Forktionary

Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls Recipe

A treasured family tradition passed down through generations! These Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls are the perfect spooky-season treat. This recipe makes approximately 150 popcorn balls (using two large brown paper bags of popped corn), enough to share with friends and family or keep the whole neighborhood happy! While younger children might need supervision (those hot sugar mixtures can be tricky!), teenagers will have a blast making these classic Halloween delights. Get ready to experience a taste of history!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 70.2 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 4.3 (3 Reviews)
Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls 25

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls

  1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 cup white vinegar.
  2. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F on a candy thermometer). To test, drop a small amount into a glass of ice water; it should form a hard, brittle ball.
  3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
  4. Prepare your workspace: Cover a large table with newspaper and have several bowls of ice water readily available.
  5. Pour the hot candy mixture over 2 large brown paper bags (approximately 10 quarts) of popped popcorn in a very large bowl.
  6. Using a large wooden spoon, gently but thoroughly stir the mixture to coat all the popcorn.
  7. Lightly butter your hands.
  8. Working quickly (the mixture cools fast!), form the popcorn into 2-inch balls. Have a bowl of ice water nearby in case you accidentally get burned.
  9. If you burn your hand, immediately submerge it in ice water.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

66g

Fat

1g

Carbs

5g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Low Protein Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Desserts Easy Holiday Event Low Fat Candy Stove Top Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Halloween Low In Something Equipment Number Of Servings