Baseball Season Popcorn Mix (Printable)

Crunchy popcorn and roasted peanuts coated in caramel for a sweet and salty snack mix.

# What You'll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)

→ Nuts

02 - 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts

→ Caramel

03 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
05 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place the popped popcorn and roasted peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Toss together until evenly distributed.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
04 - Allow the caramel to boil for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam significantly.
05 - Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and peanuts. Using two spatulas or wooden spoons, toss continuously until the mixture is thoroughly coated.
06 - Transfer the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
07 - Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
08 - Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Break into clusters before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of sweet caramel and salty peanuts creates an addictive flavor combination
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time
  • Makes a generous batch ideal for sharing at parties, game days, or movie nights
  • Stores well in an airtight container for up to a week, so you can make it ahead
  • Endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins like pretzels or chocolate candies
02 -
  • Always remove unpopped kernels before coating to prevent broken teeth and ensure a pleasant eating experience
  • Use a large bowl with high sides when tossing the popcorn with caramel to prevent spills
  • Don't skip the baking soda—it creates air pockets that make the caramel lighter and crispier
  • Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking to ensure all pieces get evenly coated and crisped
  • Let the mix cool completely before breaking it apart; warm caramel corn will be sticky and won't have the right texture
  • For gift-giving, package the cooled popcorn mix in mason jars or decorative tins with a handwritten label
Return