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Snack presentation showing popped corn against a soft, neutral background.

Kettle Corn

This Kettle Corn is a quick sweet-and-salty stovetop snack made with popcorn kernels, extra light olive oil, sugar, and salt.
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Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Kettle Corn
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 13

Ingredients

  • Extra light olive oil as needed for popping
  • 1/2 cup good-quality fresh popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Place a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add the extra light olive oil to the pot.
  • Place 2 to 3 popcorn kernels into the oil to test the temperature.
  • Cover the pot with a lid.
  • Once the test kernels pop, the oil is hot enough to proceed.
  • Add the remaining popcorn kernels and the granulated sugar to the hot oil.
  • Stir quickly and carefully to coat the kernels evenly with the oil and sugar.
  • Cover the pot immediately with the lid.
  • Shake the pot carefully every few seconds while the popcorn pops.
  • Continue shaking to help prevent the sugar from burning and to promote even popping.
  • Use caution while shaking the pot to avoid spilling hot oil.
  • When the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat.
  • Continue shaking the covered pot until the popping stops completely.
  • Carefully remove the lid, avoiding the hot steam.
  • Immediately pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the warm popcorn with salt to taste.
  • Allow the popcorn to cool slightly.
  • Break apart any large clumps as needed.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

To make this Kettle Corn gluten free, verify that the popcorn kernels are labeled gluten free or processed in a gluten-free facility, if needed.
Confirm that the granulated sugar, salt, and extra light olive oil are gluten free and free from cross-contact warnings.
Use a clean pot, lid, bowl, spoon, and measuring tools to prevent cross-contamination.
Avoid adding flavored seasonings, chocolate, candy, or snack mix ingredients unless they are certified gluten free.
Serve with gluten-free drinks, fruit, nuts, or certified gluten-free snack pairings if preparing for someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.