• Appetizers + Snacks
  • Stovetop Popcorn

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    It’s so quick and easy to make a batch of homemade popcorn for a healthier snacking option. This stovetop popcorn is ready to serve in minutes and you just need three ingredients.

    best stovetop popcorn in a bowl

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    Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks, and making your own on the stovetop is so quick and easier and so much better than store-bought.

    A little goes a really long way and it’s the perfect snack to serve for movie night.

    For more healthy snacks, be sure to try my Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix, Apple Muffins, and Coconut Date Bites.

    Why you will love this stovetop popcorn recipe!

    • Quick and easy: All you need is a pot, a stovetop and a few minutes. It’s super fun to make with no effort at all!
    • Delicious: There is nothing like fresh homemade popcorn! Ditch the bags you buy at the store and make it at home instead!
    • Budget friendly: A tub of corn kernels is so affordable and you can make so many servings!
    • Easy to adapt: This recipe is for a plain popcorn, but you can easily add your favorite toppings for a treat.
    perfect stovetop popcorn served in a bowl

    Ingredients for stovetop popcorn

    • Oil: Use coconut oil for the healthiest option, or another oil with high smoking point.
    • Popcorn kernels: Corn is a good source of fiber and B vitamins as well as containing essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
    • Salt: For seasoning.
    ingredients for stovetop popcorn

    How to make popcorn on the stove

    • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop, which might take a few minutes. In the meantime, place a large bowl near the stove so it’s ready when you need it.
    • Once the kernels pop, remove the pot from the heat and pour in the remaining half cup popcorn kernels. Cover the pot again, and shake the pot to distribute the kernels evenly. Once the kernels start popping, tip the lid just a touch to allow steam to escape.
    • Continue cooking popcorn on the stove until the popping sound slows to about one pop per every few seconds. (If the popcorn tries to overflow the pot, just tip the upper portion of popcorn into your bowl and return it to the heat.)
    • Remove the lid and dump the popcorn into your serving bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with a couple pinches of salt, to taste, and any other topping you would like. Toss the homemade seasoned popcorn and serve immediately.
    process images of making popcorn on the stove
    homemade popcorn in a wooden bowl

    How much popcorn to make

    This recipe is for half a cup of un-popped popcorn kernels, which will make around 14 cups of popcorn which will easily serve 6 people. You can easily add more or less corn, but if you want to make more, be aware of how big your pot is. The corn will expand quickly so you don’t want it to overflow.

    What can you add to popcorn?

    You can absolutely serve this popcorn as is, with a little bit of salt, but if you want a more indulgent treat, you can easily toss in more ingredients or popcorn seasonings & spices once the corn has popped. Try it with:

    There’s really no wrong answer here!

    close up image of popcorn in a serving bowl

    How long does it keep?

    Stovetop popcorn is best served straight away for the best flavor and texture, but it will keep well for several hours. If you want it to last longer, don’t add the salt, and keep it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for 4 to 5 days.

    TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Corn kernels can get stale after time and can loose their moisture. Buy new kernels if you’ve had yours for some time.
    • Shake the pot well to keep moving the corn so that it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pan.
    • Make sure you don’t set the heat to higher than medium-high heat because your popcorn may burn.
    • Don’t add more oil than the recipe calls for. Too much oil can result in soggy popcorn.
    • You can serve the popcorn in individual brown paper bags or popcorn boxes for a movie night. If you want to gift them as edible Christmas presents, package them in holiday popcorn bags or clear plastic bags.

    More Healthy Snack Recipes

    Stovetop Popcorn

    It's so quick and easy to make a batch of homemade popcorn for a healthier snacking option. This stovetop popcorn is ready to serve in minutes and you just need three ingredients.
    Prep Time 2 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 7 minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 154kcal

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    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 – 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
    • ½ cup popcorn kernels, divided
    • Salt, to taste

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop, which might take a few minutes. In the meantime, place a large serving bowl near the stove so it’s ready when you need it.
    • Once the kernels pop, remove the pot from the heat and pour in the remaining popcorn kernels. Cover the pot again, and shake the pot to distribute the kernels evenly. Once the kernels start popping, tip the lid just a touch to allow steam to escape.
    • Continue cooking until the popping sound slows to about one pop per every few seconds. (If the popcorn tries to overflow the pot, just tip the upper portion of popcorn into your bowl and return it to the heat.)
    • Remove the lid and dump the popcorn into your serving bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with a couple pinches of salt, to taste, and any other topping you would like. Toss the popcorn and serve immediately, for best flavor and texture. The popcorn will taste good for several hours, though.

    TIPS & NOTES

    • Corn kernels can get stale after time and can loose their moisture. Buy new kernels if you’ve had yours for some time.
    • Shake the pot well to keep moving the corn so that it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pan.
    • Don’t add more oil than the recipe calls for. Too much oil can result in soggy popcorn.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 1mg
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword homemade popcorn recipe, how to make popcorn
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    Comments

    Sam Visser

    This is the best snack ever. Love it.

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