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Ghost Popcorn Balls

Ghost Popcorn Balls: Fun, Easy Halloween Treats for Everyone

Ghost Popcorn Balls are a whimsical Halloween treat that combines crunchy popcorn with sweet marshmallow for a delightful snack everyone will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Setting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 balls
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Popcorn Base
  • 16 cups popped popcorn Use air-popped popcorn for a lighter treat, avoiding butter for better binding.
For the Marshmallow Mixture
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows These provide the essential sweetness and sticky texture that holds the popcorn together.
  • ¼ cup butter This adds a rich flavor and helps create a creamy marshmallow base.
For the Ghostly Coating
  • 1 bag Wilton bright white candy melts Gives the popcorn balls a spooky ghostly appearance; white chocolate chips can be substituted if necessary.
For Decoration
  • As needed candy eyeballs These add a fun, whimsical touch to your ghost popcorn balls that kids will love.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Spatula
  • Lined baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ghost Popcorn Balls
  1. Begin by preparing 16 cups of popcorn using your preferred method—air-popping or microwave popping works best. Be sure to sift through the popped popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Transfer the fluffy popcorn to a large mixing bowl, creating the delightful base for your Ghost Popcorn Balls.
  2. In a large pot, melt 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. This gooey blend will serve as the wonderful binding agent for your Ghost Popcorn Balls.
  3. Once melted, quickly pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat each piece of popcorn, ensuring every bit is covered with the sticky sweetness. Continue mixing until the popcorn is evenly coated, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking, then take small handfuls of the popcorn mixture and shape them into round balls about the size of a fist. Place each ball onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for any slight expansion as they cool. You should aim to make 10 to 12 hearty Ghost Popcorn Balls.
  5. Allow the shaped popcorn balls to cool and firm up at room temperature. This process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your ambient conditions. You'll know they are ready when they hold their shape and are no longer sticky to the touch, creating the perfect treat for your Halloween festivities.
  6. While the popcorn balls cool, melt the Wilton bright white candy melts according to the package instructions. Once melted, dip the tops of each cooled popcorn ball into the warm candy coating. Quickly sprinkle on candy eyeballs before the coating sets, giving your Ghost Popcorn Balls their adorable, spooky look.
  7. Place the coated popcorn balls back onto the lined baking sheet and allow the candy coating to set completely, which may take an additional 15-20 minutes. Once firm, your delicious Ghost Popcorn Balls are finished and ready for serving at your Halloween party, providing joy and whimsy to all who partake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Let the shaped popcorn balls cool completely and firm up for about 30 to 60 minutes, ensuring they maintain their shape for the Halloween party.

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