This Patriotic Popcorn is one of the easiest 4th of July snack ideas. It’s made with freshly popped popcorn, drizzled with vibrant red, white, and blue candy melts, then topped with M&Ms and star-shaped sprinkles. Ready in just 30 minutes!

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How to Make Patriotic Popcorn

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 cup red candy melts
1/4 cup white candy melts
1/4 cup blue candy melts
1/4 cup M&Ms (preferably red, white, and blue)
1 tbsp sprinkles (stars and stripes themed if available)

Step by Step Guide

1. Start with fresh popcorn! If you have an air popper, follow the instructions for light, fluffy kernels. No air popper? No problem! A brown paper bag and a microwave are all you need. Add the kernels, fold the bag, and zap it for 2-3 minutes. Listen closely: when the popping slows to a 5-second gap, it’s done!

2. Microwave your red, white, and blue candy melts in separate bowls. Start with 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until silky smooth.

3. Once melted, transfer each color into a small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.

4. Spread your popcorn across a parchment-lined baking sheet for the perfect canvas. Drizzle those vibrant candy melts in artistic zigzags across the popcorn.

5. While the candy is still gooey, sprinkle on M&Ms and your decorative sprinkles. The key here is speed—work quickly so everything sticks before the candy hardens.

6. Let the candy harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry (or just can’t resist sneaking a taste), pop the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything’s set, break your popcorn into clusters. Serve in a big bowl for sharing or divvy it up into individual bags for a grab-and-go snack.

Important Recipe Notes

Use air-popped or plain popcorn: Avoid using buttery or overly salted popcorn, as it can make the candy melts slide off or create a greasy texture.
Work quickly with the candy melts: Once melted, drizzle the candy melts right away—they harden fast! You can use a spoon, piping bag, or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
Let it cool completely: Allow the candy coating to set fully (about 20–30 minutes at room temp or faster in the fridge) before breaking into pieces.
Swap in different festive candies, add pretzels for crunch, or use colored sprinkles to match other holidays.

Ingredients

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 cup red candy melts
1/4 cup white candy melts
1/4 cup blue candy melts
1/4 cup M&Ms (preferably red, white, and blue)
1 tbsp sprinkles (stars and stripes themed if available)

Instructions

Start with fresh popcorn! If you have an air popper, follow the instructions for light, fluffy kernels. No air popper? No problem! A brown paper bag and a microwave are all you need. Add the kernels, fold the bag, and zap it for 2-3 minutes. Listen closely: when the popping slows to a 5-second gap, it’s done!
Microwave your red, white, and blue candy melts in separate bowls. Start with 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until silky smooth.
Once melted, transfer each color into a small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
Spread your popcorn across a parchment-lined baking sheet for the perfect canvas. Drizzle those vibrant candy melts in artistic zigzags across the popcorn.
While the candy is still gooey, sprinkle on M&Ms and your decorative sprinkles. The key here is speed—work quickly so everything sticks before the candy hardens.
Let the candy harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. If you're in a hurry (or just can’t resist sneaking a taste), pop the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes.
Once everything’s set, break your popcorn into clusters. Serve in a big bowl for sharing or divvy it up into individual bags for a grab-and-go snack.