Easy Microwave Popcorn Recipe

Name: Easy Microwave Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 3 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup popcorn kernels; 1/4 tsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; paper bag

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Quick, healthy, budget friendly AND delicious – make your own microwave popcorn at home!

Easy Microwave Popcorn Recipe featured image above

Next time you go to the store, take a look at the ingredient list on a box of microwave popcorn. Chances are, there are additives and preservatives in there that keep the popcorn shelf stable but aren’t so great for the human body. The earliest form of microwave popcorn, back in the early 1980s, actually contained real butter and had to be refrigerated! By the mid-1980s, food scientists figured out how to make it a shelf stable product, thus all the garbage stuff thrown into what is, at its essence, a really healthy snack.

Microwave popcorn requires no extra equipment or appliances, is fast and delicious and has little clean up. All plusses when you need something to munch on during a movie or game night – you’re not left in the kitchen with prep and clean up. Plus, with this homemade version, you can reuse the brown paper bag, unlike the single use storebought microwave popcorn.

Once you pop up a bag of this Microwave Popcorn, you can immediately enjoy handfuls of this perfectly salted, warm snack. It’s hard to put down, as the light, fluffy popped corn has that perfect crunch and isn’t greasy like potato chips or fries. It’s a better choice, health wise, too, over chips or fries – low-calorie and low fat (thanks to olive oil instead of heavy butter!), Microwave Popcorn will soon be your favorite way to enjoy a quick snack.

Ingredients

1/4 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Paper bag

How to Make Microwave Popcorn

Step 1: Place the popcorn kernels in a small bowl and combine with the olive oil until they have a light coating of oil.

Step 2: Add the coated popcorn kernels to a paper bag and shake it well. Fold the top of the bag over twice.

Step 3: Place the bag in the microwave and cook it in a high setting for 2-3 minutes. The cooking time depends on the wattage of your microwave. Stop the microwave when you hear a few seconds between pops.

Step 4: Remove the bag from the microwave and open it carefully. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and season with a pinch of salt. Enjoy!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Microwave Popcorn is easily made ahead — make ahead, let cool, and place in a resealable bag. Store at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended.

What kind of paper bag is best?

For this recipe, just use a lunch-size brown paper bag. To avoid any rips, you can add a small sheet of wax paper into the bag before you add the greased kernels. Make sure you fold the top of the bag over twice to get a good seal.

What kind of corn kernels work well?

The standard yellow or white ones sold in most grocery stores work great. They produce light, fluffy popcorn. If you want to experiment a little, look for the heirloom types of popcorn like blue or red. The size and flavor may be a little different form the standard yellow and white.

Can I add other seasonings besides salt?

Absolutely! Go crazy. Even just adding black pepper takes your popcorn up a notch. Other seasonings to add include grated parmesan cheese, taco seasoning, or dried ranch seasoning.

How do I make this for a crowd?

Easy Microwave Popcorn is easily scalable for bigger crowds. You can easily double it and use a slightly bigger paper bag. After your first double batch, you can pour the popcorn out and reuse the bag to make more. From a party of one to a party of a dozen, you can customize the yield easily.

Easy Microwave Popcorn Recipe featured image below

Serving Suggestions

Unless you are Snoopy on the Peanuts Thanksgiving Special, all you need besides the popcorn is a cold drink. If you’re feeling super chill, just enjoy the Easy Microwave Popcorn straight out of the paper bag – no plating required! Other snacks that go well with it include pretzels or raw veggies with hummus. If you want something sweet with the popcorn that is ready quickly, try Baked Bree’s Snowflake Fudge.