How to Eat Popcorn

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

It’s movie night, which means it’s popcorn time! Whether you’re popping it on the stove or making it in the microwave, there are endless ways to season your snack to munch on while you relax. We’ve compiled some of the best popcorn toppings and flavorings for you to try out so you can impress your family and friends. You might even find your new favorite snack!

1

Plain

Why mess with the best? Pop your kernels with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil and pour your popcorn into a bowl.^{[1]
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- The flavor will be mild, but you’ll get to enjoy the toasty taste of each popcorn kernel.
- This is a great option if you love popcorn but you aren’t a fan of the large fat content that comes with butter.

2

Butter and salt

Make your own movie popcorn right at home. While your popcorn is warm, drizzle 1 tbsp (14 g) of melted butter on it, then sprinkle on salt to taste.^{[2]
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- The amount of popcorn is up to you, but using about 1/3 cup (43 g) will spread your butter evenly.
- The more butter you add, the better your popcorn will taste!
- For an extra rich and creamy treat, try ghee instead of butter.
- Keep the napkins nearby, as this popcorn style can get a little greasy.

3

Honey and butter

It’s sweet, but not too sweet. Make about 1/2 cup (64 g) of kernels in the microwave or on the stovetop.^{[3]
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- Add 1/4 cup (21 g) of unsalted butter to a saucepan and cook it on medium heat until it’s brown (it should take about 10 minutes).
- Take your pan off the heat, then whisk in ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) of honey and 1/2 tsp (2.4 g) of salt.
- Drizzle your honey butter goodness over your popcorn and enjoy!

4

Lemon butter

Let’s add a little zest, shall we? Make about 3/4 cup (96 g) of kernels into popcorn for this citrus flavoring.^{[4]
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- Add 7 tbsp (99 g) of butter to a saucepan and cook it over medium heat until it’s brown.
- Take your pan off the heat and stir in 1.5 tsp (7.5 g) of grated lemon zest.
- Drizzle your lemon butter over your popcorn and sprinkle in a pinch of salt to bring out that lemony flavor.

5

Garlic and herbs

Popcorn doesn’t have to be sweet! Make a delicious savory flavor with ingredients from your spice rack.^{[5]
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- Add 4 tbsp (56 g) of butter to a saucepan and turn it on medium heat until it melts.
- Grate 4 garlic cloves and stir them into your melted butter.
- Chop up 1 tsp (14 g) each of rosemary, sage, and thyme, and cook them in the butter for 1 minute.
- Drizzle your garlicky goodness over 3/4 cup (96 g) of popped kernels.

6

Cinnamon sugar

Do you miss Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal? Then this topping is for you.^{[6]
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- Melt 2 tbsp (28 g) of butter and drizzle it over your plain popcorn, then shake the bowl to disperse the butter evenly.
- Mix 2 tbsp (28 g) of granulated sugar with 1.5 tsp (7.5 g) of cinnamon, then sprinkle it 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels.
- Add a pinch of salt to bring out your sugary flavors.
- To make your snack a little healthier, mix in 1/2 cup (64 g) of raisins.

7

Ranch

Your favorite condiment doesn't just have to be for dipping. Find a packet of dried ranch in the spice section of most grocery stores.^{[7]
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- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp (56 g) of butter.
- Whisk in 1 packet of dried Ranch powder.
- Drizzle your buttery flavoring over 3/4 cup (96 g) of popped kernels and mix in a pinch of salt.

8

Chili cheese

Cheesy popcorn is all the rage these days. With this recipe, you can get your cheese flavor by using nutritional yeast to avoid a greasy mess.^{[8]
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- Melt 1/4 cup (21 g) of unsalted butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup (43 g) of nutritional yeast, 1 tsp (14 g) of chili powder, and 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of salt in a small bowl.
- Pour the butter over 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels, then shake on your delicious chili cheese mixture.

9

Dill pickle

If you like dill pickle potato chips, you’ll love this popcorn flavor. Look for a bottle of dried dill in the spice section of your local grocery store.^{[9]
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- Pour 1/4 cup (21 g) of unsalted butter in a saucepan, then melt it over low heat.
- Whisk together 2 tsp (10 g) of ground coriander, 2 tsp (10 g) of dried dill, 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of ground mustard, 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of onion powder, 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of celery seed, 1/2 tsp (7.5 g) of citric acid, and 1 tbsp (14 g) of salt.
- Add the butter to 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels, then sprinkle on your dill flavoring.

10

Pepperoni pizza

Combine your 2 favorite snacks with this fun recipe. As a bonus, you’ll get a little bit of healthy protein with your pepperoni slices.^{[10]
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- Throw 1 cup (85 g) of chopped pepperoni into a pan with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil, then fry the pieces until they’re crisp.
- Drain the pepperoni on a paper towel while you pop your popcorn.
- Toss 3/4 cup (96 g) of popped kernels and the pepperoni pieces mixed with 1 cup (85 g) of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup (42 g) of grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, and 1 tsp (14 g) of both granulated garlic and dried oregano.
- Sprinkle a little bit of salt all over to boost the flavors.

11

Cookies and cream

This is both a snack and a dessert, so get your taste buds ready. You can make this when you want to chow down on a sweet and salty treat.^{[11]
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- Melt 10 oz (280 g) of white chocolate and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil over low heat.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels, then top it with crushed Oreos.
- Set your concoction in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden, then dig in.

12

Everything Bagel

This spice isn’t just for breakfast anymore! You can buy Everything Bagel spice at most grocery stores, or make your own out of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper.^{[12]
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- Mix together 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, then toss your popcorn in it.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp (28 g) of Everything Bagel spice into 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels, then toss it all to combine.

13

Movie night snacks

It’s hard to pick just one snack to munch on during a movie. With this fun medley, you don’t have to choose!^{[13]
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- Mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, then drizzle it over your popcorn.
- Top 1/2 cup (64 g) of popped kernels with 10 chopped licorice sticks, 2 cups (170 g) of mini pretzels, 1 box of M&Ms, and a pinch of salt.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I need kernels to make popcorn?

Qamar

Top Answerer

Yes. The only way to make popcorn is through heating kernels for a period of time and allowing them to pop.
Question

Would it taste just as good if I used a microwave to pop the kernels and drizzle butter on it?

Nuha Tariq

Community Answer

Yes, that would be just as good a snack. Add some salt to your popcorn for a salty, buttery taste.