Kettle Chip Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients

• 11 cups popped plain unsalted popcorn
• 4 cups Kettle Brand Sea Salt Kettle Chips, slightly crushed to about 2 1/2 cups
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a large mixing bowl for the popcorn and kettle chips.

2. 2

   Combine Popcorn and Chips: Pour the popped plain unsalted popcorn and slightly crushed kettle chips into the extra large mixing bowl and set aside.

3. 3

   Make Caramel Sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed light brown sugar and corn syrup and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. 4

   Boil Sauce: Allow the caramel mixture to boil for 5 minutes without stirring, reaching approximately 252 degrees Fahrenheit if using a thermometer. Then immediately remove from heat.

5. 5

   Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Stir in vanilla extract and baking soda until well combined; the mixture will foam and double in volume, creating a light caramel coating.

6. 6

   Coat Popcorn Mixture: Carefully drizzle the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and kettle chips and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

7. 7

   Bake: Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, tossing the popcorn every 15 minutes to coat evenly.

8. 8

   Add Sprinkles: If using sprinkles, add them immediately after the 1 hour baking time is completed while the popcorn is still warm.

9. 9

   Cool Popcorn: Allow the popcorn to cool completely at room temperature.

10. 10

    Melt Chocolate: Place the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl and heat in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring well between intervals until melted and smooth.

11. 11

    Drizzle Chocolate: Transfer the melted chocolate to a small resealable bag, seal it, cut off a tiny tip from a corner, and drizzle the chocolate evenly over the cooled popcorn.

12. 12

    Set Chocolate and Store: Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly. Break the popcorn into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature.