While patriotic popcorn is great for the fourth of July (like this frozen yogurt bark), I would strongly argue American’s are patriotic all year and can enjoy this delicious recipe whenever they want, even using different color combinations. This is a fun snack to make at home (especially with the kids) or for parties. AND everyone will always be asking for more, because it is that good!
So let’s make it!
You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and delicious food.
What Do I Need To Make Patriotic Popcorn?
The good news is, most of the ingredients to make patriotic popcorn are pantry ingredients. You will need one dairy item (half and half) and everything else is pantry. Popcorn, sugar, salt, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, red and blue food coloring, and white chocolate chips will be your ingredients for this dish.
You can pop your own popcorn from a jar or use the pre-packaged sets that you put into the microwave.
You will also need a large saucepan, two sheet pans, two large mixing bows, one microwave safe bowl, spoons to mix with, and parchment paper.
How To Make Patriotic Popcorn
To make patriotic popcorn, you will need to pop your popcorn first and have that ready to go in two separate large bowls.
You will bring the sugar, half and half, corn syrup, and salt to a boil until it hits the “ball stage” or 230 degrees. You will add the vanilla at this point and remove from the heat.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Separate the mixture into the two mixing bowls and add red food coloring to one and blue to the other. Mix quickly and then toss each mixture into one of the bowls of popcorn and cover. Place each colored popcorn on one of the parchment lined pans.
When the oven is ready, place both sheets of popcorn into the stove for about 25 minutes (or until crisp).
Melt the white chocolate and then drizzle it onto the popcorn.
Allow the popcorn to set and cool before serving.
Enjoy your patriotic popcorn!
Patriotic Popcorn
Ingredients
- • 24 c popped popcorn
- • 4 c granulated sugar
- • 1½ c half & half (can use whole milk or 2% but will not be as rich)
- • ½ tsp salt
- • 4 tbsp light corn syrup
- • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (clear extract will help keep the mixture a little lighter)
- • gel food color in red and royal blue
- • 10 oz white chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Divide popcorn into two very large bowls for mixing in colored syrup.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, half & half, corn syrup and salt.
3. Insert a candy thermometer into pan. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring mixture to a low boil, stirring frequently, until temperature reaches 230 degrees. Be patient as this will take awhile. About 20 minutes. You can check by dropping a small spoonful into a cup of cold water. If it forms into a ball, then it is ready.
5. When mixture reaches 230 degrees, stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
6. Divide mixture between two heatproof bowls or measuring cups. Add red coloring into one bowl and blue coloring into the other. I used 1/4 teaspoon of each color, but you can can use more for deeper colors if you want. The mix will be a touch brown before the coloring, but it will mask it.
7. Stir each mixture well to incorporate the color into the syrup completely.
8. Working quickly, add one colored syrup to each bowl of popcorn, mixing well with a large spoon. If the syrup hardens too fast, place in the microwave to re-melt for 10-15 seconds.
9. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
10. Spread each color of popcorn onto a separate parchment covered cookie sheet and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until crisp.
11. Remove from oven and cool on the cookie sheets.
12. Pour white chocolate into microwave safe measuring bowl and melt in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until completely melted.
13. Using a fork or spoon, drizzle the white chocolate over both pans of popcorn. Allow it to set before serving.
Pin for Pinterest
This post includes affiliate links that we may make a commission from at no extra cost to you.