Name: Ghost Popcorn Balls That Are Spooky, Sweet, and Oh-So-Fun!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 16 cups Popped Popcorn (Plain and lightly salted); 4 cups Mini Marshmallows (Regular marshmallows can be substituted if necessary); 4 tablespoons Butter (Can substitute margarine for a dairy-free option); 2 cups Wilton Bright White Candy Melts (Can substitute with white chocolate chips with vegetable oil); 1 cup Candy Eyeballs (Can swap with other candies for unique themes); 1 cup Halloween-themed Sprinkles (Add to the popcorn balls or on top of the coating); Food Coloring (To dye the coating different spooky hues)

The aroma of popcorn fills the air, instantly bringing back the joyous memories of school Halloween parties. These Ghost Popcorn Balls are not only a mesmerizing treat to share but also come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. As we embrace this festive season, these delightful snacks strike the perfect balance between crunchy and gooey, ensuring they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they offer endless fun in customization—imagine crafting them with vibrant candy melts or adding festive sprinkles! Ready to add a spooky twist to your Halloween celebrations? Let’s dive into this easy, kid-friendly recipe that guarantees to elevate your party spread.

Why are these Ghost Popcorn Balls a must-try?

Festive and fun: Perfect for Halloween celebrations, these popcorn balls are a playful treat that will delight guests of all ages.
Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute party planning.
Customizable: Use vibrant candy melts or mix in Halloween-themed sprinkles for endless variations that cater to your style and festivity.
Crunchy & Gooey: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy popcorn and sweet, gooey marshmallow—an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Crowd-Pleaser: Their whimsical appearance and delicious taste ensure that these treats will be the star attraction at any gathering, much like our delicious Butter Turkey Meatballs.

Ghost Popcorn Balls Ingredients

For the Popcorn Base

Popped Popcorn – Use plain and lightly salted popcorn for a delightful crunch; air-popped or microwave options work perfectly.
Mini Marshmallows – The sweet bind that holds everything together; substitute with regular marshmallows if needed, but adjustments are necessary.
Butter – Adds richness while melting the marshmallows smoothly; margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.

For the Coating

Wilton Bright White Candy Melts – Perfect for giving your Ghost Popcorn Balls a spooky appearance; white chocolate chips can be a substitute with a little vegetable oil added for thinning.
Candy Eyeballs – Fun decorations that create a playful look; feel free to swap with other candies for unique themes.

Optional Decorations

Halloween-themed Sprinkles – A fun way to add a festive touch; mix them into your popcorn balls or sprinkle them on top before the coating sets.
Food Coloring – To dye the coating different spooky hues (like green or orange) when creating variations of your Ghost Popcorn Balls.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ghost Popcorn Balls

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Begin by popping enough popcorn to yield about 16 cups, discarding any unpopped kernels. You can air-pop or use a microwave for quick results; either way, the popcorn should be plain and lightly salted. Transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, ensuring there’s ample space for the upcoming marshmallow mixture.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
In a large pot, melt 4 cups of mini marshmallows with 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy, being careful not to burn it. Once fully melted, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the popcorn.

Step 3: Combine Popcorn and Marshmallow
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in the bowl. Gently fold the popcorn with a spatula or wooden spoon until all pieces are thoroughly coated, ensuring you don’t crush the popcorn. It should look sticky and well-combined. This step is where your Ghost Popcorn Balls begin to take shape!

Step 4: Shape the Balls
Lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop a handful of the coated popcorn mixture and mold it into a ball about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place each popcorn ball onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for easy decorating later. This process works best while the mixture is still warm and pliable.

Step 5: Cool the Balls
Allow the shaped Ghost Popcorn Balls to cool and firm up on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to 1 hour. As they cool, the marshmallow will set, ensuring the balls hold their shape. If they still feel soft to the touch, let them sit a little longer until firmed up.

Step 6: Prepare the Coating
Melt the Wilton Bright White Candy Melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions—often, this takes about 30-45 seconds on high, stirring in between until completely smooth. Once melted, let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, ensuring the candy coating doesn’t run off the popcorn balls too quickly.

Step 7: Coat the Popcorn Balls
Carefully dip the top of each popcorn ball into the melted candy coating, allowing the excess to drip off. Using a spoon, drizzle additional coating over the sides if needed to create a smooth appearance. Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet to set, ensuring that they don’t touch each other.

Step 8: Add Fun Decorations
While the candy coating is still soft, place candy eyeballs on each popcorn ball, gently pressing them into the coating for a secure stick. Feel free to get creative with additional Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible decorations. Let the Ghost Popcorn Balls cool completely until the candy sets firm, making them ready for festive festivities!

How to Store and Freeze Ghost Popcorn Balls

Room Temperature: Keep Ghost Popcorn Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their perfect texture and flavor.

Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate, as it can cause the popcorn to become stale and lose its delightful crunchiness.

Freezer: If you wish to store them longer, you can freeze the popcorn balls for up to 2 months. Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To enjoy, simply allow the Ghost Popcorn Balls to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Expert Tips for Ghost Popcorn Balls

Melt Carefully: Always melt the marshmallows and butter over medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Patience pays off here!
Sticky Popcorn Solution: If your popcorn balls are too sticky to shape, add a bit more melted marshmallow mixture to achieve the ideal consistency.
Paper Matters: Use parchment or silicone mats to line your baking sheet—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Avoid wax paper!
Storage Tips: Store the finished Ghost Popcorn Balls in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can alter their delightful texture.
Eyeball Placement: Allow the candy melts to cool slightly before dipping and adding candy eyeballs to ensure they stay in place and don’t slide off.

What to Serve with Ghost Popcorn Balls

Enhance your Halloween festivities with delightful accompaniments that elevate the spooky experience of your treats.

Witch’s Brew Punch: A fizzy, colorful fruit punch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the popcorn balls, adding a festive touch.
Monster Cheese Platter: Pair with an array of cheeses and crackers, providing a savory contrast to the sweetness while keeping guests satisfied.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Soft and chewy, these cookies echo the flavors of the season, creating a harmonious dessert spread that delights taste buds.
Caramel Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices drizzled with caramel make for a refreshing and crunchy counterpart to the gooey popcorn balls.
Veggie Skeleton Tray: A playful arrangement of fresh vegetables shapes a skeleton, supplying a healthy option and a pop of color to your table.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a cozy hot chocolate station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings for a warm drink alongside your treats.
Ghostly Cupcakes: Soft, fluffy cupcakes topped with ghostly meringue or frosting add a fun, sweet option that perfectly complements your spooky theme.
Candy Corn Mix: An assortment of candy corn and nut mix offers a crunchy snack that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the Ghost Popcorn Balls.

Let your creativity run wild with these perfect pairings, ensuring your Halloween gathering is both enchanting and delicious!

Make Ahead Options

These Ghost Popcorn Balls are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the popcorn mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe steps up to the cooling stage, then store the formed popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful crunch. Just wait to dip them in the melted candy coating and add the fun candy eyeballs right before serving to ensure they don’t slide off. This way, you’ll have a whimsical Halloween treat ready to impress your guests with minimal stress!

Ghost Popcorn Balls Variations & Substitutions

Invite your creativity to shine! These spooky snacks can easily be customized with delightful twists to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Colorful Candy Melts: Swap out the bright white for spooky orange or green candy melts for a fun, festive look.
Marshmallow Swaps: For a unique take, consider using flavored marshmallows like peanut butter or strawberry to add a twist to your popcorn balls.
Edible Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter over the coated popcorn balls right after dipping for an enchanting sparkle—perfect for Halloween charm!
Textured Add-Ins: Mix in Halloween-themed sprinkles or crushed candy corn for a crunch that complements the gooeyness.
Gummy Decorations: Instead of candy eyeballs, use gummy spiders or teeth to create a different spooky aesthetic—for a treat that’s just as fun and frightful!

Crafting these treats can be a wonderful bonding experience with family, similar to making our delicious Butter Turkey Meatballs.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the melted marshmallow mixture for those who enjoy a hint of heat amidst the sweetness.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in some crushed nuts or pumpkin seeds along with the popcorn for added flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Let your imaginations run wild, and enjoy whipping up these spooky delights!

Ghost Popcorn Balls Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best popcorn for my Ghost Popcorn Balls?
Absolutely! When selecting popcorn, ensure you use plain, lightly salted popcorn. Air-popped or microwave options work well, but steer clear of flavored varieties to keep the focus on the sweet marshmallow and candy coating.

How should I store my Ghost Popcorn Balls?
For optimal freshness, store your Ghost Popcorn Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can lead to a stale texture and loss of crunchiness.

Can I freeze Ghost Popcorn Balls? How do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze them! To freeze Ghost Popcorn Balls, individually wrap each ball in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

What should I do if my popcorn balls are too sticky?
If you find your popcorn balls are too sticky to shape, don’t fret! You can add a little more melted marshmallow mixture to help with the binding. Alternatively, lightly butter your hands before shaping, as this can assist in preventing stickiness.

Are there any dietary considerations for making Ghost Popcorn Balls?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute butter with margarine for a dairy-free option. For allergies, check the candy and sprinkles you plan to use for potential allergens, such as nuts or gluten. Always read the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs.

What can I do with leftover Halloween treats?
If you have some leftovers, consider crumbling them into a bowl of ice cream for a delicious topping or using them to decorate cupcakes. The more the merrier, as you’ll add a fun twist to other treats while minimizing waste!