Popcorn has always been one of my very favorite snacks, so much so that it’s become a part of our family lore! (All my kids know that it takes very little effort to convince me to go see a movie with them. All they have to do is mention movie theater popcorn!)
Related: The Surprising Benefits Of Popcorn
I’ve always just gotten the bags of microwaveable popcorn at the grocery store, until very recently. I was passing by the bulk section at the store when the bin of popcorn kernels called out to me. It suddenly struck me just how inexpensive popcorn kernels actually are! I decided right then that I would figure out how to make my own popcorn, preferably without having to buy a special piece of equipment.
I eventually uncovered the best way to make homemade popcorn in your microwave! Homemade popcorn is surprisingly simple to make, and it allows me the freedom to season my popcorn exactly how I want. Plus, I know I’m saving money while I’m at it! So today I’ll be sharing my popcorn discovery with you.
The Bowl Method
You’ll need:
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Large microwave-safe plate
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter & salt (optional)
Directions:
Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels into your large bowl. Grab your plate and place it over the top of the bowl.
Transfer the bowl and plate to your microwave, and cook for 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
A couple of things I want to mention about this method…
- The first time I tried this, I only managed to pop ONE kernel of popcorn. Turns out, the plate I chose didn’t sit snugly over the top of the bowl, so all the steam escaped the bowl before it could cook the kernels. I would recommend testing out a few combinations of your microwave-safe bowls and plates to make sure the plate forms a good seal over the bowl!
- Another thing to know about this method is that it tends to leave a number of unpopped kernels in the bottom of the bowl. No matter – just hang on to them and use them again the next time you make popcorn. :-)
Popcorn Possibilities
Don’t get me wrong – I’m probably the biggest fan of butter-y popcorn you’ll ever encounter. But that’s not the only way I like to season it! Here are a few ideas for different ways to season your popcorn, if you’re looking to mix it up a little.
- Chili powder and hot sauce
- Onion powder and garlic salt
- Butter, sugar, and cinnamon
Homemade Popcorn In A Microwave Recipe
Equipment
- Large Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Large Microwave-Safe Plate
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Popcorn Kernels
- 2 tbsp Butter optional
- 1 tsp Salt optional
Instructions
- Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels into your large bowl. Grab your plate and place it over the top of the bowl.
- Transfer the bowl and plate to your microwave, and cook for 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
- If your plate does not create a tight seal with the bowl, you will likely have quite a few leftover kernels. Simply find a plate that fits better and try again!
Another jem Jillee! Thank you. I like to spray my popcorn with butter flavored non stick spray and sprinkle dry ranch powder OR McCormick’s Meatloaf Mix.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So what do I do with the butter? Melt it separately?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can also you a microwave casserole dish with a lid. I use my corning ware 1.25 and 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels in my microwave for 3 minutes 45 seconds. When done I spray cooking spray and sea salt. For low-fat kettle corn sprinkle with 2 -4 packets of Splenda.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wouldn’t use a paper bag to pop popcorn in the microwave oven because we tried it and it caught fire. We only put the popcorn in the bag nothing else and it was a clean bag. We also have tried it with a microwavable bowl and glass bowl too and they were fine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Go to world market purchase a seasoning called bacon salt omg it’s so addicting an yummy on anything I use it for everything popcorn is awesome with it
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We use Parmesan cheese on our popcorn and if I don’t put enough on my kids help themselves to more cheese!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning on popcorn! Yum!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sometimes(ok, ALL the time!) I use crushed up potato chips to “salt” my popcorn. It is delicious! You’ll have to try it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sounds amazing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does the bag have to be brown?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Nope! It just has to be paper. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love popcorn as much as you do Jillee, so I’ll have to try the casserole trick one of your other followers mentioned!
A little tip that I got from http://www.lehmans.com regarding pop corn: soak your popcorn kernels in enough water to cover them for 10 minutes. Drain well and pat dry. Pop as usual. You should have almost no “duds” or un-popped kernels.
I’m guessing that the small amount of water that the kernels absorb while soaking, helps build up more internal steam, resulting in more of them being popped?
All I know is that it works really well using the stove top method! Now I”ll have to see if it works with the microwave/casserole version as well!!
Thanks for the always great ideas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have been making it in my microwave for years. I use a 2qt. casserole with a cover, works perfectly every time. I also learned years ago that if you use salt on the popcorn, you can take regular table salt and put it in the blender for a few seconds, and it’s more “powdery” like the salt they use in the movie theaters. The stuff in the bags is expensive, and it loaded with preservative chemicals.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Jillee! We always make our popcorn on the stove top, but you have to use so much oil; this sounds great.
@Joanne G, that’s brilliant! I never thought of the blender method for salt, even though I do that with sugar! D’oh! Plus, I happen to have a 2 quart casserole with a cover that is just begging for this treatment…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow, 2 great hints in 1….I’ve tried so many bowls but never my Corning casseroles. Even though it is before 6:00 a.m.,, I had to try the casserole and lo and behold…perfect popcorn. Now to grind up some salt :}
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Quick question about using Corningware with a cover. Do you mean the glass cover or putting the plastic cover
Please log in or create a free account to comment.on tightly?
