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St. Patty’s Popcorn Balls

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I think my favorite part of St. Patrick’s Day is trying to incorporate the color green into as many things as possible. So, I broke out the green food dye and looked around my kitchen for inspiration. My eyes fell upon our container of popcorn kernels and thus, this recipe for St. Patty’s popcorn balls was born.

a collage of green popcorn balls on a plate on a green cloth with title text reading St. Patty's Popcorn Balls

St. Patty’s Popcorn Balls Are A Fun Family Activity

Because we were undergoing several days of snowy weather, the kids were home from school and were able to help me. I honestly can’t say what they enjoyed more, making the popcorn balls or eating them. So, not only are they a tasty treat, they are also a fun family activity!

green popcorn balls on a plate on a green cloth with title text reading St. Patty's Popcorn Balls

I prefer stovetop popcorn to microwave, but you can use either. Just make sure you leave out the salt in the recipe if you use pre-salted microwave popcorn.

📋 Recipe

St. Patty's Popcorn Balls

Corinne Schmitt
These St. Patty's popcorn balls are adorable!
5 from 22 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 T unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup marshmallows
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2-4 drops green food coloring
  • 12 cups plain popped popcorn

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, salt, and vanilla.
  • Stir frequently until mixture comes to a boil.
  • Add 2-4 drops of green food coloring (depending on how dark you want the color to be) and stir well.
  • Pour the mixture over the popcorn, mixing well to ensure each kernel is coated.
  • Grease hands with shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools.
  • To store, wrap each ball in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 121IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

A Couple Of Important Notes About Making St. Patty’s Popcorn Balls

  • The mixture will be hot when you are forming balls so don’t let younger kids help with shaping until it has cooled slightly or have them use a greased ice cream scoop to shape the balls.
  • I like my popcorn balls to be more popcorn than candy coating. If you want ooey, gooey popcorn balls then you should double all ingredients except for the popcorn, which you should only increase by 1/3 (16 cups).

green popcorn balls on a plate on a green cloth with title text reading St. Patty's Popcorn Balls

14 thoughts on “St. Patty’s Popcorn Balls”

    • Hi Grant, major oops on my part. I am fixing it now. I just added green food coloring to the corn syrup mixture at the end, right before pouring it on the popcorn. I ended up adding just 2 drops, but you can add more if you want to really bring out the green. Correcting the recipe now. Thanks for pointing out my oversight!

      Reply
  1. I love these! I’ve included them in my 17 St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids roundup post here http://livinginhisway.blogspot.ca/2015/03/17-st-patricks-day-activities-for-kids.html

    Reply
  2. I’ve always wanted to make popcorn balls, but never thought about looking up the recipe. This sounds so yummy! I can’t wait to try it!

    Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays!

    Reply
    • They really are fun to make. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for hosting the party and for taking the time to stop in and comment.

      Reply
  3. Pingback: St. Patrick's Day Desserts
  4. This looks great and so versatile for lots of celebrations! Thanks for sharing at Something To Talk About link party!

    Reply
  5. Oh yummy! I love a nice, fresh popcorn ball! Thanks for sharing on Momma Told Me! We hope you’ll come back soon and share more!

    ~Jen

    Reply
  6. These look so yummy and I think they would be the perfect snack – sweet and salty! I bet the kids had fun making and eating them!

    Reply

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