Halloween treats don’t get much cuter than these Ghost Popcorn Balls! They’re made with fluffy popcorn, sweet marshmallows, and some fun spooky shapes that make them perfect for the season.
Making these is a blast! You just mix everything together, form ghostly shapes, and add little eyes. I mean, who wouldn’t want to munch on some friendly ghosts during movie night? 👻🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn is the star here! I recommend air-popped popcorn for the best texture. If you prefer a bit of flavor, reach for lightly salted popcorn. Just avoid buttered popcorn to keep the mixture from getting greasy.
Mini Marshmallows: These add sweetness and help bind everything together. You can use regular marshmallows, but remember to cut them into smaller pieces before melting. For a vegan option, try using vegan marshmallows.
White Chocolate or Candy Melts: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, vanilla frosting is a tasty substitute. You’ll need to adjust the amount a bit. Melted white chocolate gives a nice shine and taste. You can also use yogurt-covered candies for a similar effect.
Black Decorating Gel: This is perfect for creating those spooky eyes! If you can’t find it, chocolate chips or mini chocolate candies work well as alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Shape for My Ghosts?
Shaping your popcorn balls can feel tricky, but here are some easy tips! It’s best to work while the mixture is warm; this helps it hold its shape better. Here’s how:
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Take a small handful of the popcorn mixture, squeeze it gently, and form a ball. Aim for the size of a tennis ball, but you can go smaller if you prefer.
- Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round! The charm of these ghosts is in their whimsical shapes.
- Let them cool completely before decorating with melted candy or gel.
These tips will help ensure your ghost popcorn balls turn out fun and festive! Enjoy making these together as a family – it’s a great way to celebrate the spooky season.
How to Make Ghost Popcorn Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn Balls:
- 12 cups popped popcorn, unbuttered and unsalted
- 10 oz (about 1 package) mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- White candy melts or white chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
For Decoration:
- Black decorating gel or edible pearl sprinkles for eyes and mouth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of active time for preparation and cooking, plus an additional 30 minutes for setting. Perfect for a quick festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Popcorn:
Start by popping your popcorn in an air popper or on the stovetop. Once popped, pour it into a large bowl, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid surprises later!
2. Make the Marshmallow Mixture:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Remove the pan from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Popcorn and Marshmallow:
Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn. Using a spatula or your buttered hands, gently mix everything together until all the popcorn is evenly coated with the sticky mixture.
4. Shape the Ghosts:
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, grab some with your hands and shape it into roughly tennis ball-sized ghosts. Place each ball on wax paper or a greased baking sheet to set.
5. Melt the Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts or white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth.
6. Coat the Popcorn Balls:
Carefully dip the top of each popcorn ball into the melted white candy to create the ghostly head. Let the excess drip off and form ghostly shapes as you pull it up.
7. Decorate Your Ghosts:
Place the coated popcorn balls back on the wax paper. Before the coating sets, use the black decorating gel or edible pearl sprinkles to create adorable faces—eyes and a little mouth!
8. Let Them Set:
Allow the popcorn balls to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so they can firm up completely.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Ghost Popcorn Balls are now ready! These creepy but cute treats are perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun family snack. Enjoy your festive creation!
This recipe is not only simple but also allows for creativity in how you decorate your ghostly friends. Happy Halloween! 👻🍿
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure it’s unsalted and without butter. Just pop it according to the package instructions and let it cool slightly before mixing with the marshmallow.
How Should I Store Leftover Popcorn Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If stored in the fridge, they may become slightly sticky. You can also keep them wrapped individually in plastic wrap for easy snacking!
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, but always check the labels on the candy melts or chocolate chips to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
What If I Don’t Have Black Decorating Gel?
No problem! You can use mini chocolate chips, candy eyes, or small pieces of chocolate to create the ghost faces. Get creative with your decorations!
