I’ve fallen head over heels for this Monster Munchy Popcorn Mix! It’s my go-to party snack that combines sweet and salty flavors in the most addictive way.
I love watching my friends’ faces light up when they grab handful after handful of this colorful treat.
The best part? You can whip it up in minutes with just popcorn, candy corn, M&M’s and pretzels.
But wait: there’s a secret ingredient I add that takes this mix from great to absolutely irresistible…
Ingredients
Recommended Tools
- Large Pot with Lid
Essential for popping corn kernels evenly while preventing them from flying all over your kitchen.
- Large Mixing Bowl
Provides plenty of space to combine popcorn with candy corn, M&M’s and pretzels without spilling.
- Measuring Cups
Helps you get the perfect ratio of ingredients for that ideal sweet and salty balance.
- Small Saucepan
Perfect for melting butter without burning it before drizzling over your popcorn mixture.
- Wooden Spoon
Great for gently mixing all ingredients together without crushing the popcorn or candy pieces.
- Airtight Container
Keeps your Monster Munchy Popcorn Mix fresh longer so you can enjoy it for days.
- Measuring Spoons
Ensures you add just the right amount of salt to balance the sweetness of the candy ingredients.
Instructions
Let’s get mixing this deliciously spooky treat! This popcorn mix is perfect for movie nights, Halloween parties, or anytime you need a sweet and salty snack that’ll make everyone smile.
- Start by heating 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to pop those kernels, but not so hot that it burns!
- Once the oil is shimmering (about 1-2 minutes), add 1 cup popcorn kernels and immediately cover the pot. Give it a little shake to coat the kernels with oil.
- Listen for the popping magic! When the popping slows down to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove your pot from the heat. Don’t wait too long or you’ll end up with burnt popcorn—yuck!
- Transfer your fluffy popcorn to a large bowl—and I mean LARGE! You’ll need plenty of room for mixing in all the goodies.
- While the popcorn is still warm, sprinkle in 1/2 cup candy corn, 1/2 cup colorful M&M’s, and 1/2 cup crunchy pretzel pieces. The warm popcorn will slightly melt the candy coating—it’s divine!
- Drizzle 1/4 cup melted butter all over your creation. Don’t rush this part! Make sure you’re getting that buttery goodness distributed evenly.
- Finish with a sprinkle of 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance all that sweetness. Trust me, the sweet-salty combo is what makes this mix absolutely irresistible!
- Give everything a good toss with your hands or two big spoons. Get in there and mix it up until every piece is coated with buttery, salty deliciousness!
Try making this for your next get-together and watch how quickly it disappears!
Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Pro Tip
For an extra-festive Halloween version, use an ice cream scoop to form the cooled popcorn mixture into perfect “monster eyeball” portions before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
Monster Munchy Popcorn Mix can be customized with endless ingredient swaps that transform the flavor profile while maintaining its fun and festive character.
- Spooky Sweet & Salty: Substitute caramel corn for plain popcorn, add honey roasted peanuts and drizzle with white chocolate for a hauntingly delicious contrast.
- Creepy Chocolate Overload: Replace candy corn with chocolate chips, add cocoa powder to the butter mixture and include chocolate covered pretzels instead of plain pretzel pieces.
- Gluten-Free Monster Mix: Use gluten-free pretzels, add dried fruit pieces and include seed clusters instead of some candies for a diet-friendly alternative.
- Halloween Health Hack: Substitute dried cranberries for candy corn, use dark chocolate pieces instead of M&M’s and add pumpkin seeds for a more nutritious treat with seasonal flair.
- Movie Night Monster Mix: Add mini marshmallows, buttered popcorn flavoring instead of plain salt and include chocolate covered raisins for a cinema-inspired variation.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
After exploring all those mouthwatering variations, you’ll want to make sure any leftover Monster Munchy Popcorn Mix stays fresh and crunchy for as long as possible.
Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag with all the air squeezed out.
I’ve found it stays best for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Pro tip: Keep it away from humidity to prevent sogginess!
Monster Munchy Popcorn Mix
A sweet and salty popcorn mix with candy corn, M&M's, and pretzels for a fun Halloween treat.
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup candy corn
- 1/2 cup M&M's
- 1/2 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add popcorn kernels and cover until popping slows.
- Remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large bowl.
- Mix in candy corn, M&M's, and pretzel pieces.
- Drizzle melted butter over popcorn and sprinkle with salt.
- Customize with your favorite candies.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
