Popcorn bar suggestions

[v.t.]

We are planning a popcorn bar. What items should we buy and how do we decide the amount of goodies to buy? We are talking 250 kids so we will have to limit what they take. But I need a starting point.

Thanks!

 

[Nina1]

Do you mean like a candy bar? If so, how about m&m's and gummy bears to mix in the popcorn? Also, Kernel Season's popcorn seasonings are yummy. They have many different flavors. We sprinkle these on air popped popcorn. The Ranch flavor is our favorite. They also have nacho cheese, sour cream and onion, kettle corn and chocolate. There may be other flavors, but these are the ones I have seen. The only thing is, the seasonings work best with something to stick to. I spritz our popcorn with olive oil, but I don't know if that will work for you.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I have never even heard of a popcorn bar before so I am interested in the responses

 

[LuLuO]

Google 'popcorn recipes' and a ton pop up. Google 'popcorn bar for kids' and look at the images. Neat stuff there too.

If you don't want them sticking their hands in the popcorn, I'd make cones out of sheets of paper and put the popcorn in there.

 

[funkymom]

That's a lot of kids! Wow!
This is what I would do:

-choose 3-5 types of popcorn; savory, sweet, simple. I'd do two sweet and two savory since the kids would probably choose those most often.

- decide on popcorn receptacle..that will help determine how much for each kid(chinese take out boxes would work great! you can get these at any resturant supply store).

There are a ton of recipes on the web. My favorite caramel popcorn recipe is from ourbestbitesdotcom(not sure if I can link it directly). Also check out pinterest and do a search for popcorn bars.

Good Luck!

 

[Eureka]

It would be time consuming but if you want to limit the amount of candy etc they take, what about pre-packaging it into mini-muffin liners before putting it out?

 

[holden]

It would be time consuming but if you want to limit the amount of candy etc they take, what about pre-packaging it into mini-muffin liners before putting it out?

I second this...or at least putting it in mini snack bags. I wouldn't let my kid dip his/her hands into various bowls of popcorn where everyone else's hands have been

 

[squirrel]

How about paper lunch bags for each guest and then use measuring cup to put the popcorn in.

Then they move down the line adding whatever toppings they want and then the bag can be shaken to mix.

A friend and I tried a bunch of different toppings one night and we decided that chocolate peanut butter popcorn is the best.

 

[shortbun]

Sounds really good but messy. grated parmesan.

 

[pocomom]

I second the thoughts on prepackaging. It will save you on quantity and cleanup- My kids would devour a bowl of M+M's on their own if they had free access
For one party we had I took regular brown paper bags and hole punch with a cute punch about an inch from the top and then weaved ribbon through all around. Super cheap and cute as I had everything on hand except the paper bags which are economical even in your quantity.If you have time you may be able to find/order some colored bags for not too much more.
Another idea would be to premix big bowls with different combinations and not have them do the expensive toppings on their own. One could be popcorn, m+m's, nuts- another caramel corn, cheesy popcorn, as many as you want to have. Of course if it is a school/church/activity function you may have to consider allergies. Have ladles for the kids to scoop out the mix they want into the containers. Popcorn does get everywhere so I would just be prepared for a cleanup after!

 

[ktate82]

Google 'popcorn recipes' and a ton pop up. Google 'popcorn bar for kids' and look at the images. Neat stuff there too.

If you don't want them sticking their hands in the popcorn, I'd make cones out of sheets of paper and put the popcorn in there.

Good Pun!