What holds a popcorn ball together?

Popcorn balls hold together using sticky binders like melted marshmallows, corn syrup, or a cooked sugar mixture that sets as it cools.

How to make popcorn sweet?

You can coat popcorn with melted chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, or syrup. Sweeten with honey, Jello powder, or sprinkle sugar for flavored popcorn.

Overcooking the sugar binder can cause the popcorn to harden too much. Always cook syrups to the correct soft-ball stage (235°F–240°F).

Use a stovetop pot, air popper, or microwave-safe container. Add kernels, apply heat, and enjoy fresh popcorn within minutes.

Festive and sweet 4th of July Popcorn – a fun and colorful treat perfect for patriotic celebrations!

Scale

8 cups plain popped popcorn
2 cups mini pretzel twists, broken in half
1–1/3 cups red, white, and blue M&M’s (1 10-ounce bag)
2 cups white chocolate chips (11 to 12-ounce bag)
1–1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil or canola oil
2 tablespoons red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Optional chocolate drizzle: 1/2 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and broken pretzels.
Sprinkle the M&M’s evenly over the popcorn mixture.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the popcorn mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
If using, add sprinkles over the mixture while the chocolate is still warm.
Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set.
If desired, melt the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon oil and drizzle over the set popcorn mix.
Allow the mixture to cool and harden before breaking into chunks and serving.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Perfect for parties, barbecues, or fireworks night!

Keywords: 4th of July, popcorn, party snack, sweet and salty, patriotic treat