Kicked Up Caramel Popcorn is the ultimate game day snack

Kicked Up Caramel Popcorn recipe from Frank’s Red Hot is the must have game day snack.

Bring the bold flavor to game day snacks with this Kicked Up Caramel Popcorn recipe. Created by the Frank’s RedHot culinary team, this snack recipe will become a game day staple. Ready to get snacking?

For many people Frank’s RedHot flavors some of their favorite wings or even that classic Buffalo Chicken Dip. While those recipes are tasty, that classic vinegar forward hot sauce can bring the heat to a variety of recipes.

Recently, Frank’s RedHot shared this recipe idea for game day snacks. Building on the idea of salty, sweet and spicy, this recipe hits all the flavor notes. Plus, the heat isn’t too over the top, which makes it approachable for everyone’s palate.

Here’s how to make Kicked Up Caramel Popcorn from Frank’s RedHot.

Ingredients:

• 12 cups plain popped popcorn
• 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 1/3 cup Frank’s® RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Directions

• PREHEAT oven to 275℉. Mix popcorn and peanuts in large bowl. Set aside.
• HEAT butter and RedHot Sauce in medium saucepan on medium heat until butter is melted, stirring to mix well. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil 6 minutes without stirring.
• POUR RedHot caramel mixture over popcorn and peanuts. Toss to coat evenly with spatula sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Spread evenly on parchment-lined shallow baking pan.
• BAKE 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Break into clusters. Store in airtight container.

Looking at this recipe, it is fairly easy to make, but it should be noted that cooking the brown sugar needs a keen eye. You do not want to walk away from that cooking step. Sugar can burn quickly.

Also, a plain popcorn is probably best. While microwave popcorn can be convenient, it might be best to avoid other flavors on the popcorn. It could compete with the other flavors or cause all the flavors to be muddled.

Lastly, periodic stirring is key. You want to have an evenly cooked snack, not just one big cluster. And, you could use a Silpat on the pan if you don’t have parchment paper.

When thinking about these game day snacks, a great beverage needs to pair with it. While a beer is always a great choice to complement a sweet and salty snack, consider a newer beverage option. The Michelob Ultra Organic Hard Seltzer in the Spicy Pineapple flavor would make for a great flavor pairing. It continues that spicy and sweet flavor story.

Do you have some game day snacks recipes to share? What is your must food for the big game?