This post has been sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery US, LLC, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Score Big with Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn: The Ultimate Game Day Snack!
Game day is more than just watching sports; it’s a cherished tradition, a vibrant gathering of friends and family, and an excuse to indulge in delicious snacks. As the playoffs heat up and the countdown to the BIG game begins, the excitement builds, and so does the anticipation for epic homegating parties. Whether you’re cheering from your living room or hosting a full-blown tailgate-at-home, a fantastic spread of food is essential to fuel the festivities. This year, if you’re looking to truly elevate your snack game, our Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn is the perfect championship contender.
Imagine a delightful symphony of flavors and textures: the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn, generously coated in rich, melted chocolate, studded with crunchy peanuts, and bursts of creamy candy pieces. This isn’t just any popcorn; it’s a celebratory blend designed to capture the spirit of triumph. It’s the ultimate sweet and salty indulgence that promises to be a touchdown with every bite, making it an absolute must-have at your next homegating event!
The rhythm of the season is set by sports, especially football, and our household truly embraces the homegating culture. After navigating the holiday season, our focus shifts squarely to the thrilling playoffs and the grand finale. It’s a time for community, where we often host, or our wonderful neighbors take the lead, ensuring every game day is a vibrant foodie feast. The unspoken rule is simple: everyone contributes a dish, and this year, I’ve happily claimed the dessert duty – a task I relish, especially with a recipe as winning as this one!
If you’re anything like me, you understand the irresistible allure of a sweet and salty combination. It’s a flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds, creating a truly addictive snack experience. That’s precisely why this Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn is not just delicious, but SUPER simple to prepare. This effortless recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game, cheering on your favorite team, and soaking in the lively atmosphere with your guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The Heart of Homegating: Family, Friends, and Fantastic Food
Our homegating crew is a close-knit group of ten, with most of us being busy moms. This means our game day parties are always bustling with families, including plenty of energetic kids. When planning our menu, my priority is always to incorporate dishes that everyone, from the youngest fan to the most seasoned adult, will genuinely enjoy. Popcorn is a universal favorite, and when paired with an assortment of delectable sweets, it becomes an undeniable hit. This combination perfectly satisfies my own craving for that ideal sweet and salty balance, making it a harmonious choice for all involved in our lively gatherings.
Preparing for a sizable game day crowd requires strategic shopping, and our go-to destination for stocking up in bulk is always Sam’s Club. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for all our homegating needs, ensuring we have plenty of everything to go around. Among the essential items on my shopping list, you’ll always find the M&M’S® Peanut Chocolate Candy Pantry Size Bag – its convenient, resealable packaging is a lifesaver for ongoing snacking and baking. Equally indispensable are the SNICKERS® Mini Bars, which are a constant presence in my pantry. These Mars Wrigley Confectionery US, LLC favorites are not just staple snacks; they are the star ingredients destined for our Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn, making our weekend homegate truly special.
Crafting Your Championship Popcorn: A Simple & Sweet Victory
The beauty of this Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn lies in its straightforward preparation. You begin by popping your favorite popcorn – whether air-popped, stovetop, or microwave, just ensure it’s fresh and fluffy. Once popped, transfer the golden kernels into the largest vessel you can find; for me, a spacious roasting pan works perfectly, allowing ample room for mixing without making a mess. Into this pan, you’ll generously sprinkle in the vibrant M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candies, adding a delightful crunch and burst of nutty chocolate flavor. Next, comes the chopped SNICKERS Mini Bars, which introduce chewy caramel, nougat, and more chocolate to the mix. Finally, a handful of salted, roasted peanuts complements the sweet ingredients with an extra layer of savory crunch, completing the dry mixture that forms the base of this incredible snack.
The magic truly happens with the rich, gooey coating. In a separate saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat until it’s perfectly golden and fragrant. Then, introduce the marshmallows, stirring continuously until they transform into a smooth, luscious, melted cloud. The key here is patience – keep the heat low to prevent scorching. Once the marshmallows are fully melted and combined, remove the pan from the heat and stir in your semi-sweet chocolate chips and a splash of vanilla extract. The residual heat will melt the chocolate into a glossy, velvety sauce, while the vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth that ties all the flavors together.
Now, for the grand finale: carefully pour this warm, decadent chocolate-marshmallow mixture over your prepared popcorn and candy blend. Working quickly, use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold and toss until every single piece of popcorn and candy is evenly coated in the irresistible, sticky glaze. The result is a simple, no-bake, sweet and salty treat mix that is guaranteed to be a sensational hit with everyone at your game day gathering. It’s the kind of snack that disappears quickly, leaving smiles all around!
Presentation and Purpose: Elevating Your Homegating Experience
Beyond the delicious taste, the presentation of your game day snacks can truly enhance the festive atmosphere. You can imagine my absolute delight when, after naming this creation “Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn,” I stumbled upon the perfect serving bucket emblazoned with the word “victory!” It felt like a sign, perfectly encapsulating the triumphant spirit of game day and the winning combination of flavors in this recipe. Such small details can make a big difference in creating an immersive and memorable experience for your guests.
To further enhance the experience, I also grabbed some charming popcorn football boxes. These aren’t just for decoration; they’re incredibly practical, allowing both adults and kids to easily carry around their individual portions of Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn. This way, everyone can snack conveniently throughout the game, whether they’re glued to the screen, mingling with friends, or engaging in some friendly backyard football. Thoughtful serving solutions like these ensure your guests are comfortable and can fully enjoy the game day treats without missing a moment of the action.
Sam’s Club: Your Ultimate Homegating Headquarters
Do yourself a huge favor and make a trip to your local Sam’s Club before your next big game day. It’s not just a store; it’s a treasure trove for all your homegating needs. You’re sure to find an incredible array of snacks, treats, and, of course, all the high-quality ingredients you need to whip up this sensational Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn. From bulk bags of M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candy and SNICKERS Mini Bars to all the fixings for any other dish on your game day menu, Sam’s Club offers convenience and value that simply can’t be beaten when you’re feeding a crowd.
As an added bonus for savvy shoppers, make sure to take advantage of special offers. Before heading out to Sam’s Club for all your game day essentials, you can get cash back on the purchase of Mars Game Day Favorites by following this link. It’s a perfect way to save while stocking up on all the delicious ingredients that will make your homegate unforgettable. Get ready to create lasting memories and enjoy incredible flavors with every cheer!
So, how will you celebrate your next game day? I sincerely hope you’ll make it a winning occasion with a generous batch of this Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn! It’s more than just a snack; it’s a statement, a delicious symbol of team spirit and shared joy. Share your homegating triumphs with us!
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5 votes
Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Meg | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 24 servings
Rocky Road to Victory Popcorn is a game day lover’s dream. Rich chocolate, salty popcorn, and bits of candy pieces make this popcorn mix a must-have at your next homegate party!
Ingredients
- 12 cups freshly popped popcorn (remove any unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup M&M’S® Peanut Chocolate Candy
- 10 SNICKERS® Mini Bars, chopped small
- ½ cup salted, roasted peanuts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Into a large bowl, pot, or roasting pan, combine popcorn, peanut M&M’s, chopped Snickers bars, and peanuts. Set aside.
- In a large saucepot, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows and cook over low heat until completely melted and smooth. Turn off heat and stir in chocolate chips and vanilla extract until the chocolate is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture evenly over the popcorn and candy blend. Mix well with a large spoon or spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly and evenly coated. Allow to cool and set slightly before serving for best results.
Courses Snacks
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 24 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 188 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 9 g | 14% | |
Saturated Fat 4 g | 20% | |
Cholesterol 7 mg | 2% | |
Sodium 47 mg | 2% | |
Total Carbohydrates 26 g | 9% | |
Dietary Fiber 1 g | 4% | |
Sugars 19 g | ||
Protein 2 g | 4% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.