Best 12 Grandpa Higginbottoms Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Creating popcorn balls is a fun and delicious activity that is perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat. There are many different recipes for popcorn balls, but one of the most popular and beloved is the "Grandpa Higginbottoms Popcorn Balls." This recipe has been passed down through generations and is known for its crispy and flavorful popcorn balls that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we will provide you with the best recipe for Grandpa Higginbottoms Popcorn Balls, along with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's get started on making these delightful popcorn treats!

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Duff Goldman

Categories     appetizer

Time 50m

Yield 18 to 24 balls

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 gallon plus 1 quart (that?s 20 cups) plain popped popcorn
1 3/4 cups peanut butter chips
1 3/4 cups milk chocolate chips
1 stick unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners? sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup mini marshmallows
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • In a big bowl, combine the popcorn and 11/4 cups each of the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Toss to distribute evenly.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, sugar, corn syrup and marshmallows, stirring constantly to keep the mixture from burning.
  • When the sugar mixture boils, pour it over the popcorn mixture and stir to evenly coat, then quickly but gently form balls in the size you like. Place them in small bowls or the wells of a muffin tin that have been lightly coated with cooking spray so they hold their shape as they cool. Pretend you?re making snowballs but don?t pack them too hard.
  • In two separate small saucepans over low heat, melt the remaining 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and milk chocolate chips (or microwave in two small bowls) and drizzle the two over the cooled popcorn balls.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Popcorn Balls

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS



Old-Time Popcorn Balls image

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. -LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well. , Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 159mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

This was one of my favorite treats that my grandmother used to make for me and my brother. This is the exact recipe that I just inherited from my grandmother along with many other wonderful recipes I will be posting.

Provided by ChipotleChick

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 15 balls, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
7 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Stir in condensed milk.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water (takes just a few minutes). It will be between 234-238 degrees farenheit on a candy thermometer.
  • Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
  • Pour over the popped popcorn and stir well.
  • Butter your hands lightly, and shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Makes about 15 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 13, Sodium 57.1, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 25.1, Protein 2.5

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS



Traditional Popcorn Balls image

Kids of all ages enjoy this popcorn ball recipe as an old-fashioned holiday treat. One batch goes a long way. -Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring, optional

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

My mom made these delicious popcorn balls when I was growing up. While doing my Christmas candy and cookie baking, I came across her recipe. I made the family recipe for the first time this year. My daughters, grown with their own families, asked why I hadn't made these sooner. Thirty plus years later, this recipe will now be a family tradition at Christmas.

Provided by Kim1520

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 quarts popped popcorn
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup (such as Karo®)
1 cup margarine
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.
  • Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
  • Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.2 calories, Carbohydrate 43.2 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 356.8 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Popcorn Balls

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

GRANDMA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Popcorn Balls image

My Grandma made the BEST popcorn balls every year for Halloween. Everybody wanted her recipe and lucky me - I got it 30 years before she passed away. Now that I am a Grandma of 3, I look forward to making these for my grand children.

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 7m

Yield 12 balls, approx.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1 cup Karo light corn syrup
2/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In large pot mix well the sugar, Kayro syrup, vinegar and bring to boil. Continue until mixture reaches the Hard Crack Stage on candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in popped popcorn. Butter your hands and scoop enough coated mixture to form baseball sized balls.
  • You have to work quickly as the coating will harden very fast. When cooled, wrap in wax paper, twisting to close.
  • Preparation and cooking time does not include time to pop popcorn.
  • Cooking time varies with weather conditions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 25.6, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 24.4, Protein 1.4

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Popcorn Balls

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

GRANDPA HIGGINBOTTOM'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa Higginbottom's Popcorn Balls image

My family made these popcorn balls every year for Halloween.....as did my father's family and his father's family before them. A real family tradition! I don't give them out anymore but still make them every year for friends and family. Serving size is for one batch but two brown paper shopping bags full of popped corn will make approximately 150 popcorn balls. Younger children should be very careful because they can burn their hands when making these. Teenagers are much more suited for the job! Enjoy!

Provided by Nancy Higginbottom

Categories     Candy

Time 35m

Yield 24 popcorn balls

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Steps:

  • Mix vinegar, water and sugar in a large saucepan.
  • Cook until brittle when dropped in cold water.
  • Add butter and vanilla.
  • Make sure you have bowls of ice water on the table, which has been covered with newspaper.
  • Pour candy mixture over a very large bowl of popped corn.
  • Stir mixture with a large wooden spoon.
  • Coat hands with butter.
  • (This part gets messy and older children love it!) Working quickly, form balls with your hands.
  • If you burn your hand, put directly in ice water.

Tips:

  • For perfectly round popcorn balls, use a kitchen scale to measure the popcorn and syrup.
  • If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready.
  • If the syrup is too thick, add a little bit of water and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • If the popcorn balls are too sticky, place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
  • For a fun twist, try adding different flavors to your popcorn balls, such as chocolate, peanut butter, or caramel.

Conclusion:

Grandpa Higginbottom's popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these classic treats that are sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a fun and festive snack, give Grandpa Higginbottom's popcorn balls a try.

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