This 4th of July Popcorn is the perfect festive mix between sweet and salty. But, the best part is it's made in under 20 minutes. It's perfect for summer BBQs, watching fireworks, or a poolside treat. It travels like a champ in ziplock bags, mason jars, and even red solo cups!

I've made this red, white, and blue popcorn more times than I can count and it has never disappointed. As someone who loves entertaining, I always have a few easy yet crowd pleasing recipes up my sleeve. This easy Christmas popcorn or my halloween chex mix are a few other examples of my favorite holiday snacks.
All the Reasons This Popcorn Steals the Show
- Minimal effort, max flavor: This is one of those easy peasy recipes you can make during nap time or right before heading out the door. It's no bake, no-mess, and always gets eaten. Just like this 4th of July Mocktail!
- Crunchy, sweet, and salty: The mix between melted marshmallows, salty popcorn, and a handful of candy becomes the best chewy-crunchy snack that's basically irresistible.
- Built for sunshine and heat: Unlike cake and cookies, this popcorn can withstand the summer heat. Thanks to the candy coating on the M&M's, there's no melted chocolate and no mess.

What you'll need to make 4th of July Popcorn
- Popcorn: I like to use air-popped for the best, crispy texture. It also soaks up the marshmallow coating without getting too soggy. Microwave popcorn or stovetop popcorn, try to make sure it's plain or butter free.
- Marshmallow mixture: Similar to my Christmas wreath cookies, you'll need marshmallows, butter, and a little bit of salt.
- Mix-ins: I love using red, white, and blue M&Ms and 4th of July sprinkles, but you can add in your favorite candies as well.
How to make 4th of July Popcorn


Tips for easy, mess free popcorn
- Grease everything: Add melted butter or olive oil spray to your spatula, bowl, and even your hands if you want to shape these into popcorn balls. This will prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from sticking to you and everything in your kitchen.
- Work quickly: The marshmallow coating sets fast. Have your popcorn ready in a bowl or baking sheet before you start melting.
- Use a big enough bowl: The easiest way to avoid spills is to use a bowl that's big enough to mix the popcorn and the melted marshmallows.
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More festive dessert recipes
4th of July Popcorn
This 4th of July Popcorn is the perfect festive mix between sweet and salty. But, the best part is it's made in under 20 minutes. It's perfect for summer BBQs, watching fireworks, or a poolside treat. It travels like a champ in ziplock bags, mason jars, and even red solo cups!
Ingredients
- 6 cups air popped popcorn
- 2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups large marshmallows
- M&Ms red, white, and blue
- Fourth of July sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add butter and salt to a deep skillet. Let the butter melt and add the marshmallows. Stir occasionally to help marshmallows melt.
- Once the marshmallows are almost melted turn the heat off and stir continuously to completely melt the last bits of marshmallow.
- Put popcorn in a large mixing bowl, pour marshmallow mixture on top of the popcorn and mix until well incorporated.
- Press popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in order to create one layer.
- Sprinkle Fourth of July sprinkles and M&M's on top and lightly press down so that sprinkles and M&Ms stick to marshmallows.
- Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
Can I make this popcorn ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this easy dessert recipe ahead of time. Although I think it tastes better fresh, feel free to prepare a day or two in advance, store in an airtight container, and serve when you're ready.
Nutrition
Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 16mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 67IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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