• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Homemade In The Kitchen

Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two Made From Scratch

Header Right

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

January 21, 2016

Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

Share this post → Email this to someone
email
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
Share on Yummly
Yummly

This small batch Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn is sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy all rolled into one bite. Serve this spicy caramel popcorn for Game Day or for movie night.


Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

Everyone knows me as a sweets kind of girl, but honestly my weakness is snacks. Chips, nachos, popcorn, cheese puffs, crackers, beef jerky, even some weird wasabi nori snacks I buy at the local Asian market. I have pretty great self control around desserts, probably because I know that eating a dozen cookies is bad, but snacks? Once I ate a whole sleeve of Town House crackers as is, no dip or spread necessary. I know that’s bad for me too, but for whatever reason it doesn’t click in my brain. It’s why I can’t buy bags of potato chips because nobody else is around to eat them. I do keep a bag of popcorn kernels in my pantry so I’m not completely snackless. Hey, if I’m going to snack, might as well work for it, right? I’m not talking microwave popcorn either. I’m talking oil and kernels in a pan and heat until popping. It may not be much work, but I do have to stand by the stove shaking the pan around.

If I’m going to spend my calories snacking, then it needs to be worth it. Take this Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn for example. Totally worth it. You got sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy all rolled into one recipe. Even though I was reaching for a cold glass of water (I used too much hot sauce the first time around), I couldn’t stop eating it. Good thing I only made a small batch of it. Since the recipe is based off of buffalo chicken wings (without the chicken part of course), this spicy caramel popcorn would be perfect to munch on during Game Day. And if it’s no longer football season, movie night at home works too.


Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

I first saw this recipe for buffalo wing popcorn in an issue of Bon Appetit magazine. Instantly I was intrigued and saved the recipe. At first I thought it would be a basic popcorn recipe with some cayenne sprinkled on top, but it was actually a spicy caramel popcorn made with hot sauce. Caramel popcorn and…hot sauce? Bon Appetit wouldn’t have published it if it wasn’t good, right? And right they were indeed as it was spicy, salty, sweet, and just plain addicting. I added my own touch with some ranch seasoning mix because after all, you can’t have buffalo sauce without ranch.


Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

I don’t want to scare you, but you do need to be extra careful when boiling the sugar as it’s super hot, hotter than boiling water. Don’t have any distractions in the kitchen and make sure you leave an open path to your sink. Years and years ago I burned my finger while making caramel, so I’m extra cautious. Also, as tempting as it may be to lick the spatula when stirring the sauce with the popcorn, please don’t. Your unburned taste buds will thank you.

Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

Buffalo Ranch Caramel Popcorn

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups unsalted freshly-popped popcorn*
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300F. Line an 8x8 pan or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray and add the popcorn.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the sugar and water to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil until it turns a deep amber color, swirling pan occasionally, roughly 5-10 minutes. Don't let it get too dark or it'll continue to cook and burn.
  3. Remove from the heat and very carefully stir in the hot sauce and butter (mixture will bubble vigorously - take extra care to not let it splash onto your skin). Return to a boil and cook another 3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in ranch mix, salt, baking soda, and cayenne. Working quickly and carefully, pour caramel mixture over popcorn and stir to coat.
  5. Spread the popcorn into a single layer in the prepared pan or baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes then stir. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until dry (it's ok if the popcorn is still slightly wet as it'll dry some more when cooling). Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

*3 1/2 cups of popped popcorn is roughly equal to 2 tablespoons unpopped kernels plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. To make popcorn on the stove: Find a pot with a wide bottom and a lid. Add the oil and stir to coat the bottom. Add the kernels and shake the pan until coated. Turn on the heat. Shake the pan every so often so the kernels move around a bit. After what seems like forever, a kernel should pop. Once that happens, add your lid. Once the popping stops, remove the pan from the heat. Pour into a giant bowl and let cool for a bit. Sift through popcorn to remove any unpopped kernels and possible burnt pieces.

© Carla Cardello (www.chocolatemoosey.com)

 
Adapted from Bon Appetit

More Popcorn Recipes



Chili Cheese Popcorn


Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn


Caramel Popcorn


Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn


S’mores Caramel Popcorn

Share this post → Email this to someone
email
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
Share on Yummly
Yummly

Filed Under: Chips + Popcorn Tagged With: buffalo chicken, hot sauce, ranch, recipes for two, small batch

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Nice To Meet You!
I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree single woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

Learn more →
Subscribe
Disclosures and Disclaimers

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? This 6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe is a creamy Thanksgiving dessert for two served with homemade whipped cream. Last week I mentioned not being able ...

Read More

6 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

6 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Cheesecake recipe is a creamy dessert for two ideal for any occasion. Garnish with cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and more! I've had several ...

Read More

What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

Have leftover egg yolks in your kitchen? Here's a comprehensive recipe guide on what to do with leftover egg yolks so you don't have to throw them out again. After posting my What To Do With ...

Read More

What To Do With Leftover Egg Whites

What To Do With Leftover Egg Whites

Have leftover egg whites in your kitchen? Here's a comprehensive recipe guide on what to do with leftover egg whites so you don't have to throw them out again. I've been developing small batch ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? This 6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe is a creamy Thanksgiving dessert for two served with homemade whipped cream. Last week I mentioned not being able ...

Read More

6 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

6 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Cheesecake recipe is a creamy dessert for two ideal for any occasion. Garnish with cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and more! I've had several ...

Read More

What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

Have leftover egg yolks in your kitchen? Here's a comprehensive recipe guide on what to do with leftover egg yolks so you don't have to throw them out again. After posting my What To Do With ...

Read More

What To Do With Leftover Egg Whites

What To Do With Leftover Egg Whites

Have leftover egg whites in your kitchen? Here's a comprehensive recipe guide on what to do with leftover egg whites so you don't have to throw them out again. I've been developing small batch ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs