Popcorn Peanuts Caramel Mix (Printable)

Crunchy popcorn tossed with roasted peanuts and rich caramel for a sweet and salty snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (approximately 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

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place freshly popped popcorn and roasted peanuts in a large mixing bowl and 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 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 - Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and peanuts. Using two spatulas or wooden spoons, toss continuously until all pieces are evenly coated.
06 - Spread the caramel-coated mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
07 - Bake for 45 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 15 minutes to ensure uniform seasoning and prevent burning.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Break into bite-sized clusters before serving or storing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Perfectly balances sweet caramel richness with salty roasted peanuts for irresistible flavor.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Great for sharing at game day gatherings, movie nights, or as a grab-and-go snack.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with optional add-ins for extra crunch.
02 -
  • Be sure to stir the caramel frequently as it heats to prevent burning, but avoid stirring during the 4–5 minute boil for proper texture.
  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
  • Stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking to ensure an even caramel coating and prevent clumps.
  • Allow the mixture to cool completely before breaking into clusters to maintain crispiness.
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