Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any type of popped popcorn works well, whether it's microwaved, air-popped, or stovetop. Pre-buttered microwave popcorn adds an extra layer of flavor that many people enjoy, but avoid kettle corn as the recipe is already quite sweet.

My mixture is too sticky to handle. What should I do?

This is a common issue with an easy fix! Either lightly butter your hands or spray them with non-stick cooking spray before forming the balls. You can also let the mixture cool for an additional minute or two before shaping.

Can I make these popcorn balls without nuts for allergy concerns?

Definitely! Simply omit the peanuts and increase the amount of another mix-in you enjoy. Good substitutes include extra pretzels, more cookie pieces, or sunflower seeds if they're safe for your guests.

How do I prevent my M&Ms from melting into the mixture?

The key is patience! Allow the marshmallow-coated popcorn to cool for a few minutes before adding your candy mix-ins. The coating should be sticky but not hot enough to melt chocolate when you add the M&Ms and other treats.

Loaded Popcorn Balls Recipe

Description

These Loaded Popcorn Balls are a fun and customizable treat, perfect for parties or holiday gifting. Made with buttery popcorn, melted marshmallows, and a mix of sweet and salty add-ins, they are simple to prepare and delightfully delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn Base

- - 8 cups popped popcorn
  - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  - 10 oz mini marshmallows
  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Mix-ins

- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms
- 1/3 cup crushed Oreos
- 1/4 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

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Instructions

Prepare popcorn: Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl with a wide mouth, and set aside.
Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and marshmallows, stirring often, until the marshmallows are fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine popcorn and marshmallow mixture: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the bowl of popcorn. Allow the popcorn to sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, then stir with a spatula to coat the popcorn evenly.
Add mix-ins: Add the M&Ms, Oreos, pretzels, and peanuts to the popcorn mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together to combine.
Form popcorn balls: With clean hands, form the popcorn into balls and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Press in any extra garnishes around the outside of the popcorn balls as desired. (Tip: If the popcorn sticks to your hands, butter your hands or spray them lightly with non-stick spray.)
Insert straws (optional) and cool: If using straws, cut them in half and insert into the center of each popcorn ball. Allow the popcorn balls to fully cool for about 20 minutes.
Wrap and store: Once cooled, wrap the popcorn balls in cellophane or clear gift bags, and tie them off with a strip of ribbon and a printed gift tag. Enjoy!

Notes

If the popcorn is sticking to your hands while you shape the popcorn balls, try buttering your hands or spraying them lightly with non-stick spray.
You can use any type of popcorn for this recipe, stovetop or microwaved. Store-bought microwaved popcorn works well, and pre-buttered popcorn gives a slightly buttery flavor that complements the recipe. Avoid kettle corn as the recipe is already sweet.
Optional mix-ins include candy corn, chopped cookies, candies (e.g., Rolos or bite-sized candy bars), or colored sprinkles for a fun custom look.
You can use food coloring to tint the marshmallow mixture for extra festive popcorn balls, though leaving the mixture white lets the mix-ins stand out better.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg