This Easy Halloween Popcorn is the ultimate treat for fall festivities, combining the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re serving it at a Halloween party, cozying up for a spooky movie night, or handing it out as a fun snack, this popcorn is always a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is quick and customizable, letting you choose your favorite toppings to create the ultimate spooky treat. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need!
INGREDIENTS
- 8-10 Cups Popped Popcorn: The base for this delicious snack, providing a crunchy and salty element.
- 10-12 oz Candy Melts (black and orange or colors of choice): These create a sweet, colorful drizzle over the popcorn, adding a festive touch.
- 8-10 Halloween Oreo Cookies, crushed: Adds a crunchy, chocolatey flavor to the mix.
- 1 Cup Halloween M&Ms: These colorful candies add both sweetness and a spooky pop of color.
- ½ Cup Halloween Sprinkles: For an extra layer of fun and color, these sprinkles are the perfect finishing touch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking pan with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone baking mat to prevent the popcorn from sticking.
- Step 2:
- Spread the popped popcorn evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking pan.
- Step 3:
- Melt the candy melts (or chocolate) according to the package directions. You can use any colors you like, but black and orange are perfect for a spooky Halloween vibe.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle half of the melted candy or chocolate over the popcorn using a pastry bag or a spoon. Be sure to cover as much popcorn as possible for the best flavor.
- Step 5:
- While the candy is still wet, sprinkle half of the crushed Halloween Oreo cookies, Halloween M&Ms, and Halloween sprinkles evenly over the popcorn. You can also add marshmallows, pretzels, or other Halloween candies if desired.
- Step 6:
- Let the popcorn sit for 30-60 minutes, or until the candy is firm and set.
- Step 7:
- Once the candy is firm, gently mix the popcorn and toppings together, spreading the popcorn back out evenly over the parchment.
- Step 8:
- Drizzle the remaining melted candy or chocolate over the mixed popcorn and repeat with the remaining toppings.
- Step 9:
- Let the popcorn dry completely before breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This Halloween popcorn is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- For a fun party idea, serve the popcorn in small Halloween-themed bags or cups so everyone gets their own portion.
- If you’re preparing this treat ahead of time for a party, store it in a cool, dry place to prevent the candy from melting or becoming sticky.
Helpful Notes
- If you want to add a little more texture, consider tossing in pretzels, marshmallows, or other bite-sized Halloween candies.
- Feel free to use different colors of candy melts or chocolate to match any theme—purple and green also work well for Halloween!
- If you prefer a salty-sweet combo, sprinkle a little sea salt over the popcorn while the candy is still wet for an extra flavor boost.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests using high-quality chocolate for a more decadent taste and smoother drizzle over your popcorn.
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends adding a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the melted candy to give it a warm, fall flavor.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- It’s quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients—perfect for last-minute party prep.
- The combination of sweet candy and salty popcorn is always a hit, especially with added Halloween fun!
- This recipe is highly customizable with different toppings, so you can get creative with your favorite spooky treats.
VARIATIONS
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free popcorn and substitute gluten-free candy or cookies.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free candy melts or dark chocolate, and avoid any toppings that contain dairy.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, use dark chocolate instead of candy melts and reduce the amount of M&Ms or cookies.