Old-Fashioned Homemade Kettle Corn: A Versatile Dairy-Free Treat

What many people don’t know is that kettle corn is a traditionally dairy-free treat. Unfortunately, some brands do choose to add dairy for a buttery flavor. But old-fashioned homemade kettle corn is easy to make, and doesn’t require any dairy or top allergens for that matter. It’s a great speedy option for holiday parties, whether serving little ghosts or goblins, hosting appetizers and drinks, or fending off hungry appetites before the big feast.

Special Diet Notes: Homemade Kettle Corn

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, optionally peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and top food allergy-friendly.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Kettle Corn

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

10 mins

Many kettle corn recipes skip salt, but even a little bit can add delicious contrast. We initially shared this recipe back in 2006, but have updated it with some modifications!

Author: Alisa Fleming

Serves: 10 cups

Ingredients

¼ cup peanut, coconut, non-GMO canola, or vegetable oil (or your cooking oil of choice)
½ cup popcorn kernels
¼ cup white sugar (see Sugar Note below)
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

Pour the oil into a heavy pot with high sides over medium heat. Add 3 popcorn kernels. When the kernels pop, the oil is ready.
Add the remaining popcorn and sprinkle with the sugar and salt (if using). Immediately cover the pot.
Frequently lift and shake the pot as the popcorn pops.
Once the popping has slowed, remove the pot from the heat.
Pour the popcorn out onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool before serving.

Notes

Sugar Note: Plain white sugar, or cane sugar, works best for making old-fashioned kettle corn. However, you can swap in your favorite granulated sugar (like coconut sugar) for a less traditional treat.