Popcorn is best known as a movie night snack, but thanks to tons of DIY popcorn recipes, you can have gourmet popcorn anytime you want!
It’s still perfect to eat while enjoying a fun movie with the family, but it’s also great as a healthy snack, dessert, or even an indulgent breakfast for the kids!
The next time you want to enjoy delicious popcorn, don’t run to the store! Make it yourself! This list of over 45 gourmet popcorn recipes is sure to get your next snack time popping!
Whether you love popcorn in general or you’re a real connoisseur that only goes in for a drizzled gourmet chocolate popcorn recipe, we have the best, most flavorful popcorn options in the world here. Just keep scrolling to see them all.
Why is popcorn a great snack?
Popcorn is one of the greatest snacks out there! Not only does it taste great, but compared to other snack options, it’s much healthier.
A single three-cup serving of air-popped popcorn contains just 93 calories and provides 1.2 grams of dietary fiber that plays an important role in digestive health.
It’s also a whole grain, which can help you stay full longer than other snacks like chips or candy, making popcorn a great choice if you’re trying to satisfy hunger without overindulging.
Furthermore, because it’s so low in calories but flavorful, you don’t have to feel guilty after selecting popcorn as your snack.
Popcorn really is a fantastic way to satisfy your snack cravings without breaking your diet.
What is the difference between white and yellow popcorn kernels?
Popcorn kernels come in two varieties based on color: white and yellow. One of the more apparent differences is that yellow popcorn kernels are larger than their white counterparts, making them more resistant to burning in hot oil.
This size difference can be observed even when popping – yellow popcorn expands at a greater rate and tends to be crunchier than white popcorn.
The flavor of both varieties can range from sweet to savory due to natural sugars or salts, although yellow kernels typically taste slightly sweeter than white ones.
Although convenient for movie nights or days spent outside, popcorn lovers need to note which type of kernel suits their taste buds best!
How long does popped popcorn stay fresh?
Popcorn is a classic movie night snack. We all know it tastes deliciously fresh and hot right off the stove – but how long will those leftovers stay fresh? The answer is it depends.
If stored correctly, uneaten popcorn can stay crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks if kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level in an airtight container.
However, moisture can quickly degrade popcorn, making it stale and flavorless.
To keep your popcorn in prime condition for as long as possible, try storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or pantry where temperatures remain cool and relatively stable.
How do I know that popcorn is stale?
Popcorn is an incredibly popular snack item easily recognizable by its appearance but not always by taste.
It can be challenging to tell if popcorn has gone stale as it may still look fresh yet taste bland and lack flavor. The critical indicator of staleness in popcorn is the texture; a fresh batch should have a crisp texture, with each kernel firm, while stale popcorn will appear limp or soft.
Additionally, the aroma of freshly made popcorn will be much stronger than the scent of stale popcorn, which often has no discernible odor depending on how long it’s been sitting.
By using these simple techniques to check the texture and smell of your bag of popcorn, you can accurately determine whether or not it’s still safe to consume.
What are the most popular toppings for popcorn?
Popcorn is a classic snack that can be served in many different ways, but the most popular toppings are usually a combination of various seasonings and sauces.
Salt, butter, caramel, cheese, and garlic powder are among the commonly seen ingredients.
Sweet and savory seasonings like cheddar salt or honey barbecue have also become very popular. Sprinkles of nuts or pretzels on top also add crunch and flavor to your popcorn.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual’s preferences regarding what flavors they’d like to enjoy paired with their popcorn.
Is popcorn a snack or a dessert?
Popcorn is traditionally thought of as a savory snack, but the perception is shifting thanks to new recipes and flavorings.
Recent trends in popcorn are veering away from its traditional movie theater style with seasonings such as parmesan cheese, olive oil, and dill weed.
Cocoa powder, honey, and other sweet ingredients can create caramelized popcorn with all the appeal of a dessert.
To push the boundaries further, there’s popcorn ice cream and gourmet-style cupcakes topped with colored popcorn instead of sprinkles!
Whether considered a snack or a dessert – or both – the variety of ways to enjoy popcorn makes it an exciting treat for any occasion.
What are fun ways to serve gourmet popcorn?
Gourmet popcorn is a tasty snack that can elevate the eating experience. Instead of sticking with plain and classic flavors, people can be creative and enjoy different tastes when they serve gourmet popcorn.
For example, mixing savory herbs with melted Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible flavor, while blending light brown sugar and cinnamon holds a sweet appeal.
Similarly, adding a few drops of hot sauce to spicy popcorn yields an exciting crunchy snack.
To make gourmet popcorn even more unique, set up a toppings bar with various dried fruits, candies, and seeds for guests to personalize the snack further.
With these simple ideas for serving gourmet popcorn, people will have loads of fun experimenting with different flavors and creating their mouth-watering treats.
Over 45 Gourmet Popcorn Recipes
Gourmet Popcorn Recipes
Popcorn is best known as a movie night snack, but thanks to tons of DIY popcorn recipes, you can have gourmet popcorn anytime you want!
This sweet Halloween Snack Mix, featuring popcorn, is a sweet treat that's good for any time of the year!
