Never Fail Popcorn Balls

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sweet and chewy popcorn balls with a buttery marshmallow coating, perfect for parties, kids, or a nostalgic treat. Easy to make and share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 32 large marshmallows
  • 1 gallon popped popcorn

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine and marshmallows together in a large saucepan over low heat.
  2. Pour the melted mixture over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape into 24 balls.
  4. Serve and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure the popcorn is completely popped and free of unpopped kernels. You can substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor. If you prefer a vegan option, use a plant-based margarine. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or mixing in some crushed nuts or candy pieces to the popcorn.

Serving Suggestions

These popcorn balls make a great snack for parties or movie nights. Serve them alongside other treats like Peanut Brittle Candy or Cheesecake Strawberry Sauce for a fun dessert spread. They can also be used as festive decorations for Halloween or holiday gatherings, adding a playful touch to your festivities.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover popcorn balls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them chewy. If you need to reheat them, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Popcorn Balls contains roughly 952 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1014mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

952 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 70.5g 90% DV
Carbs 74.8g 27% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 30.1g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1013.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 199.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 417mcg 46% DV
Vitamin C 16.7mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 3mcg 15% DV
Calcium 280.6mg 22% DV
Iron 12.7mg 71% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of popcorn?

Yes, you can use flavored or colored popcorn to add variety and visual appeal to your popcorn balls. Just ensure that the popcorn is fully popped and not overly greasy, as this can affect the texture of the balls.

How do I know when the marshmallows and margarine are melted enough?

The mixture should be smooth and pourable without any lumps. Stir constantly over low heat until the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the margarine, which ensures an even coating on the popcorn.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the popcorn balls a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their shape, making them a convenient treat for upcoming events.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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