Get ready for some spooky fun with these adorable Ghost Popcorn Balls! They are made with fluffy popcorn, sweet marshmallows, and a sprinkle of spooky chocolate faces.
Making these little ghosties is a blast! I love how they bring smiles to everyone’s faces, especially during Halloween movie nights. Give them a try and enjoy the giggles! 👻🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn is essential. You can use microwave popcorn if you’re short on time; just skip any butter or salt added in the bag. For a fun twist, try popcorn flavored with caramel or cheese!
Marshmallows: Regular large marshmallows are great for coating your popcorn. Mini marshmallows can also work, and they melt quickly. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use vegan marshmallows instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred because it lets the sweetness of the marshmallows shine. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, giving a subtle coconut flavor.
Candy melts: I love using white candy melts for creating ghost shapes, but white chocolate works too! If you’re avoiding chocolate or prefer a healthier option, simply skip the shapes.
How Do I Get the Perfect Popcorn Balls?
Making popcorn balls can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure success:
- Pop your popcorn early and let it cool. This prevents the marshmallow from melting it!
- When making the marshmallow mixture, stir continuously to avoid burning. Remove from heat as soon as it’s melted.
- Use lightly greased hands to form the balls to keep the mixture from sticking. This also helps you create a nice round shape.
- Don’t skip the cooling time! Letting the balls set allows them to hold their shape better for decoration.
How to Make Ghost Popcorn Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn Balls:
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 10 oz marshmallows (about 3 cups mini marshmallows)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Candy eyeballs (about 16 pieces)
For the Ghost Shapes:
- White candy melts or white chocolate, melted
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Cooking spray or butter for hands
Estimated Time:
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active preparation time and around 30 minutes of cooling time. So, get ready to whip up something fun in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Popcorn:
Start by popping the popcorn kernels. If you’re using unpopped kernels, pop them according to your preferred method. Once popped, make sure to sift through and remove any unpopped kernels. Place the fluffy popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set it aside for now.
2. Melt the Marshmallow Mixture:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can stir in the vanilla extract after removing it from the heat.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the melted marshmallow mixture directly over the popcorn. Using a spatula or your hands (greased with butter or cooking spray), gently toss and mix until all the popcorn is evenly coated with the marshmallow goodness.
4. Form Into Balls:
With your hands greased, take a handful of the coated popcorn and shape it into balls about the size of a tennis ball. Place each formed ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and set for about 30 minutes. This step helps the balls hold their shape!
5. Prepare the Ghost Shapes:
While the popcorn balls are setting, melt your white candy melts or white chocolate according to the package instructions. On a silicone mat or parchment paper, pipe small ghost shapes using the melted candy. Let them harden completely while you wait.
6. Assemble the Ghosts:
To bring your spooky treats to life, take the cooled popcorn balls and gently press two candy eyeballs onto the top of each ball. Then, use a dab of melted candy as glue to attach one ghost candy shape in the center of each popcorn ball.
7. Optional Decorations:
If you’re feeling creative, you can pipe little ghost arms using small shapes of melted candy and stick them to the sides of the popcorn balls for extra flair!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow all components to set before serving. Enjoy your spooky Ghost Popcorn Balls at Halloween parties, movie nights, or just for some fun in the kitchen! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use microwave popcorn, just be sure to choose a plain or lightly salted version to keep the sweetness balanced. If your microwave popcorn comes with added butter or flavoring, skip any additional butter in the recipe.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the popcorn balls a day in advance! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best taste and texture, wait to add the candy eyeballs and ghost shapes until just before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Popcorn Balls?
Store any leftover popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you put them in the fridge, they may become too hard. So, it’s best to keep them at room temperature for optimal texture!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Definitely! You can use vegan marshmallows and coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. If you don’t have candy melts, melted white chocolate works just as well. Feel free to get creative with the decorations too!
