Kettle corn is a sweet-and-savory variety of popcorn that is typically mixed or seasoned with a light-colored refined sugar, salt, and oil.

The corn, oil, sugar, and salt are cooked together in a cast-iron kettle, or possibly a Dutch oven.

This produces a noticeable sweet crust on the popcorn; however, this method requires constant stirring or the sugar will burn.

Alternatively, a batch of plain popped corn can be sweetened with sugar or honey before adding salt.

In the early 21st century, kettle corn made a comeback in America, especially at 19th-century living history events.