WHY YOU’LL LOVE ST PATRICK’S DAY POPCORN

• No baking required
  
• Sweet-and-salty perfection
  
• Feeds a crowd easily
  
• Make-ahead friendly
  
• Perfect for parties, classrooms, and green-food days

Leprechaun Bait

This is not a delicate snack. This is grab-a-handful, sneak-a-piece, hide-the-bag energy.

I make this leprechaun bait recipe when I need something festive that doesn’t ask much of me.

No oven. No precision. Just melt, mix, drizzle, done.

The kettle corn matters. So does breaking up the pretzels. You want sweet. You want salt. You want crunch in every bite.

Set this St Patrick’s Day popcorn out and walk away. People will handle the rest.

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Kettle Corn: Sweet and salty popcorn is already balanced, making it the perfect base for leprechaun bait.
  
• Mint M&M’s: Seasonal, festive, and just enough mint without being toothpaste-y.
  
• Lucky Charms Marshmallows: Pure nostalgia. And plenty of color! You can sometimes find these on their own, but be prepared to pick through a box of cereal.
  
• Mini Pretzels: Extra salt to balance the sweet. Break these in half for texture balance.
  
• Vanilla Candy Coating: Almond Bark or CandiQuik melts smoothly and sets clean.
  
• Green Candy Melts: These are for drizzle only, not coating. They’re decorative, not structural, for a touch of extra color.

VARIATIONS

No Mint: Use regular M&M’s if mint isn’t your thing. Since Easter candy is usually on the shelves, grab that… the pastel colors will blend in better.

Extra Salty: Add more pretzels or a handful of popcorn salt.

Chocolate Drizzle: Swap green candy melts for chocolate chips.

White Popcorn: Plain popcorn works if that’s what you have. And it tones down the sweetness a bit.

Rainbow Marshmallows: Swap Lucky Charms for colorful mini marshmallows.

Classroom Safe: Skip the pretzels if needed (for a gluten-free snack) and add cereal instead.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Portion leprechaun bait into clear treat bags tied with festive ribbon.
  
• Set out in big bowls for parties.
  
• Add to a dessert table with St Patrick’s Day cookies and frosted mint chocolate brownies.
  
• Great for classroom treats or neighborhood gifts.

LEPRECHAUN BAIT RECIPE FAQ

This leprechaun bait recipe is easy to make, and it works because everything is dry and sturdy.

Popcorn, pretzels, candy, and marshmallows don’t release moisture, which keeps the coating from getting sticky or soft.

The vanilla candy coating sets firm at room temperature, locking everything together without refrigeration.

Drizzling leprechaun popcorn after spreading it all out matters too. Thin streams cool faster and don’t sink, so you get color and crunch instead of puddles.

And adding sprinkles while the drizzle is wet? That’s your adhesive moment.

It’s controlled chaos… but the kind that always works.

TOOLS NEEDED

• Large Rimmed Baking Sheet: Gives everything room to spread so every piece of leprechaun popcorn is evenly coated.
  
• Parchment Paper: Nonstick sanity and easier cleanup.
  
• Very Large Mixing Bowl: Trust me… Bigger than you think.
  
• Silicone Spatula: Allows for gentle mixing without crushing any of the popcorn or marshmallows.
  
• Microwave-Safe Bowls: Easy melting and drizzling of candy coating.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Leprechaun Bait

St Paddy's Day Leprechaun Bait is a sweet-and-salty no-bake snack mix with plenty of color and texture to please kids and adults alike!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Microwave

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 20 8 to 10 cups

Calories 167cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped kettle corn popcorn from about ½ cup unpopped kernels
• 12 ounces mint M&M’s
• 1 1/2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels each piece broken in half
• 12 ounces vanilla candy coating, melted Almond Bark or CandiQuik
• 1/2 cup dark green candy melts
• 1/2 cup light green candy melts
• 1/2 cup festive green and gold sprinkles

Instructions

• PREP PAN: Line a large rimmed baking sheet (13 x 18 inches) with parchment paper and set aside.
• MIX BASE: Add 8 cups popped kettle corn popcorn to a very large mixing bowl. Add 12 ounces mint M&M’s, 1 1/2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows, and 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels. Gently toss to combine.
• MELT COATING: Place 12 ounces vanilla candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl or 2-cup measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
• COAT MIX: Pour the 12 ounces vanilla candy coating, melted over the popcorn mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
• SPREAD: Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
• DRIZZLE: Melt 1/2 cup dark green candy melts and 1/2 cup light green candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls using the same 30-second interval method. Drizzle each color over the popcorn mixture.
• DECORATE: Immediately sprinkle the candy-coated popcorn with 1/2 cup festive green and gold sprinkles while the drizzle is still wet.
• SET AND BREAK: Let the mixture dry completely, about 1 hour, until firm. Once set, gently break into snack-sized pieces.

