Ready to bring some festive, Grinchy fun into your holiday snack lineup? This Grinch Popcorn is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and marshmallowy goodness with that unmistakable Grinch green. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Fun: Perfect for holiday gatherings or a movie night treat, this popcorn is as festive as it gets.
- Quick and Easy: Just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, and even get creative with toppings!
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
- Popped Popcorn: This is the main ingredient—lightly salted and ready for a holiday twist.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallow coating stick.
- Mini Marshmallows: The magic ingredient that makes everything gooey and delicious.
- Food Coloring (Blue and Yellow): For that perfect Grinch green hue.
- Extra Marshmallows and Red M&Ms: For the ultimate festive touch.
Variations
- Add Peppermint: Add a hint of crushed candy canes for a minty holiday vibe.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the top once cooled.
- Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra pop of color.
How to Make Grinch Popcorn
Step 1: Pop and Prep
Make your popcorn and sprinkle with a little salt. Set aside in a large bowl or on a lined cookie sheet.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. Turn off the heat and add yellow food coloring first, then a bit of blue until you get that perfect Grinch green.
Step 3: Coat the Popcorn
Drizzle the marshmallow mixture over your popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Spread the popcorn out onto your prepared cookie sheet.
Step 4: Add Festive Toppings
Drizzle any leftover marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, then add extra mini marshmallows and red M&Ms while it’s still warm. This helps everything stick and gives it that festive touch!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Grinch Popcorn cool for a few minutes until it sets slightly. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
How to Serve
This Grinch Popcorn makes a fun snack on its own or can be used as part of a festive dessert table! Here are some ideas:
- Holiday Movie Night: Perfect for watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
- Party Favor Bags: Wrap portions in clear treat bags with holiday ribbons for a cute take-home treat.
- Snack Mix: Mix with pretzels, more M&Ms, or nuts for a sweet-and-salty holiday snack mix.
- Gift Idea: Add to festive tins or holiday jars as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers: Grinch Popcorn is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for Reheating: If your popcorn loses a bit of its crunch, just spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 250°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use air-popped popcorn?
Absolutely! Air-popped popcorn works great and cuts down on extra oils.
2. Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without affecting the marshmallow mixture. Regular food coloring can work in a pinch, but it might be less vibrant.
3. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil or a dairy-free butter for a similar texture and taste.
4. What other toppings can I add?
You can add crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips to make this recipe your own!
Conclusion
With its Grinchy green color, festive red M&Ms, and gooey marshmallow coating, this Grinch Popcorn is a must-try holiday treat! Perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply spreading holiday cheer—this popcorn is as fun to make as it is to eat.
PrintGrinch Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Grinch Popcorn is a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for holiday movie nights. With its vibrant green color, gooey marshmallow coating, and red M&M “hearts,” it’s a fun and delicious snack for all ages!
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- Salt (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons butter (sweet cream salted)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows (plus an extra 1/2 cup for topping)
- Wilton Color Right food coloring – yellow and blue
- 1/2 cup red M&M candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn:
Pop 10 cups of popcorn and lightly salt to taste. Set aside. - Make the Marshmallow Coating:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. Turn off the heat. - Color the Mixture:
Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the marshmallow mixture, then add a small amount of blue food coloring. Stir to achieve the perfect Grinch green color. Tip: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant color. - Coat the Popcorn:
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Spread the coated popcorn onto a prepared cookie sheet. - Add Toppings:
Drizzle any remaining marshmallow mixture over the popcorn for extra coverage. Sprinkle the extra ½ cup of mini marshmallows and red M&M candies on top while the popcorn is still warm. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the Grinch popcorn to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Food Coloring Tip: Gel food coloring will give a more vibrant green color.
- Storage: Store any leftover Grinch Popcorn in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
- Calories: 110kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
I had trouble mixing the marshmallow into the popcorn – it cooled too quickly – and it is one large ball. What could I have done differently?
If these were popcorn balls they would be great! Taste good