Quick, healthy, budget-friendly, and delicious—make this easy Microwave Popcorn Recipe at home!
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 do little else but keep the popcorn shelf stable. If you want fresh, minimal ingredients, then making popcorn at home is the better call, in my book.
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 additives were thrown into what is, at its core, a relatively healthy snack.
I love that microwave popcorn requires no extra equipment or appliances, is fast and delicious, and has little cleanup. All pluses when you need something to munch on during a movie or game night, and you don’t want to be left in the kitchen handling prep. Plus, with this homemade version, you can reuse the brown paper bag, unlike with single-use store-bought microwave popcorn.
Choosing a corn kernel
The standard yellow or white popcorn kernels sold in most grocery stores work great here. 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 from the standard yellow and white. Blue popcorn, for example, is crunchier and earthier than traditional popcorn, while red kernels pop into dense, nutty popcorn with a slightly sweet undertone.
How do I store leftovers?
Homemade popcorn is best enjoyed fresh. If you have any leftover, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard. If you put it in the fridge, condensation can form inside the container, which will make it go stale or soggy. I’d suggest finishing your snack within a day or so.
Serving suggestions
If you’re feeling super chill, just enjoy this easy microwave popcorn straight out of the paper bag—no bowl required. Other snacks that go well with it include Homemade Potato Chips, Black Bean Dip with crackers, or raw veggies with hummus. If you want something sweet with your popcorn, try these Rolo Pretzel Treats.
Microwave Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
- Paper bag
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the popcorn kernels in a small bowl and combine with the olive oil. Mix until they are all lightly coated.
- Add the coated popcorn kernels to a paper bag and shake it well. Fold the top of the bag over twice.
- Place the bag in the microwave and cook it at 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' delay between pops.
- Remove the bag from the microwave and open it carefully. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and season with a pinch of salt. Enjoy!
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