St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a fun twist on traditional popcorn by coating it in a sweet marshmallow mixture and adding festive green candies and sprinkles. The contrast of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible snack for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter (sweet cream, salted)
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• Green M&M’s (regular, pretzel, and mini)
• Shamrock marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal
• Green sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Popcorn: Pop 10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop, air-popped, or microwave). Ensure all un-popped kernels are removed. Salt the popcorn liberally and set aside in a large bowl.

2. Make the Marshmallow Mixture:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted.
   • Add 3 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat as soon as the last marshmallow has melted.

3. Combine Popcorn and Marshmallow Mixture:

   • Slowly pour about one-third of the marshmallow mixture over the salted popcorn.
   • Gently fold the marshmallow mixture into the popcorn. Continue adding the marshmallow mixture in increments, stirring gently between each addition, until the popcorn is evenly coated.

4. Transfer and Add Mix-Ins:

   • Pour the coated popcorn onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, foil, or a Silpat liner.
   • While the marshmallow mixture is still warm and sticky, sprinkle green M&M’s, Shamrock marshmallows, and green sprinkles over the popcorn, ensuring even distribution.

5. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the popcorn to cool completely. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 cups of popcorn, serving about 8-10 people.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Candy Mix-Ins: Customize your popcorn by adding other green candies like green chocolate-covered pretzels or green-colored M&M’s.
• Marshmallow Fluff: For a different texture, consider using marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds for an extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: If the popcorn becomes too soft or sticky, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Choose a plain or lightly salted variety to maintain the desired flavor balance.

2. How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from being too sticky?

To minimize stickiness, lightly butter your mixing spoon or spatula before stirring the marshmallow mixture.

3. Can I make this popcorn ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the popcorn a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

4. What if I can’t find Shamrock marshmallows?

If Shamrock marshmallows are unavailable, you can use mini marshmallows or omit them entirely.

5. How can I make the popcorn less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, use fewer marshmallows or opt for dark chocolate M&M’s as mix-ins.

6. Can I use colored sugar instead of sprinkles?

Yes, colored sugar can be used as an alternative to sprinkles for added color.

7. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

8. Can I add other flavors to the marshmallow mixture?

Certainly, you can incorporate flavors like mint extract or almond extract to customize the taste.

9. How do I make the popcorn less salty?

To decrease saltiness, lightly salt the popcorn or omit salt entirely before mixing.

10. Can I freeze the popcorn?

It’s not recommended to freeze the popcorn, as it may become chewy upon thawing.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn is a festive and delicious treat that combines sweet and salty flavors with a fun green theme. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Enjoy this delightful snack as part of your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!