Grinch Popcorn

This Grinch popcorn always brings a little Whoville magic to my holiday season! Fun, festive, and Grinchy green, it captures the spirit of my favorite Christmas grump.

It's a crunchy, sweet, salty popcorn treat with “snowball” marshmallows and colorful M&Ms. In short, it's a bowl of holiday magic, and I love it!

You can even get the kids involved. It's easy to make and the ideal Christmas Movie Night snack.

Why You'll Love This Grinch Popcorn

Quick to Prepare: This fun treat requires few ingredients and has easy steps. It’s a festive delight that comes together quickly. I usually have it ready before my son has the streaming service up!

Fun to Make: This easy Christmas recipe is a fun activity for the whole family! Get the kids involved in adding the green food coloring, marshmallows, and M&Ms. It's one of my family's favorite holiday traditions.

Irresistible Taste: Buttery microwave popcorn, mini marshmallows, and chocolatey M&Ms are the ultimate sweet and salty treat. Even the Grinch can’t resist!

Party-Perfect: Simple, portable, and make-ahead-friendly, this popcorn recipe is ideal for any holiday gathering. I bring it to all of my Christmas parties.

Ingredient Notes

• Popped Popcorn: I like stove-popped best. But you can use microwaveable popcorn for convenience. 

• Salt: Add just a pinch to achieve that irresistible sweet-and-salty contrast.

• Butter: What’s a popcorn recipe without the butter?! Melt it with the marshmallows to coat the popcorn kernels in buttery deliciousness.

• Mini Marshmallows: Form the sticky coating that binds the popcorn together. Keep a few unmelted so you can add mini marshmallows on top for a soft, festive touch. I sometimes use colorful ones just because!

• Green Gel Food Coloring: You can’t have a Grinch theme without Grinch green! I use gel (not liquid) for the best results and extra bright green popcorn.

• Red M&M Candies: Add them to the popcorn mixture to represent the Grinch's small heart. They add pops of red and an irresistible chocolate crunch. Edible heart sprinkles also work nicely.

How to Make Grinch Popcorn

With six ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip up this green Grinch popcorn in a flash!

1. POP. Prepare the unpopped kernels using your preferred method. (I prefer “homemade popcorn” — i.e., popcorn popped on the stove.) Lightly season with salt and set aside.

2. MELT. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.

3. COLOR. Add a small amount of green food coloring. Stir well, adding more food coloring as needed. My family likes it really bright green, so we add several drops. Pour the green marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Toss to coat.

4. ARRANGE. Spread the coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the remaining marshmallow mixture over the top.

5. TOP. Add the remaining mini marshmallows and red M&Ms on top.

6. COOL & SERVE. Once the popcorn mixture cools, break it into clusters. Serve at your Christmas parties or with your kids for Movie Night!

Tips for the Best Grinch Popcorn

Grinch popcorn is the ultimate Christmas snack! It’s fun and sweet and tastes oh-so-delicious. It's one of my favorite easy recipes for holiday parties or anytime I need a dose of Whoville cheer. 

To ensure you prepare the perfect snack, check out my favorite tips:

• Air pop the popcorn. Air-popping it on the stove or in the microwave is the healthiest way to do it. It also ensures light and airy popcorn.

• Sort first. Be sure to sort through the popcorn first. Discard any kernels that didn’t pop. Then, stir the popped popcorn with the marshmallow mixture.

• Add food coloring gradually. Start with a small drop or two of food coloring and add more as needed. As I mentioned, gel is best because it won't affect the consistency of the marshmallows.

• Coat quickly. Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, pour it over the popcorn and mix quickly. This will help ensure even coating before it sets.

• Get creative! Consider adding other festive candies like heart-shaped sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or your favorite Christmas candy. I've even added nuts for additional flavor and texture. The recipe also works well for other holidays. Just use different colors — blue food coloring, yellow, red, etc. I do orange food gel and plastic spiders for Halloween!

• Use chocolate. Instead of sticky marshmallows, color 12 ounces of good quality melted white chocolate. Or substitute with green candy melts.

How to Store

Make this Christmas treat in advance and reduce some holiday stress!

To Store: Transfer leftover popcorn to an airtight container or a sealed Ziplock bag. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. I advise against refrigerating, as it can make the snack mix soggy.

More Christmas Recipes

Christmas Cookie Bars
Easy Christmas Cookie Fudge
Christmas Crack
White Chocolate Christmas Trash