Make your movie night *pop* with themed popcorn blends! These clever blends pull inspiration from the classics—find the one that matches your favorite holiday film.
“Elf”
An Elf’s Balanced Meal
Is it me, or does that spaghetti look so good? You know the scene. This popcorn draws from that hilarious moment; Pop Tarts included!
On a sheet pan, combine popcorn with chocolate candies, mini marshmallows, and broken, fudge-flavored, Pop Tart pieces. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons maple syrup with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and stir until blended. Drizzle this mixture and some melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Allow to dry and dig in!
“Home Alone”
Cheese Pizza Popcorn
What does a kid do when left at home all alone? Order pizza! This pizza-flavored popcorn will bring out that kid-like wonder in anyone.
Take your already-popped popcorn and toss in a bit of melted butter and salt. Sprinkle in a pack of spaghetti seasoning, to taste. We used one from McCormick’s. Finish with grated parmesan. This actually tastes like pizza—it’s so cool.
“Frosty the Snowman”
Popcorn Snowballs
Inspired by everyone’s favorite snowman, these treats resemble snowballs. If you love Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll adore these. Melt 3 tablespoons butter with 16 ounces of marshmallows. Toss in the popped popcorn, and using well-oiled hands, shape the mixture into balls. Roll in powdered sugar, and enjoy! Bonus: you can also shape these into little snowmen.
“The Grinch”
Going Green Popcorn Mix
This is one you’re going to have to try to believe. Combine a 1/2 cup of lime-flavored Jell-O powder with 4 teaspoons water. Toss with 4 cups popped popcorn. Spread the mix on a baking sheet, and bake 5 minutes at 250°F. Once cooled, toss in some red Skittles or other red candies—for a certain Grinch’s heart!
Pro Tip: The key to the best popcorn is super fine salt. If you can, take your salt and run it through a spice grinder or pulverize it using a mortar and pestle. Think powder, as far as the texture goes. This will better ensure that every nook and cranny of each popped kernel is coated and bursting with salty flavor.
“The Polar Express”
Hot Chocolate Popcorn
The hot chocolate scene in this movie always makes me crave a mug for myself. This popcorn blend satisfies that craving, then some.
Preheat your oven to 225°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Place 8 cups popped popcorn in a greased bowl. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Carefully stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil. Mixture will become light and frothy. Stir in 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, followed by a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn, and toss to coat. Spread covered popcorn in an even layer on baking sheets. Bake 30 minutes, giving it a quick stir every 10 minutes. Place one cup of chocolate puffed cereal in a plastic bag and crush it into a powder. (Optional: do the same with peppermint candy!) Transfer cooled popcorn to a greased bowl and toss with two cups of whole chocolate puffed cereal, the crushed cereal, and lots of mini marshmallows.