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Kettle corn might be a confection that brings to mind nostalgic memories of state fairs or carnival rides with rainbow lights. But did you know that you can now make kettle corn from the comfort of your home?
In fact, you don’t even need to use a metal pot to make this delicious snack, as the microwave has everything you need to get the job done. So if you want to know how you can make kettle corn with microwave popcorn, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to make kettle corn using microwave popcorn, while also outlining the various ingredients and utensils you will need.
We have also gathered some interesting information concerning kettle corn and its history, so that you may learn more about this delightful treat.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is incredibly easy to make and can be used to fill your home with the nostalgic tastes of childhood.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at how you can make homemade kettle corn with microwave popcorn…
What Is Kettle Corn?
Kettle corn is a kind of sweet popcorn that is commonly seasoned with a mixture of refined sugar, salt and oil. It was traditionally made using cast iron kettles (hence the name) but can now be made in other utensils such as metal pots and pans.
The snack was first introduced to the United States during the 18th century when a group of Dutch settlers relocated to Pennsylvania. During this time, kettle corn was mainly sold as a treat at fairs or consumed for the festive season.
The combination of salt, sugar and oil come together to produce a noticeable crust on the outside of the corn, which is both sweet and savory. However, this does not mean that kettle corn is easy to make, as the kernels need constant stirring to reduce the risk of burning.
While the confection fell out of popularity during the 20th century, it made a comeback in the early 21st century, with the snack now being associated with traditional American cuisine.
These days, kettle corn is cooked in stainless steel kettles and sold at fairs, where it can also be made with honey or maple syrup.
Nowadays, the internet is bursting with recipes for homemade kettle corn, although it is also possible to buy microwavable alternatives. Regardless, it is a combination of sugar and salt that gives this treat its iconic look and flavor.
Can You Make Kettle Corn With Microwave Popcorn?
Of course, the most defining characteristic of kettle corn is how it is made, with the confection usually being cooked in kettles or cauldrons. And while this method may work for the fairground, it can be difficult to replicate at home, especially if you do not have the correct utensils for the job.
So if you are keen to make your own kettle corn, we are here to help. In the following sections, we are going to explain how you can make homemade kettle corn using microwave popcorn as the base.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also includes accessible ingredients that can be found in any kitchen across the country. So you will never be caught short when making this confection for your next movie night.
What You Will Need
Before you can start making your homemade kettle corn, you will need to gather all of the necessary ingredients, which can be purchased from your local grocery store or located in your kitchen cupboards:
Brown Paper Lunch Bag
If you have a stash of brown paper lunch bags in your kitchen cabinet, then you can use this recipe to finally put them to use. While these bags make a great vessel for cooking your popcorn, they are also easily disposable and eco-friendly, which makes them one of the most useful tools in your home.
Popcorn Kernels
When it comes to popcorn kernels, you can use any kind that you want, whether that be yellow kernels, white kernels or mixed. At the end of the day, the kernels are going to pop regardless of their color, so the choice comes down to personal preference rather than culinary skill.
Coconut Oil
While coconut oil might be one of the more unusual additions to our recipe, we promise it makes for some of the best homemade kettle corn we have ever tasted. Of course, oil is an important part of any popcorn recipe, so if you would rather use another cooking product, the choice is yours.
Maple Sugar
Now we understand that maple sugar can be hard to find, but it helps give the finished corn a rich and decadent taste. However, if you want your kettle corn to capture the nostalgic taste of your childhood, then you can swap this ingredient for lightly refined sugar or fresh honey.
Fine Grain Sea Salt
While you can swap the other ingredients for more suitable alternatives, salt is one component that every batch of kettle corn needs. During our research, we have discovered that fine grain sea salt will often yield the best results, such as a delicious popcorn bursting with fairground flavor.
How To Make Kettle Corn With Microwave Popcorn
Now that you understand what you will need to make your homemade kettle corn, let’s take a look at the recipe for this delicious confection.
Homemade Microwave Kettle Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels (¼ cup)
- Coconut oil (1 teaspoon)
- Fine-grain sea salt (¼ teaspoon)
- Maple sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Butter (1 teaspoon)
Utensils
- Brown paper lunch bag (x1)
Method
Take a brown paper lunch bag and fill it with a ¼ cup of popcorn kernels.
Before placing the kernels in the microwave, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of maple sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the bag.
When the ingredients have all been added, seal the brown paper bag and shake it to ensure an even distribution of the toppings.
Take the top of the bag and fold it down 3 times to create a tight seal, then place the bag flat in the microwave.
Set your microwave on high heat and cook the kernels for around 1:30 – 1:45 seconds.
You can add more cook time in 15 increments, but you will have to watch the bag carefully to make sure that the maple sugar doesn’t burn.
When the corn has popped, remove the bag from the microwave and give it a shake before turning it upside down, as this will help to drizzle the popcorn with the melted sugar.
Once the corn has been nicely coated, open the bag and pour the corn into a bowl before serving.
Conclusion
And there we have it, that is how you make kettle corn with microwave popcorn. We hope that you found this article informative and that you will use our recipe the next time you are in the mood for a sweet and delicious treat.
