Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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.

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Grinch Popcorn Recipe

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

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  • Author: Hannah
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Popcorn:
    Pop 10 cups of popcorn and lightly salt to taste. Set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Coat the Popcorn:
    Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Spread the coated popcorn onto a prepared cookie sheet.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

1 thought on “Grinch Popcorn Recipe”

  1. 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

    Reply

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