4th of July popcorn is one of those fun treats that instantly makes your celebration feel more festive. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or packing snack bags for the kids, this colorful mix always disappears fast.
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Gone Before the First Sparkler!
The best thing about patriotic popcorn? It disappears before you even light the first sparkler. This sweet and salty snack blends crunch, color, and chocolate in every bite. Kids love the burst of red, white, and blue, and adults always go back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it in big bowls or stuffing it into patriotic treat bags, this red white and blue popcorn brings instant party energy to your table. Plus, it’s a no-fuss treat you can prep ahead—perfect for busy hosts who want something fun without turning on the oven.
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What You Need for 4th of July Popcorn
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (air-popped or lightly salted, no butter)
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
- 1 cup red and blue M&Ms (or any patriotic candy-coated chocolate)
- 1 cup mini pretzels (broken into smaller pieces)
- ¼ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
- Optional: pinch of sea salt for added contrast
Tips For Melting Chocolate In The Microwave
- Use a microwave-safe bowl: Always melt white chocolate in a dry, heat-safe bowl—preferably glass or ceramic.
- Heat in short bursts: Microwave the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each. This prevents scorching and ensures even melting.
- Don’t overheat: White chocolate burns easily. Stop heating when most chips are melted and let the rest melt from residual heat while stirring.
- Smooth it out if needed: If the chocolate seems too thick, stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to loosen it up for perfect drizzling.
How To Make 4th of July Popcorn (Tips)
- Prepare your mix-ins: In a large bowl, combine popped popcorn, broken pretzels, and patriotic M&Ms. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly without crushing.
- Melt the white chocolate: Follow the microwave tips above to melt your white chocolate chips until smooth and pourable.
- Coat and combine: Drizzle the melted chocolate over your popcorn mixture, tossing gently with a spatula or clean hands to coat every piece.
- Add sprinkles fast: Before the chocolate sets, scatter red, white, and blue sprinkles across the mixture. This locks in the color and gives it that festive touch.
- Let it set: Spread the coated popcorn out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate firms up.
- Break and serve: Once set, break into clusters. Serve in bowls or bag up for patriotic treat bags. It’s a quick holiday snack for kids—no baking, no stress!
Storage / Leftover 4th of July Popcorn?
Store your 4th of July popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the popcorn soggy.
If you have leftovers, try repurposing them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or pack them into small patriotic treat bags for easy grab-and-go snacks. This easy popcorn recipe makes a perfect, kid-friendly party snack that stays delicious even after the celebration ends.
More Festive 4th Of July Treats:
- Patriotic Oreo Balls: Easy & Festive July 4th Dessert Recipe
- Ultimate Guide to 4th of July Drinks Everyone Will Love
- 4th of July Trifle Recipe
4th of July Popcorn
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped popcorn Plain air-popped or lightly salted
- 1 ½ cups White chocolate chips Or white candy melts
- 1 cup M&Ms Red and blue or any patriotic candy
- 1 cup Mini pretzels Broken into smaller pieces
- ¼ cup Red white, and blue sprinkles For decoration
- Pinch — Sea salt Optional for contrast
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine popped popcorn, broken pretzels, and M&Ms. Toss gently to mix.
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Quickly sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the coated popcorn before the chocolate sets.
- Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer.
- Allow to cool and set for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.
- Once firm, break into clusters and serve or package in treat bags.
- Nutrition:
- (You can calculate nutrition facts based on your ingredient brands, but here’s an estimate per serving)
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
- (More detailed nutrition data can be added with premium tools)
Notes
- Store popcorn in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Avoid refrigeration to keep crunchiness.
- Great as a party snack or gift in patriotic treat bags.
- Customize by swapping candy or adding nuts for extra crunch.