4th of July Popcorn

4th of July Popcorn – sweet and salty party snack mix with white chocolate, milk chocolate, M&Ms, pretzels and festive sprinkles. Easy no cook recipe – whip up a batch for your next summer party!

This 4th of July Popcorn is the ultimate salty-sweet snack – ideal for summer parties, backyard BBQs and watching the fireworks! Fluffy popcorn, coated in creamy white chocolate, studded with red, white and blue M&M’s, mini pretzels, festive sprinkles and finished with a milk chocolate drizzle.

NO cooking or baking involved so the kitchen stays cool on hot summer days. Make extra – this stuff disappears fast!

Why I love this recipe:

• Patriotic popcorn is perfect for 4th of July parties, cookouts, pool, boat and beach days.
• No cooking (just melt chocolate in the microwave) – keep the kitchen cool.
• Quick, easy and fun to make.
• This salty-sweet mix is irresistible – kids and adults LOVE it!

Ingredients needed to make 4th of July Popcorn:

• pre-popped bagged popcorn (Himalayan pink salt, no butter used)
• white chocolate candy melts
• red, white and blue M&M’s (any variety)
• mini pretzels
• milk chocolate candy melts
• red, white and blue sprinkles
• parchment paper for easy cleanup
• baking sheet/cookie sheet

Subs and variations:

Below are a few ideas to customize this simple recipe:

• pop your own homemade popcorn (discard any unpopped kernels)
• english toffee bits (or crushed Heath bar candies)
• patriotic star sprinkles
• mini marshmallows
• mini peanut butter cups
• dark chocolate drizzle instead of milk chocolate
• peanuts

How to make 4th of July Popcorn:

Spread popcorn on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a mostly single layer.

Add the white candy melts to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals letting chocolate melt until smooth.

Drizzle white chocolate over the popcorn. Add M&M’s and mini pretzels. Gently stir to combine using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly coated then spread it back out evenly again.

Melt the milk chocolate candy melts in a small microwave-safe bowl, again heating in 30-second intervals until smooth. Transfer milk chocolate to a quart-size zip-top bag. Snip a tiny corner and drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn.

Immediately and quickly shower with sprinkles and (optional) star sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Let the popcorn cool on the baking sheet until the chocolate hardens. Break into chunks and transfer to a large bowl, jars or treat bags.

Tips:

• Use Lesser Evil pre-popped popcorn to keep the recipe quick and easy.
• Use Ghirardelli candy melts or Wilton candy for best results (not white chocolate chips).
• Need this treat in a hurry? Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to help the chocolate set.
• Add sprinkles immediately after drizzling the milk chocolate so they’ll stick.

Storage:

Store 4th of July Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days.

This popcorn doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the popcorn and pretzels changes after thawing.

FAQ:

Can I make 4th of July popcorn ahead of time?

Yes! Make it 1-2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container.

What kind of popcorn works best?

Bagged pre-popped popcorn keeps this recipe quick and easy. Just avoid buttered popcorn.

Can I use different candies?

Absolutely. Peanut butter, plain or mini M&M’s all work great.

Does this recipe require baking?

Nope! This is a no-bake recipe, which means you can keep the kitchen cool during the hottest days of summer.

More easy, festive 4th of July recipes:

• Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
• No Bake Cheesecake Jars
• Watermelon Feta Blueberry Bites
• Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
• Summer Berry Salad

Enjoy!