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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!

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.

How to Make the Best Homemade Popcorn

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.

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.

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.

More Snack Recipes

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