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Home » Recipes » Snacks

Modified: Sep 27, 2022 | Categories: Recipes

Stovetop Popcorn

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This is the easiest and most delicious stovetop popcorn, ever!

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this buttery snack will disappear in minutes.

Be sure to make a big batch!

Stovetop popcorn in large bowl
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How to make homemade popcorn

Featured Ingredients

  • Oil: Corn or canola oil are great options.
  • Popcorn kernels: Good old-fashioned popcorn kernels are what you need for this recipe.
  • Butter: It's optional, and of course adds that rich butter flavor.
  • Salt: It's necessary for the best ever stovetop popcorn!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large stock pot to medium-high heat.
  2. Add the popcorn kernels and place the lid on top.
  3. Allow the popcorn to pop until popping slows, shaking the pan perodically. Remove from the heat.
  4. Once the popcorn completely stops popping, remove the lid.
  5. Slowly pour about a quarter of the butter over the popcorn (if using) and sprinkle with salt; shake the pot so it coats the popcorn.
  6. Do this again, about 4 or 5 times so the popcorn is evenly coated with butter and salt.
  7. Serve immediately.
Stovetop Popcorn in a bowl

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

  • For the oil: You can use any oil, even olive or coconut oil.
    • A neutral oil is best, though, to make the popcorn flavor really shine.
  • For the popcorn kernels: Yellow or white popcorn kernels work great.
  • For the butter: Use melted salted or unsalted butter - whatever you have on hand.
    • However, this is optional as the popcorn tastes pretty awesome just cooked in oil with salt!
  • Salt: I use a finer ground kosher salt.

Fun Flavor Combinations

  • Vanilla Chia: 1 tablespoon chai tea + ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Smoky and Spicy: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika + 1 tablespoon chili powder + dash cayenne
  • Pumpkin Pie: 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice + 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Caprese: 1 ½ tablespoons tomato basil seasoning
  • Coconut Curry: 1 tablespoon curry powder + dash cayenne + 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Garlic Parmesan: 1 tablespoon garlic powder + 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
  • Ranch: 1 tablespoon grated parmesan + 2 tablespoons finely minced chives + 1 tablespoon finely minced parsley + 1 teaspoon minced garlic

How-To Make Special Combinations:

  1. Pop kernels in oil, per directions above.
  2. Mix butter with seasoning combo and pour and toss on popped popcorn.
  3. Season with salt and enjoy!

Nutrition Considerations

  • To make it gluten free: This recipe does not contain gluten.
  • To make it dairy free: This recipe does not contain dairy.
  • To make it vegan: Don't use the butter.
  • To make it nut free: This recipe does not contain nuts. Be sure all ingredients are nut free.
  • To make it egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Yummy snack recipes:

  • Healthy Chex Mix
  • Walnut Oat Bars with Dates
  • Dill Veggie Dip
  • Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Use your homemade popcorn in this Popcorn Trail Mix!
Print

Stovetop Popcorn

Popcorn in a large bowl
Print Recipe

Old-fashioned stovetop popcorn lightly buttered and salted.

  • Author: Julie Andrews
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5-10 mins
  • Total Time: 10-15 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Stove-Top
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons oil (ideally corn or canola oil)
  • ½ cup yellow or white popcorn kernels
  • 1 ½ tablespoons butter, melted (optional)
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large stock pot to medium-high heat.
  2. Add the popcorn kernels and place the lid on top. Allow the popcorn to pop until popping slows, shaking the pan perodically. Remove from the heat.
  3. Once the popcorn completely stops popping, remove the lid.
  4. Slowly pour about a quarter of the butter over the popcorn (if using) and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Shake the pot so it coats the popcorn; do this again, about 4 or 5 times so the popcorn is evenly coated with butter and salt.
  6. Serve immediately.

Notes

Flavoring Combinations:

  • Vanilla Chia: 1 tablespoon chai tea + ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Smoked & Spicy: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika + 1 tablespoon chili powder + dash cayenne
  • Pumpkin Pie: 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice + 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Caprese: 1 ½ tablespoons tomato basil seasoning
  • Coconut Curry: 1 tablespoon curry powder + dash cayenne + 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Garlic Parmesan: 1 tablespoon garlic powder + 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
  • Ranch: 1 tablespoon grated parmesan + 2 tablespoons finely minced chives + 1 tablespoon finely minced parsley + 1 teaspoon minced garlic

How-To Make Special Combinations:

  1. Pop kernels in oil, per directions above.
  2. Mix butter with seasoning combo and pour and toss on popped popcorn.
  3. Season with salt and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: whole grain, healthy, easy, flavored popcorn, plain popcorn, homemade, from scratch

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @thegourmetRD. We can't wait to see your creation!


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura says

    January 19, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Popcorn is such a satisfying snack. We usually have it a couple times a week. My favourite topping is a bit of salt and some nutritional yeast! Give it a try!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 19, 2015 at 7:11 pm

      Hi Laura! I have heard that is delicious - I will definitely give it a try! 🙂

      Reply

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hi, i’m julie!

chef, registered dietitian & mom
passionate about simple, healthy cooking

*formerly the gourmet RD*

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