Description
Loaded Leprechaun Popcorn transforms humble kernels into a festive, sweet-salty treat with green caramel coating, colorful toppings, and irresistible crunch ; perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups plain popped popcorn)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
The Magic Coating:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Green food coloring (gel preferred)
Lucky Additions:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup crushed pretzels
- 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 test kernels and wait until they pop. Add remaining kernels, cover, shake occasionally, and remove from heat once popping slows.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and honey. Whisk constantly until bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, baking soda, and green food coloring.
3. Pour green coating over popcorn and toss quickly until evenly coated.
4. While still warm, fold in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and pretzels. Sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles and pistachios.
5. Spread mixture on parchment-lined trays. Cool for 10–15 minutes until firm. Break apart and serve.
Notes
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for deeper flavor.
- For nut-free: use pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios.
- Use coconut oil and dairy-free chips for a vegan version.
- Never refrigerate, humidity ruins the texture!
- Perfect for make-ahead party prep, lasts 5 days in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: loaded leprechaun popcorn, green caramel popcorn, st patrick's day snack, rainbow popcorn