Maple Bacon Popcorn at a Glance
If you've already tried our bacon popcorn recipe, you know what cooking kernels in bacon fat does to a bowl of popcorn. Now imagine drizzling a warm maple glaze over that — real maple syrup, butter, a hint of vanilla — and letting it all sink in. That's this recipe. It's sweet, smoky, and completely over the top in the best way.
Here's how to make maple bacon popcorn with your Popper:
Maple Bacon Ingredients
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½ cup popcorn kernels
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4-6 strips thick-cut bacon (you’ll need about 3 tablespoons of rendered fat)
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Maple and Bacon Directions
Step 1: Cook Bacon
Set your stove to medium heat and let the Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add bacon strips and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy. Remove the strips, let cool on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.
Leave all the rendered bacon fat on the Popsmith.
Step 2: Add Kernels
Drop 2 to 3 kernels into the Popper. When the first one pops, toss in the rest of the kernels and cover the pot.
Step 3: Turn and Pop
Turn the Popper's crank clockwise as the kernels pop to coat them in the bacon fat and prevent burning. When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, remove from heat and pour the popcorn into a big bowl.
Step 4: Make Maple Glaze
Pour about a tablespoon of the remaining bacon fat into a small saucepan. Add the maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine
Drizzle the warm maple glaze over the popcorn and toss well to coat. Add the bacon bits and toss again.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy your maple bacon popcorn while it's still warm — it's perfect for game day, a backyard party, or any weekend that calls for something a little extra.
More Maple Bacon Popcorn Tips
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Cook the bacon low and slow. Medium-low heat renders more fat without burning it and gives you crispier pieces for topping.
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Pure maple syrup only. Pancake syrup won't give you the same depth of flavor. The real stuff is worth it.
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Add some crunch. Toasted walnuts or pecans are a great addition if you want extra texture.
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Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Though honestly, it rarely makes it that far.
Bacon the Rules
Sometimes the best recipes come from throwing the rulebook out the window. Popcorn for breakfast? Why not. When it's got maple syrup, crispy bacon, and fresh-popped kernels going for it, the usual rules don't really apply. Make it for movie night or when only something special will do.
Want more inspiration worth breaking the rules for? Browse our blog for popcorn recipes. You’ll find stuff like hot dog popcorn, beef brisket flavored popcorn, and rocky road popcorn — all of which you can make using your Popper.
