Salted Caramel Popcorn

Salted Caramel Popcorn (made in the microwave) is ridiculously easy. A sweet caramel treat for munching while reading a good book.

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Caramel is known to be finicky and easy to burn. I get it, standing over a stove babysitting and stirring it forever might not sound worth it to you for caramel popcorn. However, pop it in the microwave? Count me in!

Be warned the microwave caramel will still be HOT. You can still burn yourself so handle it with care.

It is slightly weird sounding and looking, mixing and microwaving in a paper bag. Trust me it’s easy and the absolute best way to make it.

The recipe starts by mixing the caramel ingredients together in a microwave safe dish. While hot dump onto the popcorn in a paper bag and shake the bag to coat the popcorn with caramel.

Fortunately, it cools quickly on a baking sheet. Good thing you won’t have to wait long for a taste test of your Salted Caramel Popcorn.

This recipe is adapted from one of my church’s cookbooks. When three church ladies submit the same recipe you know it has to be good!

Microwave Carmel Popcorn Recipe

1. Place popcorn in a large brown paper sack. (Like the kind you get from the grocery store.) Set aside.
2. In a large, microwave safe casserole dish, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cover and microwave on high for two minutes. Be careful the mixture will be very hot. Sir in baking soda. The mixture will foam up. Microwave on high for an additional 90 seconds.
3. Pour caramel over the popcorn in the paper sack and shake well. Roll down the top of the paper sack and place it in the microwave. Turn off the turntable and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Shake again. Dump the popcorn from the bag onto a baking sheet to cool.

Popcorn Recipes

Popcorn reminds me of vanilla ice cream in a sundae. Delicious on its own but just waiting for you to add toppings and flavors.

Crunchy popcorn, salty pretzels, and mini peanut butter cups covered in peanut butter caramel make up this irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Pretzel Popcorn.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is super easy to make and share. Make a savory Pizza Popcorn by adding butter, Parmesan cheese, along with basil, garlic, and oregano.

I like to keep some of these Homemade Popcorn Seasonings mixed up and on hand for quick popcorn nights.

Salted Caramel Popcorn (made in the microwave)

Salted Caramel Popcorn (made in the microwave) is ridiculously easy. A sweet caramel treat for munching while reading a good book.

Pin Print Review

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 4 mins

Total Time: 9 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients 

• ▢ 16 cups popped popcorn
• ▢ ½ cup butter
• ▢ 1 cup brown sugar
• ▢ ¼ cup corn syrup
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

• Place popcorn in a large brown paper sack. (Like the kind you get from the grocery store.) Set aside.
• In a large, microwave safe casserole dish, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cover and microwave on high for two minutes. Be careful the mixture will be very hot. Sir in baking soda. The mixture will foam up. Microwave on high for an additional 90 seconds.
• Pour caramel over the popcorn in the paper sack and shake well. Roll down the top of the paper sack and place it in the microwave. Turn off the turntable and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Shake again. Dump the popcorn from the bag onto a baking sheet to cool.

Notes

This recipe will make 4 quarts of caramel corn. 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 1466kcal · Carbohydrates: 278g · Protein: 36g · Fat: 26g · Saturated Fat: 9g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g · Monounsaturated Fat: 6g · Trans Fat: 1g · Cholesterol: 31mg · Sodium: 488mg · Potassium: 939mg · Fiber: 42g · Sugar: 38g · Vitamin A: 355IU · Calcium: 44mg · Iron: 10mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @chocolatewithgrace or tag #chocolatewithgrace!

 {originally published 9/25/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/9/22}