Are you craving a sweet and salty treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This caramel corn recipe using sweetened condensed milk is the perfect solution for satisfying those cravings. Forget store-bought versions – this homemade caramel corn is unbelievably addictive, with a perfectly balanced sweet and salty crunch that will leave you wanting more. It's a fantastic recipe for movie nights, parties, or simply a delicious afternoon snack. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (even though it's a snack!), and a great addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup popcorn kernels (air-popped is best!)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup baking chocolate chips (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
Step 1: Pop the Corn
Pop your popcorn kernels according to package directions. Ensure you have plenty of air-popped popcorn— you want a good amount to coat in caramel! Remove any unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The mixture will thicken as it simmers – this is key to delicious, sticky caramel corn!
Step 3: Combine Caramel and Popcorn
Once the caramel sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes), remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the popped popcorn to the pot and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with the caramel. This takes a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
Step 4: Spread and Cool
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the caramel corn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool completely—this is important to allow the caramel to set properly. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the caramel corn while it's still slightly warm so they melt slightly.
Step 5: Break it Apart and Enjoy!
Once the caramel corn is completely cool, break it into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
Cooking Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn:
- Air-popped popcorn is best: It results in a lighter, crispier caramel corn than microwave popcorn.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure you have enough space in the pot to properly coat the popcorn. You might need to work in batches if you made a huge batch of popcorn.
- Stir constantly: This prevents the caramel from burning and ensures even cooking.
- Patience is key: Let the caramel corn cool completely before breaking it apart. This prevents it from becoming sticky and ensures a delightful crunch.
Variations:
- Spicy Caramel Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the caramel for a kick.
- Nutty Caramel Corn: Toss in some chopped peanuts, pecans, or cashews along with the popcorn.
- Pretzel Caramel Corn: Add some pretzels to the mix for an extra salty crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the amount of popcorn and additions. A general estimate per serving (assuming about 1 cup of popcorn): Calories: 250-300, Fat: 10-15g, Carbohydrates: 35-45g, Protein: 3-5g, Sugar: 20-25g. This is just an estimate; nutritional content can fluctuate depending on the specific ingredients used.
This caramel corn recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to create. Enjoy this sweet and salty treat with friends and family – it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser! It's a great addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals, even if it's a little bit indulgent.