Video

Notes

Make-Ahead: Leprechaun Bait can be made up to 2 days in advance for parties or classroom treats.

Storage: Store in an airtight container or sealed bags at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. Candy coating can discolor and bloom once thawed.

Ingredient Note: You can use plain, buttered, or kettle corn. Kettle corn adds the best sweet-and-salty balance.

Shopping Tip: Almond Bark and CandiQuik are found in the baking aisle. Candy melts are typically in the cake decorating section at Walmart, Michaels, or JoAnn.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 167cal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 142mg | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published March 2020, updated and republished February 2026

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Leprechaun Bait + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Forget about old fashioned popcorn balls and make this delicious treat instead. This great recipe brings fond memories of homemade popcorn balls, but with a fun twist. 

Homemade treats like this are a special treat that is perfect for fun Halloween treats, birthday parties, fall festivals, and more. 

Add some colorful sprinkles to this classic treat to take it to the next level! 

The melted marshmallow mixture, paired with the other simple ingredients, creates the perfect fun treat. 

It’s the perfect recipe to use when you have popped too much popcorn, or are just in the mood for fun recipes to share. 

Just be ready – the first time that you make these fun treats, you’re going to be hooked on the flavor combinations. 

This will be your new favorite treat – and you’ll be counting down the days until you can make these easy marshmallow popcorn balls again! 

Popcorn Ball Recipe

Salty and sweet with a hint of fruit flavor is just the kind of fun your snack time needs! Popcorn balls are really fun to make, and they’re great party treats, too!

If you love the taste of these marshmallow popcorn balls, try my holiday “bait” recipes for Easter and St. Paddy’s Day

Or, whip up a batch of peanut butter caramel corn for an extra sweet treat. It makes plenty for movie night and can be packaged into party favors too.

Craving chocolate with your crunch? You’ll love these hot cocoa krispies topped with even more mini marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.

Recipe Tips

• Time-saving tip: Since any popped corn will do, grab a bag from the chip and snack aisle instead of making your own! 
  
  Be sure to choose one without additional flavors. You can pop your own popcorn if you want, but to cut down on cooking time and those pesky unpopped popcorn kernels, buying it already popped is a good idea.
  
  The old-fashioned stovetop method of cooking popcorn does work great, though! 
  
• Use fresh marshmallows. You’ve probably got a bag in the back of the pantry, but it’s best to grab a new one from the store. 
  
  Otherwise, they may not melt down completely and the popcorn ball recipe won’t work.
  
• Change up the flavors! Since the taste of strawberries comes from gelatin powder, try a different one each time or make a batch of each for a rainbow celebration.
  
• Prevent sticking. Coat your hands in butter or cooking spray before forming each round. A quick wash with dish soap will get the grease off when you’re done.
  
• Want them more pink? Add a drop or two of gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue.

This simple recipe is also versatile in adding fun mix-ins and toppings! Chocolate chips would be a fun addition to these Jello popcorn balls and also have good flavor!

More fun food ideas would be adding sprinkles or topping with some chocolate syrup! 

How To Make Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

1. Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a saucepan on the stove until there are no more lumps.
   
   As you melt the butter, be sure that you are stirring so that it doesn’t burn. There is no need for a candy thermometer here. 
   
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder. Then, pour the mixture over a bowl of popped kernels and add your sprinkles.
   
3. Gently stir until everything is well coated and combined. Scoop out about ½ cup at a time and roll into a ball with your hands. (you’re going to make 3-inch popcorn balls in terms of size, etc.)
   
4. Place the coated popcorn balls in a lined muffin tin to cool to room temperature and repeat until all of the mixture is gone. Simple popcorn recipes for the win! 

