As Memorial Day and all of the summer festivities rapidly approach, I am quickly trying to narrow down some fun new party foods to serve at all of our summer shindigs. This week I was super excited to give popcorn balls a fun new twist. Instead of using corn syrup, I chose to use marshmallows to bind my popcorn. Not only did it hold it all together beautifully, it came out tasting almost like a rice krispie treat with a surprise salty flavor thrown in. Amazing! And hey, if you’re going to make popcorn balls, you might as well go all the way and throw a stick in it and dip it in chocolate and sprinkles, right?! I mean, we’re celebrating here!
- 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 10 cups cooked, salted popcorn
- semi sweet and white chocolate chips (optional)
- sprinkles (optional)
- bamboo skewers or popsicle sticks (optional)
- Cook popcorn and set aside in large bowl.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter on low hear. Add vanilla and marshmallows and stir constantly until marshmallows are completely melted.
- Add marshmallow mixture to popcorn and stir well to coat all popcorn.
- Coat wax paper and your hands with butter. Shape popcorn into 3 inch balls and set on wax paper. Immediately add a skewer or stick to the center.
- Allow to cool. Melt chocolates and dip the top of the ball in it. Pour sprinkles on top before chocolate cools.
You really could decorate these any way that you choose. I can imagine that these marshmallow popcorn balls would be a huge hit at birthday parties, barbecues, you name it! Not to mention that they look beautiful sitting on a table and will draw people to them.
They are kid tested…and most certainly kid approved in my home. I hope that you try them in yours!
Linked at Practically Functional
Hoping to surprise my kids with these tomorrow, so fun!!
Oh Melissa, if your kids are anything like mine it’s a surprise that they’ll love!
Ok, finally made these last night with my Mom visiting. I did the leg work the night before, but they got to do the dipping and sprinkles last night!! Big hit, and so, so cute. Popcorn is definitely the way to go. I made a few as rice krispie treats, but with the chocolate they were way to sweet, so the popcorn was just the right balance. Thanks for the adorable idea!
So glad that your kiddos had fun with the popcorn balls, Melissa! We really loved the taste combo in our house. Not too sweet, almost a sweet and savory mix. I like rice krispies, but I agree with you…adding any kind of topping or mix in just makes it too sweet for my taste.