1-First Step: Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even baking later on. Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

2-Second Step: Pop the Popcorn: Use an air popper to pop 1/2 cup of unpopped popcorn kernels into a large bowl. This yields about 16 cups of fresh popcorn, which is the perfect base for your caramel coating. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid any surprises.

3-Third Step: Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup salted butter with 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of the kosher or sea salt over medium heat. For more caramel inspiration, check out our homemade caramels recipe that pairs well with this one.

4-Fourth Step: Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 4 minutes without stirring. This step creates a smooth, glossy caramel that coats the popcorn perfectly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

5-Fifth Step: Cool and Coat: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 2 minutes. Then, pour the warm caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in the large bowl and stir gently to coat everything evenly.

6-Sixth Step: Transfer and Season: Spread the coated popcorn onto your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt on top for that extra flavor boost. This step adds the final touch before baking.

7-Seventh Step: Bake for Perfection: Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating. This helps the caramel set without slipping off the kernels, resulting in a crispy finish.

8-Final Step: Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart and serving. This treat is now ready for snacking, with each cup offering about 168 calories and a mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy.