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Our holiday movie nights wouldn't be the same without this fun Grinch Popcorn that gets my whole family excited. Every kernel comes wrapped in a sticky sweet marshmallow coating colored just the right shade of green, while bright red M&Ms add that splash of Christmas joy. You just can't resist the way the salty and sweet flavors work together.
The Charm Behind This Festive Popcorn
What makes this treat so wonderful is the amazing mix of crunchy popcorn and gooey marshmallow. I find it super easy to make even when I'm busy with holiday stuff. Everyone grins when they see that bright green color, and they keep reaching for more thanks to that sweet and salty combo.
What You'll Need for Grinch Popcorn
- Popcorn: Grab 10 cups freshly popped corn and don't forget to remove any hard unpopped bits.
- Butter: Only 3 tablespoons needed to make your marshmallow mix extra smooth.
- Mini Marshmallows: You'll want 3 cups for that perfect sweet sticky coating.
- Food Coloring: Blend yellow with a touch of blue to get our classic Grinch green.
- Red M&M's: They stand for the Grinch's heart growing bigger so adorable.
- Salt: This little touch really brings out all the flavors.
Making Your Grinch Popcorn
- Get Your Popcorn Ready
- Pop up 10 cups of fresh popcorn and take out any hard kernels at the bottom. Throw on a pinch of salt right away.
- Create Your Marshmallow Mix
- Take your butter and melt it down in a pan on medium heat, then drop in those mini marshmallows and stir until they're totally melted.
- Turn It Green
- Here's where it gets fun drop in yellow coloring first, then add tiny bits of blue until you've got that perfect Grinch shade.
- Mix Popcorn with Green Marshmallow
- Drizzle that green marshmallow mix all over your popcorn and fold it in carefully until you've covered every piece.
- Sprinkle Your Toppings
- Lay everything out on a baking sheet with liner and quickly add your M&Ms and extra mini marshmallows before it hardens.
- Let It Set and Enjoy
- Wait until it cools, then break it into munchy chunks. If you have any left, keep it in an airtight container it'll stay tasty for a couple days.
Insider Tricks
Always use plain fresh popcorn and add salt while it's still hot. Want more crunch? Just use less of the marshmallow mix. Looking for extra gooey goodness? Add a bit more. Just work fast with those toppings before everything sets up.
Personal Touches
I sometimes throw in broken candy canes or add streaks of white chocolate. Holiday sprinkles look amazing too. You can switch up the colors for different times of year my kids jump for joy when I make blue or purple batches for their birthday parties.
Storage Tips
This snack tastes amazing right after making it but you can store it for about two days in something airtight. It might get a little chewier as time passes but nobody ever seems to mind.
Crowd Pleaser
Whenever I take this to holiday get-togethers, it vanishes fast. People spot that bright green color right away and can't stop munching on that sweet-salty mix. It's now what everyone expects me to bring to parties.
Family Fun Time
I love when my kids help make this treat. They get so excited about popping the corn and especially love dropping those red M&Ms on top. It's become one of our special holiday routines they look forward to each year.
Perfect for Movies
There's nothing better than snuggling up with a big bowl of this while watching Christmas films. It feels extra special during How the Grinch Stole Christmas my kids always laugh about eating green popcorn during the show.
What Makes It Special
This simple snack brings so much happiness in a magical way. It takes everyday flavors and turns them into something that feels like the holidays. Each batch we make adds to our story of family time, cozy evenings, and holiday memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get the right Grinch green color?
Start with yellow food coloring, then add tiny drops of blue until you see that perfect green shade appear.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Sure, just keep it in a sealed container. It tastes best when eaten within a day or two.
- → What type of popcorn works best?
Go with plain popcorn that's air-popped or made with just a little oil. Don't use buttery microwave popcorn.
- → Why add decorations while still warm?
The warm, sticky coating helps the marshmallows and candy bits stick better to your popcorn.
- → Can I use different candies?
Absolutely! Red M&Ms match the theme, but any red candy or holiday decorations will work too.