I’ve always wanted to go to the Super Bowl. It’s on my bucket list, in fact. I’m not anywhere near the biggest football fan in the world, but I enjoy watching the games on occasion, particularly the big game. Sitting in that stadium full of cheering fans, watching the two best teams in the league duke it out seems like something we should all do once in our lives.
I’d have to TiVo the game too because the commercials are probably my favorite part. That and halftime. That’s the other thing about going to the Super Bowl: you get to see a concert and a football game!
But I have to be honest – I wouldn’t want to go to this Super Bowl, or any other outdoor sporting event that is going to expose me to winter weather. Even Dad, who loves football and played it in college, said he wouldn’t want to go. I mean, come on, it’s probably going to be the coldest Super Bowl ever!
So instead, I’ll be watching from my warm house with some of this Microwave Caramel Popcorn. I knew immediately I wanted to make caramel popcorn for this game day Sunday Supper, and then when I saw this recipe, I had to try it.
I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Was it even possible to make caramel popcorn in the microwave? Oh, yeah, it is! This caramel popcorn is some of the best I have ever eaten. If I didn’t know it came out of the microwave, I wouldn’t believe it. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, rich, buttery, and super crispy. Plus, this gluten free snack is ready in 10-15 minutes. Touchdown! You definitely need to make this now for your Super Bowl viewing later. And go Broncos!
Microwave Caramel Popcorn #SundaySupper
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn using your favorite method. I popped mine in a large paper lunch bag in the microwave.
- Place the popped popcorn in a large paper lunch bag.
- In a medium, microwave safe bowl, place brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. If the mixture is not completely melted and bubbling, microwave it for an additional minute. Mine took 3 minutes to be fully incorporated and bubbling. Immediately stir in vanilla and baking soda. Once the caramel is fully combined, pour the caramel over the popped popcorn in the paper bag. Try to pour down the center instead of on the side as it will just stick to the bag.
- Fold the top of the paper bag down a few times, then shake to coat the popcorn with the caramel. Microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes. Remove the bag from the microwave and shake it again. Microwave for an additional 1 ½ minutes.
- Pour caramel popcorn onto a large, parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool completely. When the popcorn is cool it should be very crunchy. Store popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Recipe adapted from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Don’t forget to check out all the other Sunday Supper dishes!
Game Day Appetizers:
- Honey Mustard Pretzel Crunch from Shockingly Delicious
- Salt and Vinegar Wings from Casa de Crews
- Saucy Wings and Thighs from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Steak Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Alpine Sliders from Manu’s Menu
- Hellfire Wings from Yours and Mine Are Ours
- Easy Nacho Bar from Momma’s Meals
- Jalapeno Popper Taquitos from Curious Cuisiniere
- Skinny Game Day Guacamole Potato Skins from Daily Dish Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Cups from Alida’s Kitchen
- Spinach-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers from La Cocina de Leslie
- BBQ Veggie Mini Burgers from Happy Baking Days
- Spicy Roasted Corn Shrimp Dip from Food Lust People Love
- Honey-Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket from Hip Foodie Mom
- Beer Cheese Fondue from Melanie Makes
- Cheesy Artichoke and Garlic Bread from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza Bites from Meal Planning Magic
- Personal Chili Pots from MealDiva
- Italian Spring Rolls from Noshing with The Nolands
- Mexican Meatballs with Queso Blanco from Cooking on the Ranch
- Parmigiano Crisps from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Buffalo Chicken Potstickers from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Mediterranean Nachos from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Chinese Barbecue Wings from girlichef
- Mini Veggie Quesadillas from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Roasted Tomato Hummus from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Cashew Baba Ghanoush : Roasted Eggplant Dip from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Potato Skins from Family Foodie
- Lemon Bay Pan Roasted Shrimp from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventure
- Honey Sesame Seed Crackers from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
Game Day Entrees:
- Super Sloppy Joes from The Foodie Army Wife
- Buffalo Chicken Chili from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Mini Meatball and Mozzarella Sandwiches from Cookin’ Mimi
- Super Bowl Bento from Ninja Baking
- Vegetarian “Chorizo” and Black Bean Chili from Foxes Love Lemons
- Twice Baked Chili Cheese Potatoes from Neighborfood
- Barbecue Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Easy Vegetarian Chili from Delaware Girl Eats
- Game Day Chili from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Dr. Pepper Turkey Chili from The Texan New Yorker
Game Day Desserts:
- Heavenly Hash Cookies from The Foodie Patootie
- Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Streusel Bars from Magnolia Days
- Coffee Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Squares from Desserts Required
- Microwave Caramel Popcorn from Pies and Plots
- Mini Coconut Cups from Basic N Delicious
- Triple Chocolate S’mores Brownies from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Cracker Jack Candy from What Smells So Good?
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter every Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.
Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
This recipe has my full attention Laura! I lost my favorite oven baked caramel popcorn recipe a long time ago, and never found something similar. But to be able to make it in 10 minutes… wow, perfect!
Looks good, Laura. I’ve been making a similar version for years!
That is awesome! I wish I would have found this recipe sooner!
Yum! And if it’s any consolation, the weather is supposed to get up to 50 F today, so were you here, you probably wouldn’t really be experiencing legit winter weather (that was last week!). But actually attending a Super Bowl is a really cool thing to put on your bucket list! 🙂
Thanks, Julie!