Popcorn Ball Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Scrumptious Strawberry Desserts

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Easy Strawberry Popcorn Ball Recipe (Using Jello)

This popcorn ball recipe uses strawberry gelatin and sprinkles to create a fun pink treat! Make this easy dessert today in only 15 minutes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 527cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 8 cups popcorn popped
• 10 ounce bag mini marshmallow
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jello mix powder
• 1 tablespoon sprinkles

Instructions

• Prepare the popcorn according to your favorite way. Pour in a big bowl and set aside.
• Prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liner. Set aside
• In a medium size saucepan over medium heat melt the butter and add the marshmallow. Mixing constantly until you have a smooth texture. (5 minutes)
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the strawberry jello powder. Mix until all combine, and you have a smooth pink mixture.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and add sprinkles.
• With 2 wood spoons carefully mix the popcorn until all coated with marshmallow mixture.
• Roll popcorn into a ball. About 1/2 cup per ball.
• Let it cool and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 527cal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 62mg | Sugar: 16g | Fiber: 14g | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 3mg

Originally published August 2021, updated and republished March 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Easy Strawberry Popcorn Ball Recipe (Using Jello) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Spring is such a fun, festive season, and that is never more apparent than with treats like this bunny bait. 

You might as well add this to your list of favorite things to make for your Easter gathering – and it’s also super fun for birthday parties, too! 

It’s like puppy chow and muddy buddies together, with a fun spin to turn it into a crazy good Easter mix.

I love the sweet and salty combo that this Easter Bunny bait snack mix gives, which is why I make it every year! 

Trust me when I say that this festive treat is a fun and simple way to make all the kids and adults happy!

Serve this no bake snack mix recipe in cute little goodie bags, or let everyone just grab a handful or two and enjoy! 

Bunny Bait

Between the bright pastel colors, the fun sprinkles, and the tasty sweet and savory combination, what more could you ask for in an Easter snack to celebrate the season?

Well, other than an adorable bunny reference. Because it simply isn’t spring without some bunnies!

And just like it’s impossible to separate bunnies from spring, it’s impossible not to find joy in a big helping of this bunny popcorn mix. 

These strawberry popcorn balls and white chocolate popcorn are also a hit during Easter. 

Plus, this bunny bait recipe is great for gifting, so you can spread the joy around!

How To Make Funfetti Bunny Popcorn

Not only is this bunny bait recipe great for any spring holiday or event, but it’s also easy to make. 

However, you do need to be quick, so make sure you have all of your ingredients ready.

To make bunny bait, all you need to do is:

1. Prepare the ingredients, such as popping the popcorn and breaking apart the pretzels.
2. Heat the candy melts and pour them over popcorn, M&M’s, and pretzels.
3. Quickly transfer the coated popcorn to a baking sheet, then decorate with sprinkles.
4. If you’d like, drizzle with more colorful candy melts.
5. Let cool.
6. Break apart and enjoy!

What you will need to make this Easter snack:

• Easter colors of candy melts – I used blue, bright pink, and yellow.
  
• Easter sprinkles – Find bunnies, pink sugar sprinkles, blue sugar sprinkles, and spring jimmies in the holiday or baking section of your local store.
  
• Parchment paper for easy work and no fuss clean up.
  
• Jelly Roll Pans (baking sheets with sides) – Used for everything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.

Bunny Bait Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Bunny Bait Easter Popcorn Snack Mix Recipe + Video

Bunny Bait Funfetti Popcorn is a fun and festive Easter snack that comes together in 15 minutes. The kids are going to love it!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Microwave

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 20 pieces

Calories 531cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla candy melts Wilton, Almond Bark or CandiQuik are great
• 8 cups popped popcorn about 1/2 cup unpopped
• 12 ounces pastel M&M’s
• 1 1/2 cups pretzels each piece broken in half
• 1/2 cup sprinkles any festive style
• 1 cup colorful candy melts optional

Instructions

• Line a large baking sheet (18 x 13 or similar) with parchment paper, then set nearby.
• Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, then add M&M’s and pretzels on top.
• In a medium bowl, heat vanilla candy melts per package instructions until smooth.
• Pour melted vanilla candy over the popcorn mixture, then use a spatula to quickly (but gently!) toss and stir until the candy melts have coated all of the ingredients. Be careful not to stir too long; you don’t want the candy to harden yet.
• Transfer coated popcorn mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread out into an even layer.
• While candy melts are still wet, sprinkle with festive sprinkles as desired.
• If you’d like to add more color, heat some colorful candy melts and drizzle them on top of the bunny bait.
• Let bunny bait dry completely (about 1 hour), then use your hands to gently break it apart into snack-sized pieces.
• Bunny bait can be stored at room temperature in sealed bags or a container for up to 5 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 531cal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 103mg | Sugar: 35g | Fiber: 9g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg

Originally published March 2020, updated and republished February 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Bunny Bait Easter Popcorn Snack Mix Recipe + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.