Sure, it’s super easy to buy the pre-filled popcorn bags at Trader Joe’s to throw in the microwave, but making your own from scratch is quick and easy, too! And much more fun and delicious!
Kids and adults alike will love these flavored popcorn treats. And they make a great snack for the Superbowl! (The Maple Popcorn here tastes very similar to Cracker Jacks but with ingredients you supervise!)
Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
Combine the oil, sugar, cinnamon, and popcorn kernels in a large stockpot with a lid. Turn the heat to high and, holding the lid on tight, shake the pot every 20 seconds or so. After about 1 minute, you’ll hear the kernels begin to pop. Continue to shake for about 1 minute, keeping the lid on. As soon as the popping stops, turn the heat off and remove the lid. The popcorn should be nicely coated with the cinnamon-sugar — you can use a large mixing spoon to mix it further if necessary.
Maple Popcorn
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- pinch salt
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
Combine the oil, syrup, a pinch of salt, and the popcorn kernels in a large stockpot with a lid. Turn the heat to high and, holding the lid on tight, shake the pot every 20 seconds or so. After about 1 minute, you’ll hear the kernels begin to pop. Continue to shake for about 1 minute, keeping the lid on. As soon as the popping stops, turn the heat off and remove the lid. The popcorn should be nicely coated with the syrup — you can use a large mixing spoon to mix it further if necessary.
Peanut Butter-Honey Popcorn
- 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with the honey and salt, and set it aside.
Combine the oil and popcorn kernels in a large stockpot with a lid. Turn the heat to high and, holding the lid on tight, shake the pot every 20 seconds or so. After about 1 minute, you’ll hear the kernels begin to pop. Continue to shake for about 1 minute, keeping the lid on. As soon as the popping stops, turn the heat off and remove the lid. Immediately pour the popcorn into the mixing bowl with the peanut butter mixture and mix it gently until all of the popcorn is evenly coated.
Parmesan-Butter Popcorn
- 2 tablespoons melted, salted butter
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter with the Parmesan and set it aside.
Combine the olive oil and popcorn kernels in a large stockpot with a lid. Turn the heat to high and, holding the lid on tight, shake the pot every 20 seconds or so. After about 1 minute, you’ll hear the kernels begin to pop. Continue to shake for about 1 minute, keeping the lid on. As soon as the popping stops, turn the heat off and remove the lid. Immediately pour the popcorn into the mixing bowl with the Parmesan and mix it gently until all of the popcorn is evenly coated.
An additional note:
If you are a fan of popcorn, you might also enjoy Chocolate Popcorn Treats.
