When I tell people I make Popcorn Bars, I always get a little bit of a blank stare. You can see the gears turning in their head, thinking do I know what that is? Is that like an ice cream bar but with popcorn? Something involving popcorn and adult beverages? I’m not real familiar with the term Popcorn Bar but I don’t want to sound stupid and have to ask what is a Popcorn Bar? At least this is what I imagine goes through people’s heads, when I say Popcorn Bar.
If you are thinking of an ice cream sundae bar, you are on the right track. A Popcorn Bar is very similar but with popcorn and all the toppings and fixings. Start with a popcorn bag for each person and popcorn baskets usually filled with just plain buttered popcorn to scoop out and fill their bags. Then everyone gets to create their own unique popcorn flavor with toppings like candy, chocolate, crushed cookies, nuts, dried fruit to name a few, and popcorn powder flavors like white cheddar, jalapeno nacho, cinnamon, and sugar, or a mix of your own spices.
The best thing about Popcorn Bars is they satisfy, salty, sweet, and salty-sweet taste buds. Popcorn is also a pretty well-liked food that most people like. It is also gluten-free and corn allergies are not too common. Popcorn Bars really allow almost everyone to take part in and enjoy.
When do I have a popcorn bar?
A Popcorn Bar works at almost any party, but when you think of popcorn, you definitely think of popcorn and movies. They are a fun addition to a family movie night at home or backyard movie night under the stars. They are also a popular addition to weddings for a late-night snack to keep guests dancing all night. But Popcorn Bars are great for bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, birthday parties, and family reunions.
How do I make a popcorn bar?
There are no set rules for a Popcorn Bar you get to choose how yours is set up and how many options you offers. But here are some supplies to consider.
Popcorn bar supplies
- popcorn buckets
- scoops
- popcorn topping buckets or containers
- spoon or tongs for each topping
- spice jars for popcorn powder flavors
- labels for popcorn, toppings and powder flavors
- indivdual popcorn bags or boxes
- popcorn bar sign
Popcorn
There are a few things to consider regarding the popcorn. Whether you are buying pre-popped popcorn or popping it yourself and how much you need to buy. So I have all those questions and more answered here How Much Popcorn Do I Need
Popcorn Toppings
The toppings are where you can get creative, there are so many candies, cookies you can break up, nuts, marshmallows, you can add the list is endless. Also, decide on the number of toppings you want to offer, it could be as few as two or three or ten or more. For me, the number is sometimes decided by the number of matching containers I have for each topping.
Popcorn Flavor Powders
If you are thinking just salt and white cheddar for popcorn flavor powders, you haven’t been down the popcorn aisle in the grocery store in a while. It’s amazing how many popcorn flavor powders are available now just at your local grocery store. I have more about what flavors are available and how to store and use them here Tips for Using Popcorn Flavor Powders.
Shop Popcorn Bars
Add a Popcorn Bar to your next event by ordering one of our Popcorn Bars. They are made to order and personalized with engraved popcorn scoops, custom labeled popcorn flavor jars, and more. There are a variety of different styles to choose from and you choose the size of the popcorn baskets and how many popcorn bags you need based on the size of your event.
Our Popcorn Bars include all the supplies you will need but vary slightly, popcorn buckets, scoops, popcorn topping buckets, topping tongs, popcorn flavor jars, popcorn bar banners, and popcorn bags. All you need to add is the popcorn and toppings.
Check out all our Popcorn Bars in our shop. Still not seeing the right one for your party, no problem. We do custom since everything is made to order it’s not a problem. Will that mean it will cost more? Possibly but it may not if you are just changing the color of the flowers, from burgundy and white to say purple and white. If you need to add something, such as more topping buckets yes that will add to the price. Please send us a message so we can work together to create your perfect Popcorn Bar. Even if we need to start from scratch creating your Popcorn Bar, we would be happy to help.
Whether you decide to create your own Popcorn Bar or purchase one of ours, I hope this has helped you understand some of the things you will need to get started. They really are a fun addition to any party, wedding, or event. It is not just a table of food but an activity for your guests to create some fun popcorn flavor combinations.
Share about your Popcorn Bar
Let me know if you are planning a Popcorn Bar and share your plans. Would love to hear about your ideas. If you have questions please ask, I would love to help. Also please share if you have had a Popcorn Bar and have any more tips. We can definitely all learn from each other.