Name: Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 cups popped popcorn; 1 1/2 cups pretzels; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 12 big marshmallows; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup M&M's

Make this sweet and salty marshmallow popcorn in just 15 minutes! An easy no-bake snack with pretzels and M&Ms. Perfect for movie night or game day.

This sweet and salty marshmallow popcorn is one of those snacks that disappears in minutes. The sticky marshmallow caramel coats every kernel and pretzel piece, and that hit of sea salt keeps you reaching for more. Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes without turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

No-bake and ready in about 10 minutes.
The salty pretzels and sea salt balance the sweet marshmallow and brown sugar.
M&M's add color and crunch, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Key Ingredients for Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

Marshmallows: Use fresh mini marshmallows for quicker melting. Stale marshmallows can cause the mixture to seize.
Light brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel flavor than white sugar. Pack it firmly when measuring.
Sea salt: A flaky finishing salt like Maldon gives a better crunch and flavor contrast than table salt.

Kitchen Tools for This Easy No-Bake Snack

Large baking sheet (lined with Silpat or parchment paper)
Medium saucepan
Spatula or wooden spoon
Airtight container for storage

Tips for the Best Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

Use fresh, plain popcorn for the best texture. Stale popcorn won't hold the coating as well. Melt the marshmallows over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it over the popcorn immediately and stir gently to coat evenly. Work quickly before it starts to set.

How to Get Even Coating Every Time

Spread the popcorn and pretzels in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. A Silpat or parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. When you pour the marshmallow mixture, use a spatula to fold it in rather than stirring hard, so you don't break up the popcorn. If the mixture gets too thick to pour, warm it briefly over low heat.

Easy Variations to Try

If you don't have pretzels, use salted peanuts or roasted almonds for crunch. Swap the M&M's for chocolate chips or chopped candy bars. For a peanut butter twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the marshmallows. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy-sweet kick.

How to Serve Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

Pile it into a big bowl for movie night or game day. Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the salty kick. For a fun twist, add a handful of peanuts or drizzle with melted white chocolate. It also works great as a party favor in cute bags or as a topping for ice cream sundaes.

How to Store Leftover Marshmallow Popcorn

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The popcorn will stay sticky and soft. If it starts to harden, add a slice of bread to the container to soften it, but remove the bread after a few hours to avoid mold.

Can You Freeze This Marshmallow Popcorn?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The texture may become slightly less sticky, but it will still taste great.

How to Reheat Marshmallow Popcorn

If you prefer it soft and warm, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave a bowlful for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallow can become too runny.

Recipe

Sweet and Salty Marshmallow Popcorn

4.6/5 (29 ratings)

Pin recipe

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 5 min
Total: 15 min
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Snack

Ingredients

Instructions

Place the popcorn and pretzels on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and cook until melted and combined. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
Evenly pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzels. Gently stir until the popcorn and pretzels are well coated. It will be sticky! Stir in the M&M's. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. The popcorn will stay sticky and soft!