How To Make Kettle Corn
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A Note From feedfeed

What do you do when you're hit with a craving for something sweet and salty? Our food editor Sara Tane has got your back: kettle corn! It only requires a few pantry items and takes less than ten minutes! 

Want to be sophisticated? Get the recipe for Sara's Miso Caramel and Tahini Brown Butter Popcorn here

Prep time: 10mins
Cook time: 25mins
Serves or Makes: 8-10

Recipe Card

ingredients

  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup plain popcorn kernels
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon white miso
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Method

To make the tahini brown butter

  • Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until butter is deep brown in color and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a heat proof bowl and whisk in tahini. Set aside.

To make the kettlecorn

  • Step 1

    Heat oil in a 3-quart or larger pot over medium. Add 2 or 3 kernels and wait until they pop. When these first kernels pop, add the remaining kernels, ½ cup sugar, salt, and cover with a lid. Gently shake the pot around to keep the kernels moving as they pop. When you start to hear several seconds pass between pops, remove from heat, about 5 minutes. Transfer immediately to rimmed baking sheet. Toss popcorn in brown butter mixture.

Make the miso caramel

  • Step 1

    In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat (you can wipe out the saucepan used to brown butter), add remaining ½ cup sugar and water and bring to a boil. Swirl pan until caramel is deep in color, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 3 tablespoons cubed butter followed by miso. While it is still hot, drizzle caramel over popcorn and toss with a rubber spatula until all kernels are evenly coated. Top with sesame seeds. Let cool completely. Popcorn will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but is best enjoyed the day it’s made.