Best 6 Grandpas Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Grandpa's Popcorn Balls, a delightful confection that transports you back to simpler times. These bite-sized treats, crafted with love and a touch of whimsy, are a testament to the enduring power of tradition. Embark on a culinary journey through time as we unveil the secrets behind this classic recipe, ensuring each fluffy ball bursts with flavor and brings a smile to your face.

Discover the art of creating perfect popcorn balls, with variations ranging from the classic caramel-coated delight to innovative twists like peanut butter and chocolate chip iterations. Learn the tricks of the trade, from selecting the right popcorn kernels to achieving the perfect consistency for your syrup, ensuring each batch is a resounding success.

Prepare to be amazed by the versatility of popcorn balls, as we present creative serving ideas that transform them into elegant party favors, festive holiday treats, or charming additions to your dessert table. Explore the endless possibilities of this timeless snack, and let your imagination soar as you create edible masterpieces that will be the talk of your next gathering.

Join us on this culinary adventure as we explore the history, techniques, and endless variations of Grandpa's Popcorn Balls, a beloved treat that has stood the test of time. Let your taste buds rejoice in the symphony of flavors and textures, and experience the magic of this iconic confection that holds a special place in the hearts of young and old alike.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Popcorn Balls image

My Grandma made the BEST popcorn balls every year for Halloween. Everybody wanted her recipe and lucky me - I got it 30 years before she passed away. Now that I am a Grandma of 3, I look forward to making these for my grand children.

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 7m

Yield 12 balls, approx.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1 cup Karo light corn syrup
2/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In large pot mix well the sugar, Kayro syrup, vinegar and bring to boil. Continue until mixture reaches the Hard Crack Stage on candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in popped popcorn. Butter your hands and scoop enough coated mixture to form baseball sized balls.
  • You have to work quickly as the coating will harden very fast. When cooled, wrap in wax paper, twisting to close.
  • Preparation and cooking time does not include time to pop popcorn.
  • Cooking time varies with weather conditions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 25.6, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 24.4, Protein 1.4

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

My mom made these delicious popcorn balls when I was growing up. While doing my Christmas candy and cookie baking, I came across her recipe. I made the family recipe for the first time this year. My daughters, grown with their own families, asked why I hadn't made these sooner. Thirty plus years later, this recipe will now be a family tradition at Christmas.

Provided by Kim1520

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 quarts popped popcorn
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup (such as Karo®)
1 cup margarine
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.
  • Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
  • Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.2 calories, Carbohydrate 43.2 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 356.8 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS



Traditional Popcorn Balls image

Kids of all ages enjoy this popcorn ball recipe as an old-fashioned holiday treat. One batch goes a long way. -Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring, optional

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GRANDPA HIGGINBOTTOM'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls image

My family made these popcorn balls every year for Halloween.....as did my father's family and his father's family before them. A real family tradition! I don't give them out anymore but still make them every year for friends and family. Serving size is for one batch but two brown paper shopping bags full of popped corn will make approximately 150 popcorn balls. Younger children should be very careful because they can burn their hands when making these. Teenagers are much more suited for the job! Enjoy!

Provided by Nancy Higginbottom

Categories     Candy

Time 35m

Yield 24 popcorn balls

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Steps:

  • Mix vinegar, water and sugar in a large saucepan.
  • Cook until brittle when dropped in cold water.
  • Add butter and vanilla.
  • Make sure you have bowls of ice water on the table, which has been covered with newspaper.
  • Pour candy mixture over a very large bowl of popped corn.
  • Stir mixture with a large wooden spoon.
  • Coat hands with butter.
  • (This part gets messy and older children love it!) Working quickly, form balls with your hands.
  • If you burn your hand, put directly in ice water.

POPCORN BALLS FROM KARO®



Popcorn Balls from Karo® image

Old-fashioned popcorn balls!

Provided by Karo Corn Syrup

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®

Time 20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 cups popped popcorn
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup Karo® Light or Dark Corn Syrup
¼ cup butter or margarine
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Spray large roasting pan with cooking spray; add popcorn and place in 300F oven until warm. (Popcorn can also be warmed in a large microwave safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH (100%) power.)
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Continue stirring and boil 2 minutes.
  • Remove syrup mixture from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour syrup mixture over warm popcorn stirring to coat well. Cover hands with two plastic bags, spray bags lightly with cooking spray. Working quickly shape twelve 3-inch popcorn balls.
  • Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.6 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 300.5 mg, Sugar 19.1 g

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

This was one of my favorite treats that my grandmother used to make for me and my brother. This is the exact recipe that I just inherited from my grandmother along with many other wonderful recipes I will be posting.

Provided by ChipotleChick

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 15 balls, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
7 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Stir in condensed milk.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water (takes just a few minutes). It will be between 234-238 degrees farenheit on a candy thermometer.
  • Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
  • Pour over the popped popcorn and stir well.
  • Butter your hands lightly, and shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Makes about 15 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 13, Sodium 57.1, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 25.1, Protein 2.5

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test to check the temperature of the sugar syrup. Drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it is ready.
  • Be careful not to overcook the sugar syrup, or it will become too hard and brittle.
  • If the popcorn balls are too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
  • Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Grandpa's popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and crunchy snack that everyone will love. These popcorn balls are also a great way to use up leftover popcorn, so don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings.

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