Set a large pot over medium heat and add the butter pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts completely and begins to bubble, about 2 minutes. The mixture should emit a fragrant smell and the butter should turn golden.
1/2 cup unsalted butter
Pour the melted butter over the freshly popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat all the popcorn evenly with the butter, ensuring an even coverage.
10 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Add the red, white, and blue candies to the coated popcorn. Fold them in gently, distributing the colorful candies evenly throughout the popcorn mixture.
1/4 cup red candies, 1/4 cup white candies, 1/4 cup blue candies, 10 cups popped popcorn
Transfer the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it out into an even layer using a spatula, creating a colorful display.
10 cups popped popcorn
Sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles evenly over the top of the popcorn. Gently press them down with your fingers or a spatula to help them adhere.
2 tbsp sprinkles
Allow the popcorn to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, letting the butter set slightly and the flavors meld. Once cooled, break into clusters if needed and serve.
