Description
Sweet Spicy Salty Popcorn is a delightful snack that combines the classic crunch of freshly popped popcorn with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. This homemade treat features a buttery caramel-like coating infused with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and honey, making it an irresistible snack for movie nights or anytime cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sweet and Spicy Coating
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a lid to test the oil temperature.
- Preheat kernels: Once those kernels pop, indicating the oil is hot, add the remaining popcorn kernels, cover the pot, and remove from heat for 30 seconds to allow all kernels to heat evenly.
- Pop the popcorn: Return the pot to the stove and cook over medium-high heat, shaking the pot occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even popping, until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops.
- Transfer popcorn: Remove the pot from heat when most kernels have popped. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl for coating.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Add honey and vanilla: Stir in the honey and vanilla extract, blending well to combine all flavors in the coating mixture.
- Coat the popcorn: Pour the warm sweet and spicy mixture over the popcorn. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of popcorn is evenly coated with the flavorful glaze.
- Cool and serve: Spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet to allow it to cool and set for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Use fresh popcorn kernels for the best popping results.
- Spreading the popcorn on a baking sheet to cool prevents clumping and helps the coating set properly.
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
