Introduction:

Get ready to steal Christmas in the sweetest way possible with this delicious Grinch Popcorn! Inspired by the classic holiday character, this popcorn combines sweet, salty, and colorful elements, making it a perfect festive treat for movie nights or holiday parties. The vibrant green color, sprinkled with red M&M’s, mimics the iconic look of the Grinch, while the marshmallow coating provides a gooey, irresistible sweetness. This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Let’s dive into how to make this fun and festive snack!

Ingredients:

• 10 cups of popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows (for coating)
• Green food coloring (combine yellow and blue to get the Grinch green)
• 1/2 cup additional mini marshmallows (for topping)
• Red M&M’s candies (for decoration)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn

• Pop your popcorn using your preferred method, whether it’s air-popped, stovetop, or microwave. Ensure it’s lightly salted, as the salt will help balance the sweetness.
• Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ensuring there’s enough space for mixing later.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

• In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat.
• Once the butter is fully melted, add the 3 cups of mini marshmallows to the pan.
• Stir constantly as the marshmallows melt, ensuring they don’t stick or burn. Once melted into a smooth, gooey mixture, remove the pan from heat.

Step 3: Add Food Coloring

• To achieve that perfect Grinch green, start by adding yellow food coloring to the marshmallow mixture. A few drops should suffice.
• Then, add a drop or two of blue food coloring to create the vibrant green color. Stir thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the coloring as needed until you achieve the ideal shade of Grinch green.

Step 4: Combine Marshmallow Mixture and Popcorn

• Pour the green-colored marshmallow mixture over the salted popcorn in your large bowl.
• Using a spatula, gently fold and mix the popcorn with the marshmallow mixture until all the popcorn is evenly coated. Make sure every kernel is covered with the sweet and sticky green coating for that full Grinch effect.

Step 5: Add Toppings

• Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• While the popcorn is still warm and sticky, sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows over the top.
• Then, add the red M&M’s candies for a festive contrast. These red candies will resemble the Grinch’s heart, which famously grew three sizes!

Step 6: Let it Set

• Allow the popcorn to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s cooled, the marshmallow mixture will harden slightly, making it easier to break into pieces for serving.
• Once set, break the Grinch Popcorn into chunks, place it in a serving bowl, and enjoy!

Cooking Notes:

• Food Coloring: If you can’t find green food coloring, simply mix yellow and blue to achieve the signature Grinch green. Be cautious not to add too much blue, as it can darken the color too much.
• Microwave Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave. Just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
• Popcorn Texture: It’s best to use fresh popcorn for this recipe. Stale or overly salted popcorn can ruin the texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Grinch Popcorn makes for a delightful snack during:

• Movie nights: Pair it with a holiday movie like How the Grinch Stole Christmas to get in the spirit!
• Holiday parties: Serve it in festive bowls, or wrap small portions in clear bags as take-home treats for your guests.
• Gifts: Fill festive containers or jars with this colorful popcorn for a sweet homemade gift that’s sure to bring holiday cheer.

Tips:

• Popcorn freshness: For the best texture, use freshly popped popcorn. Stale popcorn won’t hold up as well to the marshmallow coating.
• Storage: Store leftover Grinch Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but it will remain tasty for a couple of days after making.
• Color customization: While this recipe is meant to be Grinch-themed, you can switch up the food coloring and candy toppings to suit different holidays or events!

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10 minutes

Total Time:

• 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180-200
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

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Conclusion:

Grinch Popcorn is not only visually stunning but also deliciously addictive. The perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy makes this a festive treat everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas movie marathon, attending a holiday party, or looking for a fun gift idea, this Grinch-inspired popcorn is sure to be a hit. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this festive snack in no time, spreading holiday cheer to everyone who takes a bite!

 

 

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