• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Snacks » Homemade Popcorn

    Homemade Popcorn

    Leave a Comment

    11 Shares
    Pin10
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make at home, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. After you try it, you’ll likely never reach for store-bought bagged popcorn again. Stovetop popcorn tastes fresher (because it is!), and it’s not as easy to burn. And if you’re impatient to start your movie night in, don’t worry. Homemade popcorn cooks in just minutes over the stove, with no fancy popcorn machine required, so you can get back to what really matter.

    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You'll Love Homemade Popcorn

    • Homemade popcorn is healthier. Both the sweet and savory versions of this homemade popcorn are much healthier when compared to their store-bought alternatives, whether they’re pre-popped or not. They are light, low-calorie, and healthy. Plus, stovetop popcorn lacks preservatives and excess fats, and it provides more protein and fiber comparatively.
    • Homemade popcorn is cheaper. If the healthy eating part didn’t sell you, maybe the fact that homemade popcorn is cheaper will. Since you’re DIYing this popcorn, you can buy the kernels in bulk and skip out on the extra packaging, processing, pre-popping, preservatives, and everything else they charge you for.
    • You’ve got options. This homemade popcorn recipe lays everything out for you, so you can make the decisions on how you want your popcorn to pop and taste. You’re in charge when it comes to this fast and easy recipe.
    • It’s completely customizable. You can customize it in any way with whatever seasoning and spices that you want. Our go-to is this vegan version made slightly cheesy with a secret ingredient that also adds a nutritional boost. But if you’d prefer sweet popcorn over savory, we’ve got a cinnamon sugar alternative popcorn coating for you to try!
    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredients and Equipment

    To make easy homemade popcorn at home, you only need popcorn kernels and seasoning. Popcorn is completely customizable based on what seasoning you add. You can simply add some classic butter and salt, or try out some other options. My favorite is savory vegan popcorn.

    • vegetable oil
    • salt
    • garlic powder
    • nutritional yeast - this is the secret ingredient that gives this vegan popcorn a cheesy flavor without any cheese.

    For a sweet version, use melted butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon (or cocoa powder).

    You will also need thick-bottomed skillet (like a cast-iron skillet) or cooking pot and a mixing bowl.

    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Homemade Popcorn

    1. Cook the popcorn. There are two ways to make homemade popcorn. You can make it using the low heat method or medium heat method.
      • Low heat method: Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on a thick-bottomed skillet or cooking pot. Turn the heat on low and close the lid. Once the skillet is hot enough, the kernels will start to pop after about 5-7 minutes. Shake the skillet gently and continue cooking over low heat until you can no longer hear kernels popping, about 2-3 minutes.
      • Medium heat method: Over medium heat, heat 2-3 popcorn kernels on a thick-bottomed skillet stove or cooking pot with the lid on until the kernels pop, about 2-3 minutes. This ensures the hot skillet is ready. Once the kernels pop, spread the rest of the popcorn kernels in a single layer in the skillet and close the lid. The kernels will start popping quickly, about 30 seconds. Shake the skillet gently and let the kernels cook over medium heat until you can no longer hear kernels popping, about 2-3 minutes.
    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Add seasoning. Transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Add seasoning (oil, salt, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast) and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.
    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Heavier pans are better for homemade popcorn: Heavy thick-bottomed pans (like a cast-iron skillet) are better than lightweight pans at dispersing heat evenly. They give a more even pop and won’t create extra hot spots that could burn some popcorn kernels.
    • Avoid steam: If you see a lot of steam while popping corn, let it out by tipping the lid. This will ensure your homemade popcorn is crisp and delicious—not soggy and sad.
    • How to store: Homemade popcorn is best eaten fresh. If you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Snack Recipes

    • 50+ Best Healthy Snacks
    • Roasted Chestnuts
    • Candied Pecans
    • Baked Apple Chips
    • Gingerbread Granola
    • No Bake Protein Energy Bites

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com

    Homemade Popcorn


    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 3-4 servings
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. 


    Ingredients

    • ½ cup popcorn kernels
    • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon nutritional yeast (or to taste)

    Instructions

    1. Cook the popcorn. There are two ways to make homemade popcorn. You can make it using the low heat method or medium heat method.
      • Low heat method: Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on a thick-bottomed skillet or cooking pot. Turn the heat on low and close the lid. Once the skillet is hot enough, the kernels will start to pop after about 5-7 minutes. Shake the skillet gently and continue cooking over low heat until you can no longer hear kernels popping, about 2-3 minutes.
      • Medium heat method: Over medium heat, heat 2-3 popcorn kernels on a thick-bottomed skillet stove or cooking pot with the lid on until the kernels pop, about 2-3 minutes. This ensures the hot skillet is ready. Once the kernels pop, spread the rest of the popcorn kernels in a single layer in the skillet and close the lid. The kernels will start popping quickly, about 30 seconds. Shake the skillet gently and let the kernels cook over medium heat until you can no longer hear kernels popping, about 2-3 minutes.
    2. Add seasoning. Transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Add seasoning (oil, salt, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast) and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    How to make sweet popcorn: Mix the popped kernels with 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or cocoa powder).

    • Prep Time: 2 minutes
    • Cook Time: 8 minutes
    • Category: Snacks
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: homemade popcorn, how to make popcorn, vegan popcorn, healthy popcorn, stovetop popcorn

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. | aheadofthyme.com
    Homemade Popcorn
    11 Shares
    Pin10
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    « Southern Black Eyed Peas
    Spinach Artichoke Dip »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated