St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn is the ultimate sweet and salty treat. Popcorn gets tossed with M&M’s, Lucky Charms marshmallows, and sprinkles, then coated in white chocolate.
author’s notes
The Annual Green Snack Situation
Leprechaun Bait is my most popular St. Patrick’s Day recipe and easily one of my personal favorites. I never go a year without making it and, honestly, I think about it long before March rolls around. And yes, I realize I could make it anytime, but I always save it for St. Patrick’s Day because it just feels more fun that way.
This year I decided to try a popcorn version. I didn’t think anything could top my original Leprechaun Bait, but wow, this one seriously delivers.
Salty popcorn mixed with sweet add-ins and coated in creamy white chocolate is THE BEST combo. This St. Patrick’s Day popcorn is crunchy, colorful, and way too easy to keep reaching back into the bowl.
St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Popcorn | Use plain popcorn and remove any un-popped kernels before mixing. |
| White chocolate & oil | Melt in short bursts, stirring often, and stop microwaving as soon as it’s smooth. |
| M&M’s | Buy a bag of all green M&M’s or sort them out from a regular bag ahead of time. |
| Lucky Charms marshmallows | Pull marshmallows from the cereal before starting so they’re ready to sprinkle on. |
| Pretzels & sprinkles | Break pretzels into bite-size pieces; rods or twists both work well in this St. Patrick’s Day popcorn. For extra color, add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet so they stick. |
Quick Tip
To get rid of unpopped kernels, put the popcorn in a large bowl, cover with a rack, flip, and shake. The unpopped kernels will fall out. Scoop out the rest of the popcorn and continue with the recipe.
Melting White Chocolate
For the smoothest coating on this St. Patrick’s Day popcorn, follow these simple tips for melting white chocolate:
- Use a dry bowl: Even a small drop of water can cause white chocolate to seize.
- Heat in short bursts: Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well between each.
- Stop before fully melted: Remove when mostly melted and stir until smooth.
- Add a little oil if needed: A small splash helps thin it and makes coating easier.
- Avoid high heat: White chocolate burns quickly, so go slow and be patient.
Storage
The longer this St. Patrick’s Day popcorn sits, the softer it becomes since popcorn absorbs moisture easily. Let the popcorn cool completely before coating, and for the best texture, enjoy it shortly after making.
More St. Patrick’s Day Fun:
Quick And Easy
St Patrick’s Day Treats {Free Printables}
Muffins And Quick Breads
Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Desserts
Chocolate Mint Cookies
St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15" x 21")
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn unbuttered, see note 1
- 1 cup M&M’s pull out the greens, see note 2
- 1/3 cup miniature M&M’s pull out the greens, optional
- 1 cup Lucky Charms marshmallows see note 3
- 1 cup pretzel twists broken in half
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white chocolate melts
- 1-1/2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable/canola oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons green sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment, foil, or a silicone mat. Remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn. Add popcorn to a very large bowl along with M&M’s, mini M&M’s if using, marshmallows, and broken pretzels.
- Add white chocolate and oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring well between each, until smooth. Do not overheat.
- Immediately pour melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Use a spatula to toss quickly until evenly coated.
- Spread onto the prepared pan in an even layer. While chocolate is still soft, add sprinkles if using. Let sit at room temperature or refrigerate until hardened. Break into pieces and serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
