Easy Stovetop Popcorn + Popcorn Recipes to Spice Up Snack Time
See how easy it is to make perfect stovetop popcorn, plus some fun ideas and creative popcorn recipes for a healthy treat the whole family will love!
See how easy it is to make perfect stovetop popcorn, plus some fun ideas and creative popcorn recipes for a healthy treat the whole family will love! This post is sponsored by The Popcorn Board.
When I was a little girl, the first thing I learned how to make, after scrambled eggs, was popcorn. We had an electric popcorn popper, but my favorite thing to do was to make popcorn on the stovetop! There was something so satisfying about shaking the pan and hearing those kernels pop, pop, POP! Movie nights are never complete without popcorn, but over the years, I’ve found myself finding any excuse to snack on popcorn when the craving for something crunchy strikes.
Popcorn is an Easy, Healthy Snack!
Popcorn is a gluten-free, whole grain snack, and rich in fiber! Plus it’s inexpensive and SO easy to make at home! I promise, you don’t need any special equipment – a simple pot will do – but if you have room in your cupboards for a stovetop popcorn popper, it’s well worth it!
I love surprising the kids with popcorn when they come home from school — it’s fun and unexpected, and it gives them just the right amount of fuel they need to get them to dinnertime. Plus they can pack it up to go if they’re headed to the next activity!
Part of the fun with making popcorn is you can amp up your seasonings and have fun with your spices! Check out some of my favorite popcorn recipes below.
Popcorn Myths
Our friends at the Popcorn Board are here to show you the healthy truths about popcorn beyond its irresistible smell and taste! Here are some common myths about popcorn:
MYTH: Popcorn is high in fat and calories.
FACT: Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup while oil-popped popcorn has only 35 calories per cup.
MYTH: Popcorn contains gluten.
FACT: Popcorn does not contain wheat, rye, or barley gluten—the types of gluten most associated with gluten disorders.
MYTH: Popcorn is GMO.
FACT: There has never been, nor is there currently, any Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) popcorn or popcorn seed for sale in the U.S.
MYTH: You can use a brown paper bag to microwave popcorn.
FACT: It seems like a quick and easy way to make popcorn, but did you know that the Popcorn Board never recommends using a paper bag to make microwave popcorn? For one, plain or recycled paper may not be food safe when heated, plus it may catch fire, interfere with microwave cooking, or even affect the performance of your microwave. Instead, use microwave-safe poppers!
Surprised? Check out more common myths about popcorn!
Easy Stovetop Popcorn
Years ago, I returned to the joys of making stovetop popcorn and remembered just how easy it is. Not only does it take mere minutes, it’s so nostalgic, and I love that I can add fun flavors to my popcorn! If you’ve never made stovetop popcorn, check out my recipe below!
Fun Popcorn Recipes
Now that you know how to make easy stovetop popcorn, add some spice to your snack to bring it to the next level! Here are some fun flavors to try – some sweet, some savory, and some even a little bit spicy, too!
Sugar & Spice Popcorn
Sweet & Spicy Wasabi Popcorn
Caramel Popcorn Affogato
Spicy Sriracha Popcorn
Baked Caramel Corn
Rosemary Stout Caramel Popcorn from Vanilla and Bean
Cardamom-Herbes de Provence Kettle Corn from Boulder Locavore
Popcorn Crafts
Popcorn is for eating, but guess what, it’s for crafting, too! Here are more ways to have fun with popcorn:
Popcorn Trees
Popcorn Lamb
Popcorn Christmas Tree Place Cards DIY
Popcorn Kernel Wreath
Fast Easy Popcorn Balls for Halloween from Boulder Locavore
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Popcorn Board. Thank you for supporting brands that matter to me; sponsored posts such as this help behind the scenes at Kitchen Confidante. All opinions in this post are, as always, my own.
Easy Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 1-2 tablespoons melted butter optional
Instructions
- Coat a large pot with canola oil, place 2-3 popcorn kernels and cover. Place over medium-high heat. When you hear the kernels pop, add all the remaining kernels to the pot, replace the lid, and shake periodically over the heat until all the corn is popped. When you no longer hear popping, remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Toss in the salt and butter (optional) and mix well. Enjoy while toasty!
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
So good! I added a teaspoon of paprika, best popcorn I’ve made yet! Thanks!
Love adding paprika to popcorn — so glad you liked it, Deb!
Wooo! What a fabulous post, chock full of helpful info, Liren! I love the fact that there’s no GMO corn – hooray! Such an easy and accessible treat for us all. Thank you for the link love! xo
Hello movie night! This sounds so simple and perfect!
My dad made popcorn a family tradition for us, way long ago, when I was a kid. It’s our most requested snack in my own family now. “Mom, can we make popcorn?” – I hear this nearly every single day! LOVE this post!!!
Aw, I love that, Brenda! What happy memories — and such a sweet tradition to continue with your kids!
This popcorn looks perfect! One of my favorite snacks for sure!
Thanks, Brandy! Popcorn is definitely a favorite around here, too!
This would be so fun for movie nights!
Movie night isn’t the same without popcorn!
Popcorn is a favorite snack here too! Thanks for the delicious recipe ideas!
You’re so welcome, Lindsay! If you can tell, I’m partial to the sweet and spicy flavors :)
So many great tips. I think every person should master stovetop popcorn. This is a perfect tutorial!
Thank you so much, Sara! I think most people are surprised how easy it is the first time they make it on the stovetop :)
Popcorn is a favorite snack in our home but I’ve never made it on the stovetop. Sounds like I’ve been missing a great experience!
You’ve got to try it, Jean! It’s SO fast, you’ll wonder why you made it any other way! Happy popping!
The stovetop popcorn popper along with some corn for popping would make such a great Christmas gift! I think I’ll be doing that for several people on my list!
I LOVE that idea, Renee! I may have to do that for some friends, too! And maybe add some spice blends, too ;)
No more skinny pop! I’m making my own from now on—miss doing that!! xo
Haha! I love all popcorn, but I really do love stovetop the best :)
Love this – we make popcorn on the stove all the time!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thanks, Rebecca! It’s such a delicious treat, isn’t it!?