Glass bowl of homemade stovetop popcorn with metal pot in background.

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!

Glass bowl of homemade stovetop popcorn with metal pot in background.
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! This post is sponsored by The Popcorn Board.

Glass bowl of homemade stovetop popcorn on grey surface.

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 kernels in a glass with bowl of popped stovetop popcorn in the background.

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!

Glasses of popped stovetop popcorn, individual serving size.

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

Close up of stovetop popped popcorn.

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

Freshly popped stovetop popcorn in the Whirley Pop popcorn maker.

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

Overhead shot of freshly popped stovetop popcorn in glasses and bowl.

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

Handful of freshly popped stovetop popcorn.

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

Popping corn on the stove is quick and easy! Popcorn is a healthy food, rich in fiber, plus the flavor possibilities are endless, so have fun with your spices!
Glass bowl of homemade stovetop popcorn with metal pot in background.
Print This Pin This
5 from 9 votes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 109kcal

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

Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Iron: 0.4mg
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Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Deb

    5 stars
    So good! I added a teaspoon of paprika, best popcorn I’ve made yet! Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Traci | Vanilla And Bean

    5 stars
    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

    Reply
  3. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles

    5 stars
    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!!!

    Reply
  4. Sara

    5 stars
    So many great tips. I think every person should master stovetop popcorn. This is a perfect tutorial!

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Thank you so much, Sara! I think most people are surprised how easy it is the first time they make it on the stovetop :)

      Reply
  5. Renee - Kudos Kitchen

    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!

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      I LOVE that idea, Renee! I may have to do that for some friends, too! And maybe add some spice blends, too ;)

      Reply
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