How to Flavor Popcorn

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 10, 2020 References

Seasoning popcorn is a great way to take it to the next level. While you can always stick with the classic salt-and-butter combo, there are many other flavorful combinations that you can try. The key to getting the seasoning to stick to the popcorn is to toss the popcorn with some melted butter or oil first. Be sure to add the seasoning as soon as possible, however, or it won't stick.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Savory Seasonings

1
Make a Cajun powder blend if you like spicy flavors. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter over 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn, then toss it to mix. Immediately add 3 to 4 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the popcorn, then toss it to mix everything.^{[1]
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- To make Cajun seasoning, mix 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 2 tablespoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2
Use chili powder, salt, and ground cumin for a Southwestern flavor. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter over 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn. Toss the popcorn to distribute the butter, then add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of chili seasoning. Toss the popcorn again so that the seasoning coats it evenly.^{[2]
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- To make your own chili seasoning, combine: 1½ teaspoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.^{[3]
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3
Try some curry powder for a unique flavor. Toss 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of your curry blend. Toss the popcorn again to evenly distribute the seasoning. To make the seasoning blend, combine the following:^{[4]
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- 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 2 tablespoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper.
4
Combine popcorn with melted butter and Mac & Cheese powder. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter over 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn, then toss it so that it is evenly coated. Shake ¼ cup (32 g) of Mac & Cheese powder over the popcorn while stirring it.^{[5]
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- Mac & Cheese powder is not the same thing as grated cheese. It’s a seasoning that you use to make macaroni and cheese.
5
Make Cool Ranch with powdered buttermilk, pepper, salt, and dried dill. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of extra-virgin olive oil over 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn, then toss it to combine. Mix together your Cool Ranch seasoning, add it to your popcorn, and toss it again.^{[6]
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- To make the seasoning, mix 2 tablespoons of powdered buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons of dried dill, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
- Make sure that you are using powdered buttermilk and not regular milk.
- For a simpler version, use 1 packet of Ranch Dressing seasoning instead.^{[7]
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6
Mix some parmesan cheese and rosemary into your popcorn. Mix 16 cups (128 g) of popcorn with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of olive oil. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup (50 g) of grated parmesan cheese with 1 tablespoon of chopped, fresh rosemary and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Mix this into the popcorn.^{[8]
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7
Bake popcorn with cheddar, parmesan, and pecorino. Combine 16 cups (128 g) of popcorn with 2 cups (200 g) of shredded cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) of grated parmesan, and 1/2 cup (50 g) of grated pecorino. Spread the mix over a baking sheet, then bake it at 350 °F (177 °C) for 3 minutes. Season the popcorn with a dash of salt before serving.^{[9]
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- You need to spread the popcorn in a thin layer across the baking sheet. If it goes above the rim, get a second baking sheet.
- If you don't have enough baking sheets, then bake the popcorn in batches.
8
Go gourmet with bacon and chives. Chop and cook 6 slices of bacon. Drain it on paper towels and save the grease. Toss 16 cups (128 g) of popcorn with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of bacon grease and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter. Mix the popcorn with the bacon, 1/2 cup (24 g) of chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a dash of salt.^{[10]
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- After you fry the bacon, hold the bacon back with a spatula as you pour the grease into a cup or jar.
- You may have some bacon grease leftover. Save it for another recipe or toss it into the trash; do not pour it down the drain.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trying Sweet Flavors

