not open it) and shake it again.

Carefully open the bag and dump the popcorn into a big bowl. The popcorn will be sticky and hot. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and it will harden. Using your hands, gently break up any clumps of popcorn.

Enjoy!

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
• 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 10 turns of sea salt in a grinder

Instructions:

1. Pop the popcorn and remove and dispose of any unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn into a large paper grocery bag.
2. Place the remaining four ingredients into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and microwave for 30 more seconds or until mixture is melted and blended.
3. Dump the hot mixture into the paper grocery bag containing the popped popcorn. Fold down the top of the grocery bag. Shake the bag well.
4. Place the bag into the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Remove the bag and shake. Repeat one more time.
5. Dump the coated popcorn into a large bowl and allow it to cool. Once cooled, gently use your hands to break up any clumps. Enjoy!