Transform your movie night or afternoon snack time with this easy homemade popcorn recipe that’s bursting with fresh, buttery flavor! Made with just four simple ingredients—popcorn kernels, vegetable oil, unsalted butter, and a touch of salt—this recipe delivers perfectly popped, crispy kernels every time. Using a heavy-bottomed pot and the stovetop method ensures even popping while leaving the lid slightly ajar prevents the dreaded soggy popcorn. The result? A warm, irresistible snack that’s ready in under 15 minutes and customizable with your favorite seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or indulging in a solo treat, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a must-try for a quick, satisfying bite!
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid on the stove over medium heat.
Add the vegetable oil to the pot and let it heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add a few popcorn kernels to the pot, cover, and wait for them to pop. This will help you know when the oil is ready.
Once the test kernels have popped, remove them with a spoon and add the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover the pot with the lid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently shake the pot every few seconds to ensure the kernels don’t burn and pop evenly.
As the popcorn starts popping, keep shaking the pot intermittently. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, which prevents soggy popcorn.
When the popping slows to about one pop every 2-3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10-15 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
Melt the unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan.
Transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over it while tossing gently to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the salt over the popcorn, toss again, and taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Calories |
616 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.4 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1188 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.0 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 170 mg | 4% | |
*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.