Tailgating is a big deal around here, and we’ve learned that a killer snack can make all the difference. This Tailgating Honey Nut Caramel Corn is our go-to sweet-and-savory recipe for game days. It’s a total upgrade from your usual caramel corn, with a special farm-fresh twist. It’s got that classic crunch and sweet caramel flavor, but we’ve taken it to the next level with local honey, pecans, and a cinnamon-nut mix that’s a game-changer.

A great tailgating snack needs to be easy to transport and even easier to share. This recipe was born out of a craving for something that felt both a little bit extra and totally shareable. It’s the kind of snack that makes you the MVP of the tailgate. The combination of sweet, salty, and nutty is crave-worthy, and the fact that it’s loaded with MIO products makes it even better.

Think of this caramel corn as the ultimate game day sidekick. It’s delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with everything else on your tailgate menu. The crunch of the popcorn and the richness of the caramel are balanced perfectly by the pecans and honey-nut mix. It’s simple, unique, and made for celebrating the big game with friends and family. This is the snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why you’ll love this

When it’s time to tailgate, this snack is the ultimate way to show up and show off. Here’s why we’re obsessed:

• It’s a huge crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing with friends.
• The combination of honey, nuts, and caramel is next-level good.
• It looks like something you’d get from a fancy popcorn shop, but you can totally pull it off at home.
• It’s a great way to showcase incredible Oklahoma-made products.

Ingredients

Popcorn Kernels or Microwave Popcorn – We usually use an air popper for this, but a bag of microwave popcorn works just fine if you’re in a hurry. You’ll need enough to make about ½ cup of cooked popcorn.

Miller Pecan Co. Pecans – Using local, Oklahoma-grown pecans from Miller Pecan Co. adds an authentic, rich flavor to this recipe.

Healthy Cravings Bees Knees Honey Cinnamon Nut Mix – This MIO-made mix adds a fantastic crunchy texture and a honey-cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel.

Roark Acres Okie Honey – Sourcing honey from a local maker like Roark Acres is a fun and easy way to support the local economy and give your caramel corn authentic flavor.

Hiland Dairy Butter – A quality butter is essential for a rich, delicious caramel. For this, Hiland Dairy delivers.

Brown Sugar & Kosher Salt – These are the base for your caramel. The salt is key to balancing the sweetness of the sugar and honey.

Baking Soda & Griffin’s Vanilla – The baking soda gives the caramel its classic soft texture, and the vanilla adds a delicious depth of flavor.

This recipe’s must-haves

• A large, rimmed baking sheet is essential to spread out the popcorn and nuts.
• Parchment paper is a must for easy cleanup and to prevent the caramel corn from sticking.
• A medium saucepan is needed to cook the caramel.
• Your favorite measuring cups and spoons will make it easy to get the proportions just right.

How to make the Tailgating Honey Nut Caramel Corn

1. Prep your popcorn and nuts. Start by cooking your popcorn kernels in an air popper or on the stovetop. Or, if you want to keep things super simple, just pop a bag of microwave popcorn. Once your popcorn is ready, spread it out on a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will keep the caramel from sticking and make it easy to toss everything together later. Evenly sprinkle the pecans and honey-nut mix over the popcorn.
2. Make the caramel. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, salt, and butter. Place it over medium heat and stir often. The mixture will start to melt and then come to a simmer. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring the whole time. The key is to watch it closely so it doesn’t get too dark or burn.
3. Finish the caramel. Once the mixture has simmered for a few minutes and looks like a rich, golden caramel, remove it from the heat. Now, for the magic part: stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The baking soda will cause the caramel to foam up a bit, which is exactly what you want. Pour this delicious mixture over the popcorn and nuts, gently tossing to coat everything evenly.
4. Bake to perfection. Bake your caramel corn at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir it every 5 minutes to ensure an even, crunchy coating. Once it’s done, let it cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it up and serving.

Pro Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make the caramel corn a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• Doubling the Recipe: For a large crowd, you can easily double this recipe. Just be sure to use two separate baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure even baking.
• Serving: Serve this in a large bowl with a scoop. It’s easy for everyone to grab a handful and go.

Variations

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle with melted Bedré chocolate (milk, dark, or white) after it has cooled.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Different Nuts: Swap the pecans for peanuts, almonds, or walnuts.
• Sweet and Salty: Add some Trucker Treats pretzels to the mix before you add the caramel.
• Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins after the caramel corn has cooled.
• Seasonal Flavor: For a pumpkin-spiced version, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the caramel.

FAQs

• Why do I need to stir the caramel constantly? Stirring prevents the caramel from burning and ensures it cooks evenly.
• Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt? You can, but use less. Kosher salt has a larger crystal size, so you’ll need to use about half the amount of table salt for the same saltiness.
• How do I know when the caramel is done? The color is your best indicator. It should be a beautiful amber color, not too dark. It should also be a thick consistency, not runny.
• Can I make this on the stove without baking it? You could, but baking is what makes the caramel corn so perfectly crunchy. Without it, the caramel will be sticky.
• How long will this last? When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

What to serve with tailgating honey nut caramel corn

The sweet and salty crunch of this caramel corn pairs perfectly with classic savory tailgating food. We love to serve it alongside hearty dishes that provide a good contrast in texture and flavor. Think of it as the perfect ending to a delicious day of barbecue and burgers.