Sugar-Free White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

by Pam Berg

Eating keto does not mean you have to pass on all the delicious Christmas treats that will be passed around at holiday get-togethers.

Peppermint bark popcorn puts a new spin on a classic treat. You can pop your corn on the stovetop the old-fashioned way or whip up a batch using microwave popcorn.

Either way, you are sure to enjoy this holiday snack.

Is this Recipe Healthy?

Popcorn is a relatively healthy snack as it is low calorie and, if air-popped, very low fat. Although not low in carbohydrates, popcorn can be enjoyed in moderation.

Just be certain not to eat too much of this delicious treat if you are trying to stay in ketosis.

Is it Keto-Friendly?

There are many ways to make this recipe keto. The sugar-free peppermints can be starlight mints or crushed candy canes.

There are some delicious zero-sugar options for the melted white chocolate, also. Our favorite is Lily’s sugar-free white chocolate chips. Lily’s also comes in a large candy bar that can be cut into pieces before melting.

Low-Carb White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

Total Time

The total time to make this delicious treat is just under 45 minutes from start to finish.

Prep time: 10 minutes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Set time for chocolate: 15 minutes.

Ingredients

20 cups popped popcorn
1 12-ounce package of sugar-free white chocolate chips, or white chocolate bar
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed peppermint candies (sugar-free, of course)

Instructions

Prepare popcorn if making fresh and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate with the coconut oil. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir vigorously. If needed, heat again in 15-second increments until completely melted, stirring well between each cycle. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave.
Add peppermint flavor to the chocolate and mix well.
Put the prepared popcorn in a large bowl with a lid. In batches, pour the melted chocolate over the prepared popcorn and toss the popcorn until coated.
Place the chocolate-covered popcorn on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the popcorn with the crushed peppermint candy. Toss the popcorn and add additional peppermint candy if desired.
Leave popcorn on the lined baking sheet until the chocolate has hardened on the popcorn.
Store in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information

One serving size of this holiday treat is approximately 1 1/2 cups. It has about 150 calories and 8 net carbohydrates.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to make this a bit different.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn: Exchange the sugar-free white chocolate for sugar-free dark chocolate.
Kettle Corn: Imagine how delicious this white chocolate popcorn would be if you used sugar-free kettle corn as the base instead of regular popcorn.
Nuts: If you want to add fiber and crunch without a lot of extra carbs, add your favorite nuts to this recipe. It would be delicious with almonds, pecans, or walnuts.