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Olympic Medal Popcorn Balls are a playful snack for a sports viewing party, school celebration, or other festive get-together. Popcorn and melted marshmallows form the simple base, while edible gold or silver color mist and ribbon give each ball a medal-inspired look. Set aside time to assemble them before guests arrive, and remember that the wire used to attach the ribbon must be removed before anyone eats a treat.
These treats are easy to customize for a group: the recipe makes 10 medals, and the ingredient amounts can be adjusted to make more or fewer. Prepare the wire and work surface before melting the marshmallows so you can shape the mixture while it is still workable.
Olympic Medal Popcorn Balls: Ingredients and Supplies
Makes: 10 popcorn balls
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 bag (10 oz.) marshmallows
- 4 oz popped popcorn, approximately 8 (0.5 oz) bags of popcorn
- Wax paper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Gold and silver edible color mist
- Flexible wire
- Patriotic ribbon
Cut the flexible wire into 10 to 12 inch pieces, one for each medal. Wash the wire before use, since it will sit inside the popcorn ball during assembly. Use flexible wire suitable for this project, and keep it away from the food once the medal is finished.
How to Make the Popcorn Medals
- Melt the butter. Cut the butter into four pieces and place it in a large pot. Warm over low to medium heat.
- Add the marshmallows. When the butter is nearly melted, add the marshmallows. Stir with a wooden spoon until they are almost fully melted, then take the pot off the heat.
- Mix in the popcorn. Stir until the marshmallow mixture coats the popcorn as evenly as possible. It acts as the binder, so check that there are no large, dry sections.
- Shape each ball. Transfer the mixture to a wax-paper-covered surface. Once it is cool enough to handle, take about one cup and place it on a small piece of wax paper coated with nonstick cooking spray. Put a piece of wire in the center, then use the paper to press the mixture into a ball. Set it on a wax-paper-covered cutting board.
The mixture may still be warm while you shape it. If it feels too hot to handle, wait a little longer rather than risking a burn. Lightly greasing the wax paper can also make shaping less sticky.
Add the Medal Finish
Move the cutting board to a protected area before applying the gold or silver edible color mist. Spraying inside a sink can help contain overspray and make cleanup easier. Follow the product package directions, including any instructions to shake the can.
After coloring the balls, wrap the wire around the back of each one and twist it into place. Use the remaining wire to form a small loop for the ribbon. Cut the ribbon to the desired length and thread it through the loop to complete the medal.
Important Wire Safety
The wire is not edible. Remove it completely before serving or eating a popcorn ball: untwist the wire and slide it out. Do not allow anyone to bite into a ball while the wire is still inside.
Use careful judgment when serving these to children. The wire may present a choking or injury hazard, particularly for children who are too young to understand that it must be removed first. An adult should handle assembly and make sure every piece of wire is taken out before the popcorn balls are eaten.
Serving and Storage Tips
Arrange the finished medals on a platter for a viewing party, or let guests choose between gold and silver colors. Keep them on wax paper until serving to reduce sticking. For the best texture, make the popcorn balls close to the event and store them in an airtight container at room temperature if preparing them ahead. Keep ribbon and wire decorations separate from the food once the wire has been removed.
With a few basic ingredients and a little shaping, Olympic Medal Popcorn Balls make a cheerful, hands-on party snack. Prepare the decorations in advance, handle the warm marshmallow mixture carefully, and always remove the wire fully before serving.
