Leprechaun Bait: Salty and Sweet Green Popcorn Mix for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
This easy Leprechaun Bait recipe is a festive and fun treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Combining the sweet crunch of Lucky Charms marshmallows and green M&M’s with the salty popcorn and gooey melted marshmallows, it’s a delightful snack that’s simple to make and sure to please kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Popcorn Mixture
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup green M&M’s
- 1/2 cup Lucky Charms marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons green sprinkles
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: Use the microwave to pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions until fully popped. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter first, then add the mini marshmallows. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine marshmallow mixture with popcorn: Pour 3/4 of the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in a large baking dish and gently stir to coat as much popcorn as possible.
- Drizzle remaining mixture: Drizzle the remaining marshmallow mixture evenly over the popcorn without stirring it in. This adds extra gooey pockets in the final product.
- Add festive toppings: Sprinkle green M&M’s, Lucky Charms marshmallows, and green sprinkles evenly over the popcorn mixture. Then gently fold everything together to distribute the colors and flavors evenly.
- Cool the treat: Transfer the popcorn mixture into a serving bowl and place it into the refrigerator or freezer for about 20 minutes to allow it to cool and set.
- Serve: Before serving, top with additional green M&M’s for extra color and crunch. Enjoy immediately after cooling.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh mini marshmallows and unsalted butter to control sweetness and saltiness.
- Be gentle when mixing after adding toppings to avoid crushing the marshmallows and M&M’s.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optionally, swap green M&M’s and sprinkles for other festive colors for different holidays.