Plan your next family movie night with this DIY Movie Night Popcorn Bar!
Enjoy a taste of the winter season anytime with this recipe for Peppermint Popcorn!
Love Girl Scout Thin Mints? Make this White Chocolate Thin Mint Popcorn!
Turn pizza night into a snack with this Pizza Popcorn!
A little taste of county fair?! Yes Please!
This Sweet & Salty M&M Popcorn recipe is a delicious, indulgent treat for kids and grown-ups!
Have an indoor campout with this S'mores Popcorn!
Sending love via popcorn!
These Popcorn Balls are an excellent treat for a kids' party!
Oh, Harry Potter? Yes, yes we will definitely have some butterbeer.
Spark a fun "conversation" with Candy Heart Popcorn!
Add some spice to your snack with this Taco Ranch Popcorn!
These Minions Popcorn Balls are just adorable!
Oh my. This White Chocolate Buttered Popcorn looks positively delicious.
Get a creamy treat with this Peanut Butter Popcorn!
Chocolate and popcorn come together in this recipe for Chocolate Popcorn!
Learn how to make Caramel Popcorn at home!
This Truffle Popcorn with Parmesan would be a great afternoon pick-me-up!
Make a kids' party extra fun with this Popcorn Cake!
Plan a Shark Week party with Red Chocolate Shark Bait Popcorn!
Make a batch of White Chocolate Sprinkles Popcorn and hand it out as party favors for guests!
This Cheesy Coconut Popcorn would be a unique treat!
This Candied Pretty in Pink Popcorn is such a sweet idea for a princess party!
Boost your protein with this Popcorn Trail Mix!
Have the whole neighborhood over and serve Caramel Popcorn for a Crowd!
This Candied Caramel Apple Popcorn is a fun way to enjoy the taste of fall all year!
In a hurry? Use Hershey's candy bars to make this Easy Chocolate Popcorn!
Snickers is my absolute favorite candy bar. This Snickers Peanut Butter Popcorn is right up my alley!
Enjoy a rich treat with the family or by yourself with this Dark Chocolate Popcorn Mix.
If you love coconut, this Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Macaroon Popcorn would be amazing!
Use the extra boxes of Jell-O in your pantry to make Tropical Jell-O Candied Popcorn!
Whip up a batch of Vanilla Princess Popcorn with your little girls!
This Kit Kat Pretzel Popcorn is both sweet and salty - a perfect snack!
Melted chocolate makes this White Chocolate Candy Popcorn an ooey-gooey treat!
Ever hear of using powdered drink mix to make popcorn? You can with this recipe for Kool-Aid Popcorn!
Enjoy this Buffalo-Style Hot Popcorn as a spicy snack!
This margarita popcorn is all about relaxing on a beach!
Get ready for harvest time with these Pumpkin Popcorn Balls!
This Cinnamon Heart Popcorn is a fun, candied treat for little ones!
This Birthday Cake Popcorn is pretty to look at and delicious to eat!
Have the kids help you make a batch of Peanut Butter Popcorn Munch.
Don't make gingerbread cookies this winter! Make Gingerbread Popcorn instead!
Bacon in dessert? Yes, please! Try this Maple Bacon Popcorn Ball recipe!
Serve S'mores Popcorn Bark as an appetizer at your next party!
Love caramel and chocolate? Have them both in this recipe for Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Popcorn!
What Other Popcorn Ideas Are Out There?!
There’s so much craziness that you can put on popcorn that will take your movie night snack to the next level. While I could shower you with recipes all day long (literally–I love popcorn), I’m just going to throw out some ideas I’ve had that you might want to make a reality.
Some of the following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things I’m talking about.
- Brown Sugar Bourbon with a sprinkle of the sugar and some bourbon flavoring oil.
- White Chocolate chunk, just melt chocolate (just 1/2 cup) and drip over popcorn laid out on parchment paper and quickly add chips.
- Peanut Butter – mix the peanut butter in with some corn syrup over medium high heat, toss with kettle corn and drizzle over popcorn laid out on baking sheets.
- Grated Parmesan just literally sprinkle parmesan cheese over your popcorn with some olive oil.
- Nutritional Yeast makes a vegan “cheese” popcorn
- Lime Zest or Lime Juice with Powdered Sugar for a key lime popcorn
Reminder, not all ingredients in these popcorn flavoring ideas are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for.
Must Have Homemade Popcorn Resources:
When making homemade flavored popcorn home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
Hil
Sunday 1st of January 2017
Yummy! These look so good!!
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight
Miz Helen
Sunday 18th of December 2016
Hi Kelli, What a great collection of Gourmet Popcorn Recipes, we just love our popcorn here at the cottage! Hope you have a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Come Back Soon! Miz Helen
Kimm at Reinvented
Sunday 18th of December 2016
Wow, there's a recipe for every movie night of the year! Love this list, pinned for later! Thanks for linking up to Funtastic Friday!
Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting
Sunday 18th of December 2016
Oh my gosh, I never would've imagined that there could be so many flavors to make! :) Lisa
Karen Woodall
Thursday 15th of December 2016
My kid loves buffalo popcorn but haven't found a recipe ... till now! Printed and ready to try!