I tried making microwaved popcorn in a paper bag and it caught fire so my self I would not try this method, however Glass bowls are safe and plastic made for microwaves are so I use this method for making popcorn.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ive used paper bags many times and no flames yet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Me, too. No problem. Of coarse when I It the wrong time I have burned some kernels
I just love <3 Simply Pop popcorn but it is expensive, I have no microwave by choice is there any copycat recipe out there on the stove? Every time I try to make my own it is never good, it is tough plus lots of no-pop kernels.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The trick is to heat your oil first over high heat. Put in one or two popcorn kernels and when they pop your oil is hot enough. Put in a layer of popcorn kernels, put a lid on the pan and start shaking until the popping stops.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll have to work on a stovetop recipe! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That would be a good idea
Have you tried melted coconut oil instead of butter? I was skeptical at first, but I like it (almost!) as well as butter, and it is waaay healthier. We also use Parmesan cheese and nutritional yeast–very tasty. (When our children were little and we were visiting a relative and having popcorn, they asked our hosts if they had any yeast for the popcorn. We all got some interesting looks!)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“Waaay healthier” is quite a stretch. Coconut oil is actually a saturated fat and compared to butter has almost no edge, nutritionally. In fact the American Heart Association advises against it. While it has the benefit of raising “good” cholesterol, it raises unhealthy cholesterol levels as much as butter or any saturated fat. I know a lot of crunchy-types (I’m one of them) really want to believe in coconut oil, but to date, the facts don’t support its healthfulness. Extra-virgin olive oil imparts a lovely flavor to popcorn and the smoke-point is much higher than that of most oils.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much! I just started a plant-based diet and we can have popcorn for a snack. The only thing we cannot have is oil and butter so this will be a way to cook it without the oil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you are a barbecue fan – try adding barbecue sauce to butter, a tablespoon or two and add that to your popcorn. OMG I love it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I purchased this at Amazon and absolutely love it. You can pop it with oil and seasonings, or just put popcorn in it and season afterwards. This replaces the microwavable bags I used to buy and it is I’m sure better for you.
Another thing that is great about it is that it is collapsable, so it takes very little room! I highly recommend it!
PowerLix Microwave Popcorn Popper, Collapsible Silicone Bowl, Hot Air Popcorn Maker, Healthy Machine No Oil Needed, BPA PVC Free With Lid AND Convenient Handles (Red)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As a child, growing up in the 60’s, Sunday evening we didn’t have dinner, Dad made us popcorn, and we could have as much as we wanted! We would eat our popcorn while watching “Wonderful World of Disney”. I still LOVE popcorn!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We did the same thing! Must be a Midwestern thing! We would glean popcorn fields in the fall & pick up ears the picker missed. A friend of my dads had an old hand crank corn sheller we used or before that we shelled by hand (painful)! We stored the shelled corn in a metal 5 gallon milk can. On Sunday night after football games were over we made popcorn. Only night if the week mom didn’t cook! Let vet that special time with dad!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How fun! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why not just pop it in a pan on the stove? Doesn’t take any longer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s my favorite way…except that in addition to adding oil, I also add some bacon fat. (I save it each time I make some bacon and store it in the fridge. I don’t strain it or anything; I want the tiny little pieces of bacon in it to add flavor, and WOW is that popcorn gooooood!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.YUM! LOVE bacon & LOVE popcorn! (: MUST try this tip! ;-) Thanks! (-:
We sprinkle the powdered Parmesan cheese on our popcorn for a cheesy taste. Yum!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My new microwave says not to pop corn in it because the bag can catch fire.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve made popcorn in a paper bag, in the micro before without it catching on fire after I read a tip on wetting the bag first (run a wet, but not dripping wet sponge across one side of the bag, fold the bag closed & lay it down w/the wet side up) then microwave the popcorn until you really don’t hear many kernels popping anymore. This way, the bag shouldn’t catch on fire. Especially, if you’re paying attention to the pops. (-:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My new microwave says not to use a paper bag to pop popcorn as it can catch on fire.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Another healthy topping for freshly popped popcorn: Brewers yeast. Sounds not good, but surprisingly, it is VERY tasty! And it is very healthy alternative to butter etc.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used the paper bag method for years but I only use 1/4 cup of popcorn and that makes a lot for one person. I only microwave for 1minute and 40 seconds. Then you can add butter and salt. Be careful as you can burn popcorn easily in the microwave. As soon as it stops popping, turn it off.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.And yes, Store bought microwave popcorn is not healthy at all!
We have 2 favorite alternate flavors…#1 cheesy popcorn- clean any kernels out and then add a handful, or 2, of shredded cheese, put back in microwave for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese, yummy!! #2 taco popcorn! Spray popcorn with some melted butter or lime juice, or both! Then sprinkle taco seasoning over the popcorn! We did this one a lot when I was a kid, as we were pretty broke and this is cheap and delicious!! I should have said 3, as combining the first 2 is even better!! I’ve never tried popping the corn in a paper bag before, I’ll definitely be trying that one!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m glad you experimented with this. There has been recent talk about the store bought microwave bags having harmful, chemicals in them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have you tried popcorn in the Instant Pot? Maybe on saute with a little oil? I know this sounds kind of out there BUT…I like to experiment.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Popcorn is the one thing I haven’t been able to make in my Instant Pot – I just can’t get results like I do from my microwave methods!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d like to season my hot-air popped popcorn with something besides butter and salt. Any suggestions for something like chilli-lime or other savoury flavours?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the second method with a clear glass microwavable pie plate turned upside down. This makes room for a little more popcorn.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can we use more than 1/2 cup of kernels at a time?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.where did you find the adorable popcorn containers with polka dots?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can buy those at world market or look online for the disposable ones.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I found them at a local party store, but here are some similar ones :-) http://amzn.to/2xXfzlH
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