1
Try some caramel popcorn for a traditional treat. In a large pot, bring to a boil 1 ¹⁄₂ cups (350 mL) of melted butter, 2⅔ cups (534 g) of brown sugar, and 1 cup (240 mL) of golden syrup. Cook it for 1 minute, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over 24 cups (192 g) of popcorn, then give the popcorn another stir. Spread it over wax paper to cool.^{[11]
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- The popcorn will be clumpy after it cools, so gently break it up with your fingers.
2
Pour honey butter over your popcorn if you have a sweet tooth. Melt ¼ cup (55 g) of unsalted butter, then stir in ¼ cup (90 g) of honey and ½ teaspoon of salt. Pour the mixture over 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn, then give the popcorn a stir so that it is evenly coated.^{[12]
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3
Mix popcorn with butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon for a tasty treat. Toss 10 cups (80 g) of popcorn with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of melted butter. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Add this to the popcorn, then toss it to mix.^{[13]
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- Use other baking spices, like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a unique twist!
4
Make some chocolate-mint popcorn for a wintery treat. Toss 3½ quarts (112 g) of popcorn with ⅓ cup (68 g) of crushed peppermints. Melt ½ pound (226 g) of white chocolate candy melts, then pour it over the popcorn. Toss the popcorn again to coat it, then spread it out on waxed paper to cool.^{[14]
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- If the popcorn clumps together, break it up with your fingers after it cools.
5
Make some peanut butter popcorn, then toss it with M&Ms. Bring 1 cup (225 g) of sugar and 1 cup (350 g) of honey to a boil over medium heat. Cook it for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 cup (250 g) of peanut butter. Mix it into 3½ quarts (112 g) of popcorn, then top it off with some M&Ms.^{[15]
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- Add some pretzels for extra crunch.
- How many M&Ms and pretzels you use is up to you. A handful of each should be plenty, however.
6
Try a tropical blend with coconut, dried pineapple, and powdered sugar. Bake 2 cups (120 g) of shredded coconut at 350 °F (177 °C) for 10 minutes. Mix 16 cups (128 g) of popcorn with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of melted butter. Add the coconut, 1 1/2 cups (204 g) of dried pineapple, and 3 tablespoons (24 g) of powdered sugar. Toss the popcorn to combine.^{[16]
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- Spread the coconut in a thin layer across the baking sheet so that it toasts evenly.
- The dried pineapple should already come chopped/ If it didn't, you'll need to chop it into smaller pieces yourself.
- If this is too sweet for you, add a dash of salt to the popcorn.
7
Mix up a crunchy treat with cinnamon cereal, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix 12 cups (96 g) of popcorn with 6 tablespoons (90 mL) of melted butter. Add 4 cups (100 g) of cinnamon-flavored cereal, 1/3 cup (75 g) of sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss the popcorn to combine everything.^{[17]
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- An example of cinnamon-flavored cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You can also use crumbled graham crackers for a similar flavor.
8
Whip up a rocky road treat with marshmallows, chocolate, and pecans. Mix 16 cups (128 g) of popcorn with 5 tablespoons (75 mL) of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Toss it with 2 cups (100 g) of mini marshmallows, 2 cups (350g) of chocolate chips, and 2 cups (200 g) of toasted pecans. Bake it at 350 °F (177 °C) for 2 minutes.^{[18]
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- Spread the popcorn mixture in a thin layer across 1 to 2 baking sheets.
- Allow the popcorn to cool and harden before you serve it. Break it up into smaller pieces.
- Switch the pecans out for 2 cups (170 g) of crushed graham crackers to make S'mores popcorn!

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make salt and vinegar popcorn?

Community Answer

Make your popcorn in a pot on the stove. When all the seeds have popped, pour a tbsp of salt into the pot and shake it. After the popcorn cools, drizzle some vinegar, shake to mix, and serve.
Question

Where do I buy food coloring for these popcorn recipes?

Qamar

Top Answerer

Food coloring can commonly be found in the baking section of a grocery store. It can also be ordered online.
Question

Can you make popcorn using butter?

Community Answer

For popping pocorn in a pot, this is not recommended. Butter has a relatively low smoke point (150ºC) compared to a refined oil like canola or vegetable oil (200+C). This means that you're more likely to burn the milk fat in the butter trying to reach the temperature needed to pop the corn. Use a refined oil to pop and top the finished popcorn with melted butter instead. It is possible to pop popcorn with butter if it is clarified, like ghee. Then you can reach your desired temperature to pop the kernels without burnt butter taste.