Cajun Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
For the Popcorn
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels OR 1 bag plain white microwave popcorn
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil if you're using kernels
For the Cajun Caramel Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup plus 1 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Note: feel free to toss in any additions such as peanuts, chocolate pieces, etc.
Instructions
- To make the popcorn place the oil and one kernel of corn in a large skillet/pot over high heat. Once the kernel pops, add the remaining kernels and cover. Reduce the heat to medium and let the kernels pop until you can count to 3 (Mississippi) between pops. Remove from heat and pour into large bowl, removing any un-popped kernels.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- To make the caramel sauce, place a small pot over medium heat and add the butter, brown sugar, cayenne, chili powder, sea salt, and corn syrup. Cook until it just begins to bubble on the sides. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the baking soda.
- Slowly pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn while gently stirring. Stir until the popcorn is well coated with the sauce.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the caramel corn on the baking sheet and bake in the over for about 10 minutes (stirring halfway through), until the caramel just begins to darken.
- Remove from oven and let cool. Break up any clusters and serve.
~Amanda~
Popcorn has been a go-to snack for what seems like forever, whether you’re at the movies, on a picnic, at work, or in this case, watching the Super Bowl! I originally made this recipe for a Super Bowl party that I went to last year, and it was such a hit that I had to make it again this year. This popcorn is not just any plain old popcorn though, it is a Cajun Caramel Popcorn filled with the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness. The sweetness comes from the traditional caramel sauce, saltiness from a dash of sea salt, and finally a nice kick from cayenne and chili powder. The combination of all those flavors makes this popcorn so addicting and it will make your taste buds (and your guests) incredibly happy.
You begin by popping the popcorn. You can go the traditional route and make it in a pot on the stovetop with corn kernels and some vegetable oil. You can use a popcorn machine if you have one (I have great memories of my dad making popcorn with one of these when we were kids and the top coming off and our kitchen raining popcorn!). Or you can make things easy on yourself and just make a bag of microwave popcorn; if you do use microwave popcorn, just make sure that you buy plain white popcorn without any butter or seasonings, we’ll add that ourselves. (Molly loves when I make popcorn too, and she shows off by balancing it on her nose!).
The next step is to make the spicy caramel topping. Making homemade caramel may sound a little daunting, but it’s actually very simple. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a pot and heat until it just starts to bubble around the edges. Remove and whisk in your baking soda and that’s it! I love the heat that you get from the cayenne and chili powder in the caramel sauce; it makes for a more grown-up version of your traditional caramel corn. However, if you (or your guests) are not a fan of the heat, you can always just omit those ingredients and have a traditional caramel sauce. After mixing the popcorn with the caramel sauce, you bake until it just starts to brown and then serve. You can serve as is or mix in some extras like peanuts or chocolate candies with your favorite team colors. Enjoy with some other great snacks, nice cold drinks, and the big game!