I love how simple this recipe is! I am soooooo making this!
I love making regular popcorn in the microwave, but haven’t tried caramel-flavored. Gotta do this! Thanks.
Great idea to do it in the microwave, so much easier!!
I NEED TO TRY THIIISSS!!!
You’ll love it, Kayle! And thanks for sharing it on FB!
Who knew?? I sure didn’t but am thrilled that you came up with this delicious Microwave Caramel Popcorn!
Thanks, Betsy, and thanks for visiting 🙂
I love caramel popcorn, but have never actually made it. I think I need to change this!
I hope you try it and love it! Thanks for visiting, Nichole 🙂
I only watch the Super Bowl commercials. The rest of the time you will find me by the food and snacks. I’m sure I’ve have my hand in the bowl of this popcorn many times.
The commercials are the best part! Oh, and halftime!
I love, love caramel corn….and your microwave recipe sounds perfect!!! Go Broncos!!!
OK, this is silly, but I have a question about popping the popcorn itself (because I confess that I buy it either in bags that are pre-popped, or use those microwavable packets). When you say “I popped mine in a large paper lunch bag in the microwave,” do you literally just put popcorn kernels in a paper bag and put it in the microwave? Do you put anything else in there? How long does it take?
Not a silly question at all. I looked at like a dozen recipes the first time I did it. I put 1/3-1/2 cup of kernels in the large paper bag, fold it down a couple of times and place it in the microwave. It typically takes about 2 minutes, but you should stop it when the popping of kernels slows significantly, so it doesn’t burn. It is so easy and the popcorn is so healthy because it’s plain. I like it even like that, but the topping choices are endless. Let me know if you try it, Lori!
Thanks Laura! I guess I just assumed that the paper bag would open up in the microwave and popcorn would fly everywhere! This sounds so much easier than doing it on the stove.
I love that these are made in the microwave and that are so fast to make too! Definitely a keeper!
Thanks, Manu!
Soo easy, great recipe
I love how you made this microwavable!!
This is just downright dangerous! 😉
I’ve never popped popcorn in the microwave in a bag. I’ll have to give that a try. And my sister in law always made caramel corn and peanut brittle in the micro. I really must give this a try. Great choice for #SS
You should definitely try this recipe! Thanks for visiting, Lea Ann!
I love this!!! and ever since discovering how easy it is to make popcorn at home in a brown paper bag, I have completely stopped buying microwave popcorn!
Popcorn is one of the best snack foods ever, and the Super Bowl is all about snacking!
(well, and I guess it’s kind of about football too…)
And the commercials and halftime 🙂
There is nothing like the excitement of being at the actual game but watching a home really is so comfortable and the price to right! Next time we watch a sporting event it will be time to make the scrumptious Caramel Popcorn! What an easy recipe and coated with sweet and savory it will make everyone happy!
Caramel makes everything taste a gazillion times better!! Love how easy these are to make. I can munch on them for hours.
How clever to make it right in the bag! Easier cleanup, too.
Great popcorn recipe. I’ll try it….
This is right up your alley, Debbie!
I love how you made this! Gotta keep this method in mind
I splurged once and bought those kernels from whole foods, and I was so hooked.
I noticed such a difference in kernel, taste-wise and texture-wise.
Needless to say, that corn was used for popcorn and it was eaten every single night until it was gone! LOL
I bought mine at a local farm and have been loving it. I’ll have to check out the ones at WF.
Omg this is so cool! Am I the only one in the dark? This is a much cheaper and better alternative!
I didn’t know this could be done until I discovered the recipe. It is awesome! Thanks, Layla!
Yummy! Caramel popcorn from a microwave! Who’d have thought. Well this years SB was a dud for us Broncos fans. Denver is pretty sullen at the moment, but there’s always next year. Funnily enough, it was colder in Denver than NJ on Sunday. They had great weather for the game. Its cold here, we’re in for more snow and the temp is like 5. Have a good week!
I think we were all surprised about how warm the superbowl ended up being… I mean, I still wouldn’t have wanted to be there…
Yay for popcorn! I am amazed that a microwave is all you need to make this!
Yeah, the weather wasn’t terrible, but sitting outside in 45 and drizzle still isn’t my cup of tea.
Too clever! I love caramel corn but not the mess. You’ve made it so accessible. Thanks!
I never thought to make caramel popcorn at home before…especially in the microwave!! popcorn is my favorite snack of all time so definitely trying this…
We’ve done caramel corn on the stove before, but never in the micro. We’ll be munching on this one soon, for sure!
This is a really amazing recipe! I can’t wait to try it – I would NEVER have thought you could do this in the microwave!! And caramel popcorn is one of my favorite snacks!!
This popcorn is so yummy sounding. I love how it’s not super complicated! Delicious choice for Super Bowl!
I love caramel popcorn and love the fact that I know now how to make it in the microwave 🙂 🙂 Xx
Love love love this!! I wish I had some right now!
Caramel popcorn has always been my favourite kind, but I’ve never made it myself. Your recipe looks wonderful – I’m definitely going to try it!
That’s a fun thing to put on your bucket list! I love the commercials the best, too! Loving how you created this fun popcorn… popcorn is my favorite kind of snack! Pinning. 🙂
Thanks for the pin, Gloria!
Love that you can make this in the microwave without the mess! I’m trying this soon because I LOVE caramel corn!