Bacon Caramel Popcorn

If you have been looking for the perfect home movie snack, then this recipe is for you! This sweet and salty Popcorn snack is quick and easy and will not disappoint.

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This Bacon Caramel Popcorn is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Perfect for parties, a snack, or even dessert! Make it with a savory popcorn, like Masala Popcorn for a fun twist too.

Sweet and Salty Popcorn

I am a lover of snacks and more specifically a lover of popcorn. Coat it with butter, top it with cheese, or toss it with some spices, any way you make it, I am in love. Make it sweet and salty though, I nearly lose my mind.

overhead shot of bacon caramel popcorn in bowl

That flavor combination has been a winner for me every since I was a kid. I remember getting caramel popcorn balls as party favors or at a fair and tearing through them at breakneck speed. I find that combo absolutely addictive.

When I was thinking about making a snack for a movie at home recently, that snack came to mind. I knew I wanted that nostalgic flavor, but I wanted to give it a little twist and I couldn’t help but think bacon might amp it up a bit.

Let’s be honest bacon makes everything better. Salty coupled with the sweet, creamy caramel over crunchy popcorn puts the perfect new spin on an old favorite. This one is a sticky concoction that is truly finger-licking good.

straight shot of bacon caramel popcorn in white paper bag

What You’ll Need

  • Popped popcorn– Grab a big bag of pre-popped popcorn or pop your own. Four quarts sounds like a lot, but is actually just 16 cups, which after you add caramel too, will reduce in density even more.
  • Light brown sugar– Or if you desire more deep, rich molasses flavor, use dark brown sugar.
  • Light corn syrup– This helps the caramel stay soft and pliable instead of creating a hard candy coating.
  • Unsalted butter– If using salted butter, omit the additional salt topping and make sure the pre-popped corn is salt-free.
  • Baking soda– The secret ingredient to perfect caramel corn sauce.
  • Vanilla extract– To balance the flavors.
  • Bacon– Cooked and roughly chopped, I prefer thick-cut bacon with a little smoke on it, but you can use whatever is in the fridge or whatever strikes your fancy at the store.
  • Mini chocolate chips- I felt the little ones distributed better throughout the mixture. Regular size will work perfectly too, as will peanut butter or caramel chips. Or leave them out all together.
  • Fleur de sel – Optional, but nice for an even salt flavor and crunch.
overhead shot of bacon caramel popcorn spilled out of white paper bag

How to Make Bacon Caramel Popcorn

  1. Preheat the oven and line a large-rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. These aren’t necessary, but help with the clean-up with such a sticky sauce.
  2. In a large, heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter, stirring constantly, until it starts to lightly bubble. A heavy bottom pan is best for distributing heat and preventing scalding.
  3. Keep it consistent at a low boil/simmer for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. It might spit and bubble, this is normal.
collage of how to make caramel
  1. Spread the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and pour the syrup over top, tossing gently.
  2. Bake for 35 minutes, which helps to seal it onto the popcorn.
  3. Remove and sprinkle the top with bacon, returning to the oven and cooking for another 5 minutes to marry it all together. Remove and allow to cool fully.
  4. After the popcorn has cooled, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and fleur de sel, if desired. You can sprinkle with the chocolate chips straight from the oven, but they will get a little melty. Not the worst thing, just a little different.
collage of how to make bacon caramel popcorn

Storage

This should be made and eaten on the same day which I seriously doubt will be a problem. Bacon Caramel Popcorn is also a great party favor, potluck item or party munchie.

You can save it in an airtight container or paper bag, but the popcorn can get a little soggy from the caramel sauce.

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overhead shot of bacon caramel popcorn on sheet pan with text overlay for pinterest
overhead of bacon caramel popcorn in a white serving bowl

Bacon Caramel Popcorn

4.62 from 13 votes
This Bacon Caramel Popcorn is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Perfect for parties, snacks and dessert!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 250° and line a large-rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • In a large, heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter, stirring constantly, until it starts to lightly bubble.
  • Keep it consistent at a low boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.
  • Spread the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and pour the syrup over top, tossing gently to coat.
  • Bake for 35 minutes. Remove and sprinkle the top with bacon, returning to the oven and cooking for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove and allow to cool fully.
  • After cool, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and fleur de sel, if desired.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

This is best enjoyed the same day as making, but it can be stored in a paper bag or airtight container for up to a week. 

Nutrition

Calories: 276 kcal, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 9 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 15 mg, Sodium: 1506 mg, Potassium: 127 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Vitamin A: 70 IU, Calcium: 30 mg, Iron: 0.6 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 276
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon caramel popcorn, caramel popcorn, homemade caramel corn
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of bacon caramel popcorn for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.62 from 13 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    This is a great snack to have. The bacon and chocolate chips are a good combo that brings the sweet and savory qualities in it!