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Sweet-Heat Buffalo Kettle Popcorn

Sweet-Heat Buffalo Kettle Popcorn balances caramelized sugar with tangy Buffalo sauce for a crunchy bite that starts sugary and finishes with a peppery kick. Butter adds richness while a touch of cayenne turns up the warmth without overpowering the corn. It’s a fun snack for game day, movie nights, or any time you’re craving a bold, sweet-and-spicy treat.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook36 mins
  • Serves8
  • DifficultyMedium
Sweet-Heat Buffalo Kettle Popcorn
  1. 1

    Coat a large bowl with cooking spray and fill it with the popcorn.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone pad.

  3. 3

    Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook without stirring, swirling the pan gently as needed, until the sugar melts and the caramel turns a deep amber color, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  4. 4

    Carefully stir the Buffalo sauce and butter into the caramel; it will spit and bubble and may clump. Return to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring until the caramel dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and cayenne pepper.

  5. 5

    Carefully pour the spicy caramel mixture over the popcorn. Toss to coat completely, protecting your hands from the hot caramel. Spread the coated popcorn on the prepared baking sheet.

  6. 6

    Bake in the preheated oven until dry, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes; stir.