Patriotic Popcorn
May 28, 2026
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Popcorn is a staple in our house, and this patriotic popcorn takes regular popcorn to the next level! Made with candy melts, sprinkles, and M&Ms, this patriotic recipe is both sweet and salty and will be devoured by kids (and adults) in minutes. So, if you’re looking for a popcorn recipe, Memorial Day snack, Fourth of July snack, or a red, white, and blue dessert, this is a great one to try!
And, if you’re looking for more patriotic ideas, check out this list of the best Fourth of July ideas for kids!
Fourth of July Books For Kids
What You’ll Need For This Patriotic Popcorn
How To Make Patriotic Popcorn
To start, pop the popcorn. If you have an air popper, pop the 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatively, place the popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag, fold the top over a few times to seal it, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows to about 5 seconds between pops.
Place the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each bowl for 1 minute, stir, and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Transfer each color to a separate small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off for drizzling.
Spread the popped popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the melted red, white, and blue candy melts over the popcorn in a back-and-forth motion.
While the candy is still melted, sprinkle the M&Ms and decorative sprinkles evenly over the popcorn to ensure they stick.
Allow the candy melts to harden at room temperature, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can also place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
Once the candy has set, break the popcorn into clusters. Serve in a large bowl or distribute into individual serving bags for a Memorial Day snack or Fourth of July snack.
Important Notes For This Popcorn Recipe
Melt the candy melts at 30-second intervals. Make sure to stir in between to prevent the chocolate from burning or getting hard.
Use your favorite popcorn! Any kind of popcorn can work for this recipe- so choose your favorite flavors or brands!
Decorate the popcorn using other candy melts, sprinkles, or edible glitter! The goal is for it to look patriotic, so as long as you stick to red, white, and blue, this patriotic popcorn will look fantastic!
Patriotic Recipes For Kids
Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats– Turn rice krispie treats into beautiful patriotic pops that both kids and adults will love!
Patriotic Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods– This easy patriotic recipe uses pretzel rods dipped in melted chocolate to create a delicious patriotic snack for kids.
Patriotic Crafts For Kids
Toilet Paper Roll American Flag– Use recycled toilet paper rolls to create a beautiful American flag that is the perfect decor for patriotic holidays.
American Flag Wands– Instead of giving kids dangerous sparklers, opt for these DIY American flag wands instead! Using ribbon and a dowel, kids can create a flag that they can wave in the wind.
Patriotic Activities For Kids
Squirt Gun Firework Painting– Painting has never been this fun! Kids will use a squirt gun to create a beautiful firework painting!
DIY Bubble Wands– I call these bubble wands a “craftivity” because it is a craft and an activity in one! Kids will make adorable star shaped bubble wands and use them to blow bubbles!
Patriotic Popcorn
This patriotic popcorn is an easy and festive 4th of July snack! Red, white, and blue and ready in minutes — the perfect treat for any summer celebration.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6–8 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
· 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
· 1/4 cup red candy melts
· 1/4 cup white candy melts
· 1/4 cup blue candy melts
· 1/4 cup M&Ms (preferably red, white, and blue)
· 1 tbsp sprinkles (stars and stripes themed if available)
Instructions
· Pop the Corn: Air Popper: Use an air popper to pop the 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
· Microwave: Alternatively, place the popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag, fold the top over a few times to seal it, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows to about 5 seconds between pops.
· Prepare the Candy Melts: Place the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each bowl for 1 minute, stir, and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Transfer each color to a separate small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off for drizzling.
· Assemble the Patriotic Popcorn: Spread the popped popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the melted red, white, and blue candy melts over the popcorn in a back-and-forth motion.
· While the candy is still melted, sprinkle the M&Ms and decorative sprinkles evenly over the popcorn to ensure they stick.
· Let It Set: Allow the candy melts to harden at room temperature, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can also place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
· Serve and Enjoy: Once the candy has set, break the popcorn into clusters. Serve in a large bowl or distribute into individual serving bags for a party.
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