White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s easy, festive, and irresistibly delicious? Look no further than this White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe.

It’s the ideal way to use up those leftover candy canes and create a delightful gift or snack for the holidays.

Key Takeaways:

• White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is a festive and delicious holiday treat.
• This recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients like white chocolate candy melts, air-popped popcorn, and crushed candy canes.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate for a fun twist, or try different flavored candy canes for variety.
• Enjoy this popcorn as a winter treat with a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
• Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond from the Food Network, a trusted source for delicious recipes.

Ingredients

To make this delicious White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn, you’ll need the following ingredients:

These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The air-popped popcorn provides a light and crunchy base, while the smooth white chocolate candy melts add a rich and creamy sweetness.

The crushed candy canes add a festive touch and a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor.

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the instructions for making this irresistible holiday treat.

Instructions

To make this White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Spread Waxed Paper

Start by spreading enough waxed paper on the counter to hold all of the popcorn. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the popcorn from sticking.

Step 2: Melt Candy Disks

In a large bowl, melt the white chocolate candy melts according to the package directions. You can use the microwave or a double boiler for melting.

Step 3: Coat Popcorn

Add the popped popcorn to the melted chocolate and stir to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of popcorn gets coated with the delicious white chocolate.

Step 4: Sprinkle Crushed Candy Canes

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the coated popcorn. The combination of peppermint and white chocolate is what makes this popcorn so delightful.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Spread the mixture onto the waxed paper and let it cool completely. This will allow the chocolate to harden and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Store in an Airtight Container

Once the popcorn has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. This will help keep it fresh and crunchy.

Now you have a batch of delicious White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn ready to enjoy or give as a festive holiday gift!

Tips and Variations

If you’re looking to make your White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn even more exciting, try these fun tips and variations:

• Drizzle Dark Chocolate: Take your popcorn to the next level by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top. The combination of white and dark chocolate creates a rich and decadent treat.
• Different Flavored Candy Canes: Feel free to experiment with different flavored candy canes, like cherry or cinnamon, for a unique twist on the classic peppermint flavor.

This Winter treat is best enjoyed alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Here’s how you can serve it:

1. Prepare a batch of White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn.
2. Pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa.
3. Grab a cozy blanket and snuggle up with your popcorn and hot cocoa for the perfect Winter indulgence.

Enjoy the combination of sweet and salty popcorn, the minty freshness of the candy canes, and the rich flavor of the chocolate as you sip on your hot cocoa. It’s a delightful treat that will warm both your heart and your taste buds.

Here’s a quote to inspire your creativity:

“The beauty of homemade popcorn is that you can get experimental with flavors and toppings. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and have fun in the kitchen!” – Chef Jen

Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond

This recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is courtesy of Ree Drummond from the Food Network. It’s a trusted source, and Ree Drummond is known for her delicious recipes.

She provides a slightly different variation of the recipe using store-bought popped kettle corn and additional toppings like mini semisweet chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Ree Drummond, also known as “The Pioneer Woman,” is a popular chef, author, and television personality.

She gained fame through her Food Network show and blog, where she shares her love for cooking and family-friendly recipes. Her recipes are loved by many and are known for their simplicity, flavor, and unique twists.

Additional Snack Mix Favorites

If you enjoy making snack mixes for the holidays, you may want to try some of these other favorites: Christmas Popcorn, Reindeer Chow, and Christmas Snack Mix.

These recipes provide a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy your holiday snacking cravings.

Christmas Popcorn is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. It features crunchy popcorn coated in a buttery caramel sauce and mixed with festive sprinkles.

This snack is perfect for movie nights or as a fun treat to share with friends and family.

Reindeer Chow is a classic holiday snack mix that combines cereal, pretzels, nuts, and M&M’s chocolate candies. It’s a crunchy, sweet, and savory mix that’s perfect for munching on during holiday gatherings or for giving as a homemade gift.

Christmas Snack Mix is a customizable mix of your favorite holiday treats. It typically includes a combination of cereal, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, and candy.

You can get creative and customize it to your preferences, adding ingredients like chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, or even mini Santa-shaped cookies. It’s a versatile snack mix that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday party.

What Can I Add To Popcorn For Flavor?

If you’re looking to elevate the flavor of popcorn, adding chocolate is always a good idea. It turns an ordinary snack into a delicious dessert.

This White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe incorporates both white and dark chocolate, adding a gourmet touch to the popcorn.

Try These Gourmet Popcorn Flavors

If you’re a fan of gourmet popcorn, there are plenty of other flavors you can experiment with. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Dark Chocolate Sea Salt: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to melted dark chocolate and drizzle it over freshly popped popcorn.
• Caramel Apple: Create a caramel sauce using caramel candies, then toss it with dried apple pieces and popcorn.
• Spicy Cajun: Combine melted butter with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper, then coat the popcorn for a savory and spicy kick.
• S’mores: Melt marshmallows and mix them with crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chips. Toss the mixture with popcorn for a sweet and nostalgic treat.

