Tanner'S Popcorn Balls

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

Sweet and crunchy popcorn balls infused with marshmallows, butter, and colorful jello, perfect for festive occasions and easy to customize with different flavors and colors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 qt. popcorn
  • 1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
  • 3 Tbsp. butter/margarine
  • 2 Tbsp. NutraSweet jello (any flavor)

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn.
  2. Melt the mini marshmallows, butter/margarine, and NutraSweet jello together.
  3. Pour the melted mixture over the popcorn.
  4. Wet your hands and mix well, then form about 10 balls.
  5. Wrap the popcorn balls into sandwich bags for storage.
  6. These popcorn balls are easy to make and great for holidays, with customizable colors and flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use freshly popped popcorn without added butter or salt. If you can't find NutraSweet jello, any flavored gelatin will work as a substitute. You can also substitute the mini marshmallows with homemade marshmallow fluff for a different texture. If you're pressed for time, consider making a double batch of Tanner'S Popcorn Balls to share at gatherings, as they are great for holidays.

Serving Suggestions

These popcorn balls are perfect as a festive treat during holidays or movie nights. Try pairing them with a warm cup of cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with Busy Mother'S Square-Pan Cookies for a fun party platter, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Storage & Reheating

Store the popcorn balls in sandwich bags at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also place them in an airtight container. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make them chewy. If they lose their shape, a quick 10-second microwave blast can help soften them for reshaping.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tanner'S Popcorn Balls contains roughly 864 calories, with 24g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

864 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.1g 48% DV
Total Fat 22.6g 29% DV
Carbs 141.4g 51% DV
Fiber 27g 96% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 943.1mg 41% DV
Potassium 462.2mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 13.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 30.8mg 2% DV
Iron 4.8mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors of jello for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of NutraSweet jello to customize the taste and color of your popcorn balls. This allows you to match them to specific holidays or themes, making them more fun and appealing, especially for children's parties.

How do I make these popcorn balls stick together better?

If you're having trouble with the popcorn balls sticking together, consider adding a touch more melted butter or a small amount of corn syrup to the marshmallow mixture. This additional moisture can help the popcorn adhere better, ensuring they hold their shape.

Can I add additional ingredients to the popcorn balls?

Yes, feel free to get creative! You can mix in candies, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to add too many ingredients, as this can make it difficult to form the balls properly.

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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