Print

Savory Salted Bacon Caramel Popcorn Clusters

salted bacon caramel popcorn clusters - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy homemade snack combining smoky bacon, buttery caramel, and crunchy popcorn into addictive clusters perfect for parties and movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (90g) popcorn kernels
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (Applewood smoked preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat in a large pot with a lid. Add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl, discarding un-popped kernels.
  2. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels, chop into small bits, and set aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and cook for 4-5 minutes until caramel thickens and darkens to a rich amber color.
  4. Remove caramel from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly.
  5. Immediately pour hot caramel over popcorn in the mixing bowl. Add chopped bacon bits and gently fold until popcorn is evenly coated.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping loose clusters. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Let cool at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until caramel hardens.
  7. Once set, break clusters apart if needed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Watch the caramel carefully to avoid burning; stir continuously and keep heat moderate. Work quickly when coating popcorn as caramel hardens fast. If caramel hardens too soon, soften with a 10-15 second microwave zap. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and corn syrup with agave nectar. Use medium crisp bacon for best texture. Avoid refrigerating clusters to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon popcorn, caramel popcorn, savory snack, homemade snack, popcorn clusters, bacon caramel, easy snack recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/savory-salted-bacon-caramel-popcorn-clusters-recipe-easy-homemade-snack/