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Modified: Sep 13, 2021 | Categories: Recipes

Stovetop Popcorn

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I promised homemade popcorn, so here it is! I mentioned it was one of my favorite foods, and I wasn't lying. Several years ago, my family was craving popcorn but we didn't have any microwaveable bags.

My mom said she knew how to make it "the old-fashioned way", so she got out a big soup pot and popped some kernels on the stove.

And as silly as it sounds, I had no idea you could make it that way. It was SO delicious and officially started my love affair with stovetop popcorn.

How to make homemade popcorn

Stovetop popcorn in large bowl

How to make stovetop popcorn

My favorite popcorn is just good ol’ butter and salt.  It reminds me of sitting in the movie theatre, munching on popcorn (and, um, finishing the entire bucket before the movie even starts).

And that's exactly what this is. I just requires popcorn kernels, oil, real butter (optional) and salt. It sounds crazy, but it's honestly so good even without the butter.

The first step is to heat the oil in the pot - just enough to coat the bottom - then a layer of popcorn kernels.

You can use white or yellow - either works. I used to use canola or avocado oil, but tasted a really amazing "just salted" popcorn at the farmer's market and for some reason, it tasted better than mine. So, I asked the woman making it what she pops the corn in, and she said corn oil!

I don't typically cook with corn oil, but I now keep some around just for popcorn. I don't know why it makes such a difference - but it does. Anyway, throw the lid on the pot and make sure the heat is cranked up to medium-high.

Once it starts popping, use hot pads to grab the pot handles and shake it around every few seconds, just to make sure it doesn't burn. Once the popping slows down, remove it from the stove and let it finish popping.

Remove the lid and if using, pour some butter over it and shake to combine.

But either way, you'll want to add some salt. And then, it's ready to serve. YUM.

Stovetop Popcorn in a bowl

How to make fun popcorn flavor combinations

If I’m feeling adventurous or bored with my typical butter-salt flavor combo, I’ll go out on a limb and make some crazy concoction from my spice cabinet. 

And sometimes something from the fridge (hello – grated parmesan on popcorn is THE BOMB).

A few flavors combo recipes I tossed below - chai vanilla, Parmesan garlic, smoked & spicy, caprese, pumpkin pie, coconut curry and ranch. You could also toss it with a little nutritional yeast - AKA "nooch" for a cheesy flavor.

Whatever you're feeling, you can make it happen. Regardless, stovetop popcorn will be your fave snack.

Print

Stovetop Popcorn

Popcorn in a large bowl
Print Recipe

Old-fashioned stove-top popcorn lightly buttered and salted.

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

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large stock pot to medium-high heat. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on top. Allow popcorn to pop until popping slows. Remove from heat. Once popcorn completely stops popping, remove the lid.
  2. Slowly melt about a quarter of the butter over the popcorn and sprinkle with salt; shake the pot so it coats the popcorn; do this again, about 4 or 5 different times so the popcorn is evenly coated with butter and salt.
  3. (Note: You can use any neutral oil for making popcorn – I like corn the best because it enhances the corn flavor of the popcorn. You can also skip the butter – Eat it plain or with salt, or spritz with olive oil and season to your liking!)

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 minced garlic + 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?

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

*formerly the gourmet RD*

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