This Grinch Popcorn Will Steal Hearts All Holiday Long

There's a reason How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday classic — it reminds everyone about the real reason for the season.

Now let's bring some of that Whoville magic to your holiday parties and movie marathons. With a festive green white chocolate coating and red M&M’s that sparkle like Christmas ornaments, this Grinch popcorn recipe is sure to steal the show (but in a good way, unlike some grumpy green characters we know!).

Best of all? With your Popsmith, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s get into it:

Grinch Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• Green food coloring (gel works best)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup red M&Ms
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Grinch Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Heat

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Oil and Kernels

Pour oil and drop 3 kernels into the pot. When the first kernel pops, toss in the remaining ones and cover the Popper.

Step 3: Turn

Crank your Popper clockwise as the kernels pop to keep them from burning. 

Step 4: Remove

When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, take the Popsmith off the heat and remove the lid.

Step 5: Make Grinch Popcorn Coating

Melt white chocolate in 30-second microwave intervals and stir between each. Then add green food coloring and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 6: Combine

Pour the Grinch popcorn coating over the popcorn, cover the Popper, and give it a few cranks or shakes to distribute the sauce well. Then spread the popcorn on parchment paper, add the M&M’s, and let the coating set for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

After the Grinch popcorn has set, break it into clumps and enjoy!

More Grinch Popcorn Tips

• To make Grinch popcorn balls, work while the chocolate is still slightly warm. You can either use your hands or an ice cream scooper to shape the balls, then serve them in cupcake liners. If the balls are meant to be gifts, wrap each one in cellophane and tie a red ribbon around them.

• Instead of M&M’s, you can use candy hearts or sprinkles to represent the Grinch’s growing heart. You could also swap the white chocolate for melted marshmallows. Here’s a marshmallow popcorn recipe you can follow.

• Have leftovers? Keep your Grinch popcorn in an airtight container and consume it within 5 days.

From Grinch to Grin

This Grinch popcorn recipe is so good, even the Grinch himself won’t be able to resist it. Just remember what he learned — treats taste better when shared with others, even if it’s tempting to have all to yourself! 

Want more popcorn recipes? Check out our blog for all kinds of snacking inspiration!