Prepare to embark on a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your snacking experience! Imagine the perfect combination of crispy popcorn, smoky bacon, and rich caramel that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This Salted Caramel Bacon Popcorn is not just a snack – it's a culinary adventure that blends sweet, salty, and crunchy in one irresistible treat. Whether you're hosting a movie night, looking for a unique party appetizer, or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help keep the popcorn crispy while the caramel bakes.
- Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, etc.). Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ensuring there are no unpopped kernels left.
- Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it to the bowl of popcorn. Gently toss the popcorn and bacon together to evenly distribute the bacon throughout the popcorn.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved, bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and allow it to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. The caramel should turn a deep amber color during this time.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the sea salt. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the salt.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and bacon mixture, ensuring all the popcorn is coated. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture until the popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel.
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to break up any clumps of popcorn so that it bakes evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 10 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
- After 20 minutes, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the caramel will harden, creating a crunchy texture.
- Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve in a large bowl or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips
- Bacon Brilliance: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch. Cook it until it's extra crispy to ensure it maintains its texture when mixed with the caramel.
- Popping Perfection: Use fresh popcorn kernels and remove any unpopped kernels to prevent unexpected hard bites in your final dish.
- Caramel Consistency: Watch your caramel carefully when cooking. The difference between perfectly caramelized and burnt can be just seconds.
- Even Coating: Use a large bowl and fold the caramel gently to ensure every kernel gets an even coating of that delicious caramel sauce.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the popcorn to cool completely to achieve that signature crispy, crunchy texture that makes this snack irresistible.
- Storage Secret: Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness. If it starts to soften, a quick 5-minute refresh in a low oven can bring back the crunch.
- Customization Option: Experiment with different types of salt (smoked salt, truffle salt) to add an extra layer of flavor to your caramel bacon popcorn.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
