As life has gotten busier, we've had to set aside time to just be together as a family. So, Fridays have become our family night.
On Fridays, we have a quick dinner, and then we play a board game or two. Then, it's time for my kids' favorite part - a movie and some popcorn!
And my kids seriously love popcorn! Most nights we go with a classic flavor like butter, but once in a while, we go all out and make a special popcorn treat.
Now, these Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls really aren't difficult to make, and if you can make a marshmallow cereal treat, then you can make these popcorn balls.
How to make popcorn balls
- Have fun with the flavors of popcorn that you use to make them! I use plain (no butter, no salt) microwave popcorn. Marshmallow flavored popcorn would also be good.
- You might be tempted to mix the M&Ms and chocolate chips in. Don't. Mixing them into the mixture will leave you with a chocolaty mess. It works much better to just press them into the outside of the popcorn ball.
More popcorn ball recipes
- S'mores Popcorn Balls
- Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe
- Dirt Balls (Halloween Popcorn Balls)
If you’ve tried this sweet & salty popcorn balls recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes! You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.
Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 3 oz bag JOLLY TIME Crispy n' White Popcorn
- ¼ c . butter
- 10 oz bag marshmallows
- 1 c . pretzel pieces
- 1 c . mini or regular M&M's
- ½ c . mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pop popcorn according to package directions.
- Set aside to cool.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows, and cook, stirring regularly, until melted.
- Remove any un-popped kernels from popcorn, and stir popped popcorn into marshmallow mixture.
- Add pretzel pieces, and stir in to combine.
- Using a 1 cup measuring cup for large popcorn balls or a ½ cup measuring cup for small popcorn balls, scoop out popcorn mixture.
- Shape into balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, spray your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Press M&M's and mini chocolate chips into the outside of the popcorn ball.
- Let cool to room temperature before serving.
Christina Hurt
Can I use different popcorn?? I cant find Jolly time brand around where I live.
Kate
You can! Any plain (unflavored) popcorn will work. Hope that helps!
Shush
You just use one bag of popcorn to make 10 large balls?
Kate
Yes, the popcorn balls are about 1 cup each.
Ali
How far in advance can you make these before they are consumed? I would like to have them on a party dessert table.
Kate
I think they taste best the day that they're made, but you could make them up to a day in advance. I wouldn't suggest making them any farther in advance than that.
Genevieve
Can I freeze these for freshness over the holidays?
Kate
I'm not sure! I've never tried to freeze them. Sorry that I can't be more help.
Dakota
How many popcorn balls does this make?
Kate
You should get about 10-11 large popcorn balls, depending on how tightly you pack them.
Lanae Bond
I have also wanted to make popcorn balls as a kid but for some reason never got a chance! I think I will finally make them this year and I will try your recipe!
Kate
If you've never made them, now is the time! =) This type of popcorn ball is super easy to make, and I hope that you enjoy them. =)
Karly Campbell
These look absolutely amazeballs- pun intended. My kiddos will love them! ...If I don't eat them all first. Oops :)
Kate
LOL - gotta do some quality control before the kiddos try them! ;) Thanks so much, Karly!
Rahul @samosastreet.com
I would love to be able to grab one right through the computer screen. Sweet and salty are my favorite combination.
Kate
Well, we would get along just fine then! =)