LEARN HOW TO MAKE POPCORN ON THE STOVE! A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TO BAGGED POPCORN, THIS SIMPLE RECIPE IS QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE POPCORN ON THE STOVE! A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TO BAGGED POPCORN, THIS SIMPLE RECIPE IS QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

POPCORN ON THE STOVE FOR A QUICK TREAT

Popcorn is a highly requested snack here at Simply Rooted Farmhouse. Our kids are basically popcorn-crazed! When the kids get hungry, there’s only a small window of time before they become “hangry”. So snacks need to be quick!

On movie nights, our kids love to sit in their bean bag chairs with their popcorn. And, I love a guilt-free snack so it’s a win-win!

WHY IS POPCORN ON THE STOVE HEALTHIER?

As with any from scratch recipe, making popcorn on the stove is healthier because we can (pronounce) and control the ingredients. Microwave popcorn contains some chemicals and artificial flavors. One commonly found chemical in microwave popcorn is Diacetyl, which is used to make popcorn smell and taste like butter.

Diacetyl has been linked to a condition called “popcorn lung”. I can assure you if you research more about this, you’ll likely never purchase microwave popcorn again.

HEALTHIER POPCORN FOR THE PLANET

Microwave popcorn comes in a bag, which seems like it would be more eco-friendly. Popcorn bags are actually loaded with different PFCs, which are very harmful chemicals. Because of the components that make up these bags, once they end up in the dump they stay forever.

Popcorn bags are non-biodegradable and toxic because the PFCs can contaminate the environment.

Pretty scary, right?!

BEYOND THE MICROWAVE

Now that we know more about microwave popcorn, let’s explore a healthier alternative to this tasty treat. Let’s take a look beyond the microwave to see this simple (and fun) old-fashioned style of making popcorn … on the stove!

Yes, popcorn can be made on the stove in no time. My husband makes popcorn in a stainless steel frypan with a lid, and I prefer to make it in a cast iron dutch oven. Both methods work incredibly for cooking popcorn on the stove.

HOW TO FLAVOR POPCORN ON THE STOVE

Homemade popcorn that is unseasoned does not taste like anything at all. Actually, any “plain” popcorn doesn’t taste like anything but we are all accustomed to microwave or movie-theatre popcorn’s salty, buttery deliciousness.

Here are some healthier ways to flavor homemade popcorn:

• Melt butter and pour it over top of the freshly popped popcorn
• Toss the popcorn in some olive oil for added flavor without using butter
• Sprinkle your favorite seasonings such as salt, pepper, etc.
• Get creative! There are recipes for making all sorts of different popcorn seasonings such as Dorito flavor, southwest, savory, sweet, herb, Italian seasoned, etc.
• My good friend Michelle from Barefoot In The Pines shares her Nutritional Yeast Popcorn Seasoning and explains all about why nutritional yeast is so good for our health.

LEVEL UP YOUR POPCORN

Okay, so I know this was supposed to be more about healthier popcorn … but have you ever made popcorn and thrown some M&Ms or other little candies in it?

Popcorn makes an amazing “trail mix” base. Add some nuts, maybe a few sweets and enjoy the most perfect marriage of sweet and salty that will satisfy every taste bud.

Until, of course, the kids run by and steal all of your M&Ms.

TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR POPCORN ON THE STOVE

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

• Deep pan with a lid: I prefer my cast iron dutch oven, and my husband prefers using our stainless steel fry pans.
• Approximately 3 TBSP Oil: for this recipe I used vegetable oil to pop the kernels and olive oil for seasoning
• 1/4 – 1/3 C Kernels: believe me, a little goes a LONG way! When I made the recipe pictured here, I used 1/3 C and the popcorn filled up my cast iron dutch oven fully.

HOW TO MAKE POPCORN ON THE STOVE

Put your pan onto the stovetop over medium heat and add about 3 TBSP or so of oil. Place the lid over top and allow the pan to heat up for about 5 minutes.

When the pan is nice and hot, lift the pan lid carefully and throw just one kernel in. Replace the lid and wait for a pop! If the kernel pops, the oil is hot enough to make popcorn. If the kernel does not pop, give it another moment or two or increase the heat slightly until it does pop.

Once the oil is hot enough to use, carefully pour about 1/4 to 1/3 C kernels into the pan and quickly replace the lid. The popcorn should be starting to pop! Gently wiggle the pan while the popcorn is popping until the popping sounds have stopped.

Promptly remove from heat and put into a mixing bowl. Here is where you can add nutritional yeast, melted butter or oil, and any other seasonings or toppings of your choosing.

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

If you loved this recipe, be sure to rate it here! Also, don’t forget to upload a photo to Instagram and tag us @oursimplyrootedfarmhouse or Facebook @SimplyRootedFarmhouse. We love to see your renditions of our recipes.

STORING HEALTHIER STOVETOP POPCORN

If there is any leftover popcorn, it can be stored in an airtight container overnight. After a couple of days it may become stale, so it’s best to enjoy immediately.

For popcorn made with melted butter, it may become soggy and is best enjoyed immediately.