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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
If you’re craving a snack that’s both indulgent and affordable, this Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe is a game-changer. It’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a sweet tooth craving. Plus, it’s way cheaper than store-bought caramel popcorn!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Addictive Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and salty.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Popcorn kernels (1/2 cup) | $0.50 |
| Sugar (1 cup) | $0.50 |
| Butter (1/2 cup) | $1.00 |
| Salt (1/2 tsp) | $0.05 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2.05 |
Step-By-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Popcorn
- Pop the Popcorn: Pop the kernels using your preferred method. Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture turns a golden caramel color (about 5 minutes).
- Add Salt & Coat: Stir in the salt, then pour the caramel over the popcorn. Toss quickly to coat the kernels evenly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the popcorn cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the caramel to harden slightly. Break apart any clumps and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Add Some Flavor Variety
| Flavor Idea | Add This |
| Chocolate Drizzle | Melted chocolate (1/4 cup) |
| Cinnamon Sugar Kick | 1 tsp cinnamon in caramel |
| Nutty Delight | 1/2 cup toasted pecans |
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
| Airtight container | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month |
Pro Tip: Add a silica gel packet in your storage container to keep popcorn crisp longer.
More Sweet & Salty Treats
If you can’t get enough of these flavor combos, try these recipes:
- Magic 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles – So Fancy Yet So Cheap!
- DIY Churro Bites with Just 4 Ingredients – Perfect for Penny Pinchers!
- Lazy Day Cookie Bars: Zero Effort, Maximum Flavor (and Budget-Friendly!)
For more creative popcorn ideas, check out Popcorn.org.
Final Thoughts
With this Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe, you’ll have a gourmet snack that costs just pennies to make. Perfect for sharing… or not!
Tried it yet? Let me know your favorite popcorn toppings in the comments!
