Celebrate the Stars & Stripes with Patriotic Popcorn Balls!

Hey there, popcorn enthusiasts!

If you’re dreaming of a sweet, crunchy treat that screams holiday cheer, you’ve just hit the jackpot. These patriotic popcorn balls are a colorful, homemade twist on your favorite snack—bursting with bright berry, sweet vanilla, and a hint of buttery goodness. Unlike store-bought versions that can be stodgy or overly sweet, ours are light, fluffy, and downright addictive. Plus, they come together faster than you can say “stars and stripes!” So, grab your pantry staples—popcorn, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of red, white, and blue—and let’s whip up some festive bites that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And hey, if you’re feeling inspired, why not try tossing in some toasted almonds or drizzling with chocolate for an extra special touch? Ready to get popping? Let’s do this!

Patriotic Popcorn Balls

This dish consists of popcorn combined with melted marshmallows and butter, molded into festive balls with red, white, and blue accents. The mixture is heated until smooth, then shaped once cooled, resulting in light, chewy treats with a glossy outer appearance and colorful interior. The final texture is soft and airy, with a crunchy exterior.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 cups popcorn kernels unpopped
• 1 bag marshmallows about 40 large marshmallows
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• red and blue food coloring food coloring small amount for vibrant colors
• optional decorative candies or sprinkles for patriotic decoration

Equipment

• Large pot
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wax paper or parchment
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooking thermometer

Method

 

1. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot over medium heat, shaking occasionally, until all kernels have popped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Set aside.
   
2. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat until bubbling gently. Add the marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until completely melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
   
3. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture evenly into small bowls. Tint each portion with red or blue food coloring, stirring until colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
   
4. Pour the colored marshmallow mixtures over the popcorn in the mixing bowl in small additions, gently folding with a spatula to coat all the popcorn evenly. Continue until the popcorn is well coated and glossy.
   
5. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the coated popcorn into compact balls. Place each ball on wax paper or parchment-lined tray. If desired, decorate with candies or sprinkles for a patriotic effect.
   
6. Allow the popcorn balls to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes until firm. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
   

Notes

Ensure marshmallow mixture is not too hot when coating popcorn to prevent melting the colors. For brighter colors, tint the marshmallow mixture generously.

These patriotic popcorn balls are a fun, simple way to add a little sparkle to your celebration. Serve them up at your next party or pack them in goodie bags for a DIY treat that everyone will love! Don’t forget to share your colorful creations in the comments—I can’t wait to see your star-spangled snacks! Happy snacking!