If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with your own unique popcorn flavors. The possibilities are endless!

How To Make Peppermint Popcorn

To make Peppermint Popcorn, start by popping the popcorn and removing any un-popped kernels. Then, crush the peppermint candies into fine crumbs.

Melt the white chocolate and mix it with the popcorn and crushed peppermint. Spread the mixture on a lined sheet pan and drizzle with additional melted chocolate and peppermint. Let it set and then break it into pieces to enjoy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Peppermint Popcorn:

1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method. Remove any un-popped kernels to prevent biting into hard pieces.
2. Crush the peppermint candies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the candies in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
3. Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid burning the chocolate.
4. In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and crushed peppermint. Then, pour the melted white chocolate over the mixture.
5. Using a spatula or your hands, gently toss the popcorn with the melted chocolate and peppermint until evenly coated.
6. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the lined sheet pan.
7. Drizzle the popcorn with additional melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for extra flavor and decoration.
8. Allow the popcorn to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, but you can also place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
9. Once the chocolate has hardened completely, break the peppermint popcorn into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
10. Serve and enjoy this irresistible homemade Peppermint Popcorn!

Why It Works

The combination of freshly popped popcorn, crushed peppermint candies, and melted white chocolate creates a delightfully sweet and minty treat.

The popcorn provides a satisfying crunch, while the peppermint adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

The melted white chocolate acts as a smooth and creamy binder, ensuring that every piece of popcorn is coated with the delicious peppermint and chocolate mixture.

Recipe Tips

When making this Peppermint Popcorn recipe, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the process goes smoothly and the end result is delicious. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

Line the Pan

To make cleanup easier and ensure easy removal of the popcorn, line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil before adding the popcorn and melted chocolate mixture.

This will prevent the popcorn from sticking to the pan and make it easy to lift out once it’s cooled.

Toss the Popcorn

Instead of simply pouring the melted chocolate and crushed peppermint over the popcorn, use a large bowl to toss and coat the popcorn evenly.

This will ensure that every piece of popcorn is coated with the delicious flavors and create a more satisfying snack.

Storage Tips

After making the Peppermint Popcorn, you’ll likely have some leftovers. To keep the popcorn fresh and maintain its delightful crunch, transfer any remaining popcorn to a large zip-top plastic bag.

Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent staleness. Store the bag in a cool, dry place to maintain the quality and avoid exposure to heat and sunlight that could cause the chocolate to melt.

Remember these helpful tips to make the process of creating and storing your Peppermint Popcorn a breeze. Enjoy this festive and delicious treat throughout the holiday season!

How to Keep Candied Popcorn Fresh

Once you’ve made a batch of delicious candied popcorn, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Follow these simple steps to keep your popcorn tasting great:

1. Transfer any leftover popcorn to a large zip-top plastic bag.
2. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent staleness.
3. Store the bag in a dry, cool, dark area to maintain the popcorn’s crunchiness.
4. Avoid placing the bag near heat sources or in direct sunlight, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and make the popcorn sticky.
5. Enjoy the candied popcorn within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Following these storage tips ensures that your candied popcorn stays crunchy and delicious for longer, allowing you to enjoy it as a tasty snack or share it with friends and family.

Recipe Recap:

To recap, here is a summary of the White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe:

1. Spread waxed paper on the counter.
2. Melt white chocolate candy melts according to the package directions.
3. Coat air-popped popcorn with melted white chocolate.
4. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the popcorn.
5. Spread the mixture onto the waxed paper and let it cool completely.
6. Store the popcorn in an airtight container.

Enjoy the White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn as a festive treat throughout the holiday season. Serve it at parties, enjoy it during cozy nights by the fireplace, or give it as a gift to loved ones.

Additional Snack Mix Favorites

If you’re looking for more snack mix ideas to add variety to your holiday gatherings, consider trying these favorites:

• Christmas Popcorn – A mix of popcorn, pretzels, and festive candies.
• Reindeer Chow – A delightful blend of cereal, chocolate, and powdered sugar.
• Christmas Snack Mix – A combination of nuts, dried fruits, and holiday-themed chocolates.

These snack mixes will complement the White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn and provide a diverse assortment of flavors and textures to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Recipe Sources and Credits

The sources for this White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe include various websites, such as the Food Network and recipes from Ree Drummond.

Ree Drummond is a renowned chef and television personality known for her expertise in creating delicious recipes. The Food Network is a trusted platform that offers a wide range of culinary inspiration.

By referencing these reputable sources, we ensure that the recipe provided is reliable and offers a delightful treat for the holiday season.

Ree Drummond’s version of the recipe, for instance, includes store-bought popped kettle corn and additional toppings like mini semisweet chocolate chips and sprinkles, adding a personal touch to the classic White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn.

Whether you’re a fan of Ree Drummond or simply looking for a delicious holiday snack, these recipe sources provide valuable insights and variations to suit different tastes and preferences.

The combination of white chocolate and peppermint in this popcorn recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and create a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.