Grinch Popcorn is a whimsical, festive treat perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or classroom celebrations. With its vibrant green color, sweet marshmallow coating, and cheerful red candy accents, this playful snack captures the mischievous charm of the season in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy, no-bake recipe comes together in just minutes and is guaranteed to bring smiles to all ages. The sweet, gooey marshmallow coating gives classic popcorn a fun twist, while the bold green color and red candies make it instantly recognizable and visually festive. It’s also highly customizable and great for gifting or holiday snack boards.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

10 cups of popped popcorn
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons salted butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
Green food coloring (yellow and blue combined to make Grinch green)
1/2 cup additional mini marshmallows (for topping)
Red M&M’s candies (for decoration)

Directions

Prepare the Popcorn:
Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and place it in a large bowl.
Lightly season with salt to taste and set aside.
Make the Marshmallow Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat.
Add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Color the Mixture:
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add a few drops of yellow food coloring followed by a small drop of blue, stirring until a bright Grinch-green hue is achieved.
Combine with Popcorn:
Pour the warm green marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn.
Gently toss until all the popcorn is evenly coated.
Add Toppings:
Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
While still warm and sticky, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and red M&M’s evenly over the top.
Set and Serve:
Allow the popcorn to cool and set for about 10 minutes.
Once firm, break into chunks or serve as clusters.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 10 cups of popcorn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for added festive flair.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: Once the popcorn is set, drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness.
Make it Minty: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture for a seasonal twist.
Use Holiday-Colored Candies: Swap red M&M’s for red and green candy-coated chocolates.
Include Pretzels: Mix in mini pretzels for a salty-sweet flavor and extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Avoid Moisture: Keep away from humid environments to maintain crispness.
Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the marshmallow coating, freezing is not advised as it may become sticky or tough upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, but opt for plain or lightly salted varieties without added butter to avoid overpowering the marshmallow flavor.

What kind of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant color with fewer drops, but liquid food coloring works as well.

How do I avoid soggy popcorn?

Ensure the popcorn is completely cool and dry before adding the marshmallow mixture. Avoid overmixing to preserve texture.

Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, but it may result in a stickier consistency. Adjust the butter amount slightly for balance.

Is it safe for kids to help with this recipe?

Yes, with supervision. Kids can safely help with coloring, tossing the popcorn, and adding toppings.

Can I shape it into popcorn balls?

Absolutely. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into balls with buttered hands before setting.

What’s the best way to serve it for parties?

Serve in festive treat bags, cupcake liners, or clear jars for easy and attractive presentation.

Can I use air-popped popcorn?

Yes, air-popped popcorn is ideal as it contains no added oil or flavorings, which lets the marshmallow coating shine.

Grinch Popcorn

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up! Juicy beef and pork are combined with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce to create a cheesy, hearty meatloaf that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, cheese, bacon, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated—don’t overmix to keep it tender.
Shape and Bake:
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) in the center.

Rest and Slice:
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
For even more cheeseburger vibes, top with pickles and crispy onion straws before serving.
Leftovers make incredible sandwiches!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American