Perfect Popcorn
Achieve movie-night magic with this quick and easy recipe for Perfect Popcorn, a light and fluffy snack made with minimal ingredients and big flavor. Using just three staples—popcorn kernels, vegetable oil, and salt—you can whip up a crunchy, irresistible treat in under 10 minutes. The key to perfection lies in an easy heat-timing technique that ensures even popping without burning, plus a quick shake of the pot to keep things moving. Optional melted butter takes the richness up a notch, while serving suggestions are as versatile as your imagination—think classic salted or jazzed up with seasonings like cinnamon sugar or chili lime. Perfect Popcorn is a must-try snack recipe for parties, movie nights, or whenever you crave a wholesome, homemade bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid over medium heat.
Add the vegetable oil to the pot and toss in 2-3 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot with the lid.
Wait for the test kernels to pop. Once they've popped, remove the pot from heat and add the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer.
Cover the pot and let it sit off the heat for 30 seconds. This step ensures even cooking so all the kernels pop at the same time.
Return the pot to medium heat. Keep the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, preventing soggy popcorn.
As the kernels start popping, gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner to keep the kernels moving.
Once the popping slows to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a minute to allow any final pops to finish.
Carefully remove the lid, as hot steam will escape. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
If desired, melt the butter in a microwave-safe container and drizzle it over the popcorn. Toss to coat evenly.
Season with salt to taste and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfect popcorn!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
569 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.5 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 393 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 4.2 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 116 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
