Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls Recipe
Bright green, sweet, and chewy, these Grinch popcorn balls are the ultimate holiday snack for movie nights, parties, and festive fun!
These green popcorn balls are the perfect snack for a Christmas movie night or holiday gathering. And using the crockpot is a genius idea that makes this recipe super easy!
If your family is anything like mine, holiday traditions include at least one How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie night, complete with pajamas, cozy blankets, and way too many snacks. And let me tell you, these Grinch popcorn balls are the perfect snack to munch on while quoting lines from the Grinch.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
These bright green, heart-topped treats are fun to make, kid-approved, and way easier than they look. You don’t even need a pot or stovetop — just your trusty crockpot and a few simple ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a fun Christmas Eve treat or prepping for a holiday spirit-filled party, this easy snack will be a huge hit with everyone. I love themed recipes like this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy snack looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The candy melts give the popcorn a sweet, crunchy coating, while the red candy hearts add the perfect Grinchy touch.
And using the crockpot means minimal mess, easy stirring, and hands-off melting. Plus, this recipe is versatile — you can use microwave popcorn for convenience or go old-school and pop your kernels on the stove.
Either way, you’ll end up with a batch of Grinch snacks that will be a huge hit at any holiday party.
What are Popcorn Balls Made Of?
Traditional popcorn balls are made from a combination of corn syrup, butter, popcorn, confectioners’ sugar, and marshmallows. This crockpot recipe eliminates some of the work and helps to keep your popcorn balls from falling apart.
Be sure to check out all of the fun, festive food in this Grinch-inspired treats blog post! These Grinch cookies and this Grinch punch are some of our favorites.
Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls
This is the perfect treat for a Grinch movie marathon — one of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season. Let me show you how to make these easy popcorn balls.
Supplies
- Crockpot – What I love about using the crockpot is that it has a huge capacity for mixing all of that popcorn and cleanup is a breeze!
- Cupcake liners – Perfect for individual servings and not having to roll balls.
- Large cookie scoop – A large spoon works too!
- Parchment paper or wax paper – For easy drop-and-go cleanup.
- Large bowl – For mixing if needed.
- Airtight container – For leftovers!
Ingredients
- Wilton green candy melts – Or make your own Grinch-green with white candy melts and green food coloring.
- Lots of popped popcorn – Either homemade or store-bought will work in this popcorn recipe.
- Red candy hearts or red M&Ms – Because even the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day!
Instructions
1. Pour the green candy melts into the crockpot, set it on low, and let them slowly melt for about an hour.
Tip: Stir it halfway through to make sure it’s extra smooth and creamy!
2. Pop your corn! You can use an air popper, stovetop with some coconut oil, or even microwave popcorn — just skip the overly buttery or salty varieties. Plain or lightly salted is best.
3. Once the candy is melted, add the popped popcorn. Fold it gently using a long-handled spoon until every kernel is coated in chocolatey goodness.
4. Grab your cookie scoop and drop large scoops of the popcorn mixture into cupcake liners on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. This trick helps the popcorn balls stay in perfect shape without needing to roll them with your hands (less mess, more fun!).
5. Before the melted chocolate hardens, press a red candy heart or red M&M on top of each popcorn ball. It’s the little detail that makes these Grinch treats pop!
6. Pop them into the fridge for about 1 hour to let the chocolate set. Once they’re firm, transfer to an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
There you have it! You’ve got yourself a batch of delicious snacks that are perfect for your next fun Christmas movie night!
Tips and Tricks
- Both homemade and store-bought popcorn work great, but if you’re using homemade popcorn, make sure to pick out any popcorn kernels that didn’t pop before mixing.
- If you can’t find green candy melts, use white candy melts and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Using the cupcake liners is a game-changer, but if you prefer traditional rolling, spray your hands with cooking spray beforehand to prevent sticky fingers.
- For extra gooeyness and a more traditional end result, stir in a few mini marshmallows with the melted candy before mixing in the popcorn.
- Wrap leftover popcorn balls individually for adorable party favors or an easy grab-and-go treat.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with marshmallows instead of candy melts?
Yes! Just melt butter and marshmallows over medium heat in a saucepan or large pot, stir in green food coloring, then mix with the popcorn.
What type of popcorn is best for popcorn balls?
Plain or lightly salted popcorn works best. You can use air-popped, microwave popcorn, or even stovetop popcorn, but avoid buttery or heavily flavored bags.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can prep your Grinch popcorn balls a day or two before your event. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Can I decorate them more?
Absolutely! Add sprinkles, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or mix in holiday candies for extra festive flavor.
These cheerful, green popcorn balls are a fun treat for kids, the perfect snack for a movie night, and an easy way to spread Christmas cheer. Pair them with Grinch cookies and a glass of Grinch punch for the ultimate themed party spread.
Now go ahead, pop on the movie, grab a blanket, and let these little green goodies steal the show — just like the Grinch himself. Enjoy and have a treat-filled Christmas!
If you love this crockpot Grinch popcorn balls recipe, click the stars below to give it a five-star rating and leave a review! Please help me share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz Wilton green candy melts
- 6 cups of popped popcorn homemade or store-bought
- 1-2 Tbsp red candy hearts
Instructions
- Toss the green candy melts into the crockpot, set it on low, and let it slowly melt for about an hour.
- If you're going with homemade popcorn, now’s the time to get popping. You can use an air popper, stovetop with some coconut oil, or even microwave popcorn — just be sure to avoid any buttery or overly salty varieties. You want plain or lightly salted popcorn here.
- Once the candy melts are all silky, add the popped popcorn. Fold it gently using a long-handled spoon, making sure every kernel is coated in that delicious, green chocolate goodness.
- Grab your cookie scoop and drop large scoops of the coated popcorn into cupcake liners on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Before the melted chocolate hardens, press a red candy heart or red M&M onto each popcorn ball.
- Pop them into the fridge for about an hour to let the chocolate set.
Notes
- Both homemade and store-bought popcorn work great, but if you’re using homemade popcorn, make sure to pick out any popcorn kernels that didn’t pop before mixing.
- If you can’t find green candy melts, use white candy melts and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Using the cupcake liners is a game-changer, but if you prefer traditional rolling, spray your hands with cooking spray beforehand to prevent sticky fingers.
- For extra gooeyness and a more traditional end result, stir in a few mini marshmallows with the melted candy before mixing in the popcorn.
- Wrap leftover popcorn balls individually for adorable party favors or an easy grab-and-go treat.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
In the photo, you added something to the candy melts. Was it coconut oil? How much?
It was coconut oil but I don’t include it in the ingredients because its not needed when you use candy melts – helpful if you are using regular chocolate chips though!
I can’t wait to make these with my grandchildren over Thanksgiving weekend! If I add marshmallows to the melted candy, do I let the marshmallows melt or leave them, just making sure to coat them in the melted green candy?
I would throw them in at the end and just make sure that everything is coated in the green candy melt :)
Making these for Christmas 🎁
They were great!
The directions were easy enough but I tried adding the recommended 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate before adding the popcorn and it seized up the chocolate. I had to throw it away and start all over. I wouldn’t recommend adding mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate. I had my slow cooker on low the whole time. I also used jumbo cupcake liners. Which I am glad I did because a regular size cupcake liner I think would have been too small. Unless a person was trying to stretch the recipe.
I’m so sorry – it should have said a handful of marshmallows – I have not tested out adding 2 cups to this recipe! I have edited the recipe notes – thank you for the feedback :)