17 Popcorn Recipes That Will Make Movie Night Feel Brand New

There is something magic about the sound of popcorn popping. It means a movie is about to start, friends are coming over, or the kids finally finished their homework. The best part? Plain popcorn is a whole grain snack with fiber, and it costs pennies per bowl. These popcorn recipes take that cheap little kernel and turn it sweet, salty, cheesy or spicy. Need something to serve next to it at your next party? These game day dips are a perfect match. Get your biggest bowl ready..

Brown Butter Sea Salt Popcorn, One of the Best Popcorn Recipes Ever

Brown butter is regular butter cooked until it smells nutty and turns golden. Pour it over fresh popcorn with flaky sea salt and you will never want the movie theater kind again. It takes five extra minutes and makes a huge difference. This is the one to start with if you are new to homemade popcorn recipes, because it shows how a tiny change can taste so special.

You will need: You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 2 tablespoons oil, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt.

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter in a small pan and cook, swirling, until golden brown and nutty, about 4 minutes. 2. Heat oil and 3 kernels in a big pot until they pop. 3. Add the rest of the kernels, cover and shake until popping slows. 4. Pour into a bowl. 5. Drizzle with brown butter and toss with salt.

Classic Stovetop Butter Popcorn, Where All Popcorn Recipes Begin

Before microwave bags, everyone made popcorn on the stove, and honestly it still tastes better. A heavy pot, a little oil and a lid are all you need. The trick is to shake the pot so nothing burns, and to take it off the heat as soon as the popping slows down. Do you remember making popcorn on the stove with your parents or grandparents?

You will need: You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons melted butter, salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat oil with 3 test kernels over medium high heat. 2. When they pop, add the rest of the kernels and cover. 3. Shake the pot often. 4. Remove from heat when popping slows to 2 seconds apart. 5. Toss with melted butter and salt.

Homemade Caramel Corn, the Fair Favorite of Popcorn Recipes

Crunchy, glossy and buttery, homemade caramel corn tastes like a county fair in a bowl. The secret is baking it low and slow after you toss it in caramel, so every piece turns crisp instead of sticky. It makes a wonderful holiday gift in a jar with a ribbon. Warning: it is very hard to stop at one handful. Of all the popcorn recipes here, this one disappears fastest.

You will need: You will need: 12 cups popped popcorn, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 250F. 2. Boil sugar, butter, syrup and salt for 4 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. 4. Pour over popcorn and toss. 5. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, then cool.

Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

Kettle corn is that magical mix of sweet and salty that you smell at every fall festival. You make it right in the pot by adding sugar with the kernels, so it forms a thin, crackly coating. Keep the pot moving the whole time so the sugar does not burn. Quick poll: A) Sweet B) Salty C) Sweet and salty D) Spicy. Which team are you on? It is one of the oldest popcorn recipes in America.

You will need: You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat oil and 3 kernels in a large pot. 2. When they pop, add the kernels and sugar and stir. 3. Cover and shake constantly. 4. Remove from heat as soon as popping slows. 5. Pour onto a tray, sprinkle with salt and let it cool.

White Cheddar Popcorn

You know that bright cheesy popcorn in the bag? You can make it at home with real cheese powder or finely grated cheddar. Toss it while the popcorn is still warm so the cheese clings to every piece. For a lighter twist, use nutritional yeast, which tastes cheesy and adds some B vitamins. This one is a big hit in school lunch boxes. Cheesy popcorn recipes like this are always a hit.

You will need: You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup white cheddar powder or very finely grated cheddar, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl. 2. Drizzle with butter while warm. 3. Sprinkle half the cheese and toss. 4. Add the rest and toss again. 5. Season with salt and serve.

Chili Lime Popcorn, Spicy Popcorn Recipes Done Right

Tangy lime and warm chili make this popcorn taste like a street snack in Mexico City. Lime zest gives big flavor without making the popcorn soggy. Add more chili if you like heat, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Serve it with cold drinks on game day. Have you ever tried a spicy popcorn before, or are you a butter purist?

You will need: You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil, zest of 2 limes, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pinch of cayenne.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn. 2. Mix butter with lime zest. 3. Drizzle over the popcorn and toss. 4. Mix chili, salt and cayenne and sprinkle over. 5. Toss well and serve right away.

Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn

This one tastes like a churro but costs much less. Warm popcorn gets a coat of melted butter and a shower of cinnamon sugar. It is a sweet treat that feels cozy on a chilly night, and kids can help shake the bag. Make it extra special with a drizzle of white chocolate. Would you serve this one for dessert or for a snack?

You will need: You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn and put it in a large paper bag or bowl. 2. Mix sugar, cinnamon and salt. 3. Drizzle butter over the popcorn. 4. Add the cinnamon sugar. 5. Shake or toss until coated.

Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls From Vintage Popcorn Recipes

Popcorn balls are pure nostalgia. Grandmas handed them out at Halloween and church bazaars wrapped in wax paper. They are chewy, sweet and fun to shape with buttered hands. Add a few drops of food coloring or some sprinkles to match the season. These popcorn recipes from the past still bring big smiles today. Did you ever get popcorn balls when you went trick or treating?

You will need: You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 1 bag (10 ounces) marshmallows, 4 tablespoons butter, pinch of salt, sprinkles (optional).

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat. 2. Pour over popcorn and stir gently. 3. Let it cool for 2 minutes. 4. Butter your hands and press into balls. 5. Roll in sprinkles and set on wax paper.

Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn

Salty popcorn with ribbons of dark and white chocolate is the best of both worlds. Spread the popcorn on a tray, drizzle the melted chocolate in thin lines, and let it set. Pile it on top of brownies or a chocolate cake for a fun party dessert, or just eat it straight from the tray. Which chocolate would you pick: A) Dark B) Milk C) White D) All three?

You will need: You will need: 8 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Spread the popcorn on a lined tray. 2. Melt each chocolate in short bursts in the microwave. 3. Drizzle the dark chocolate over the popcorn with a spoon. 4. Drizzle the white chocolate on top. 5. Sprinkle with salt and chill 15 minutes to set.

Rainbow Candy Popcorn for Parties

Bright, crunchy and full of color, this candy popcorn turns any birthday party into a celebration. A simple sugar syrup with a few drops of food coloring coats the kernels, then a short bake makes them crunchy. Make several colors and mix them together for a rainbow bowl. It is a fun weekend project with kids, as long as an adult handles the hot syrup.

You will need: You will need: 12 cups popped popcorn, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup corn syrup, food coloring in 3 colors, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

How to make it: 1. Divide popcorn into 3 bowls. 2. Boil sugar, butter and syrup for 3 minutes. 3. Stir in baking soda and split into 3 cups. 4. Add a different color to each and pour over each bowl. 5. Bake at 250F for 30 minutes, stirring once, then mix.

Movie Night Popcorn Snack Mix

Why choose one snack when you can have them all? This easy mix tosses popcorn with pretzels, roasted peanuts and a few chocolate candies for a sweet and salty bowl everyone will dig into. Make it the centerpiece of your next family movie night. Want a lighter version? Swap the candy for dried cranberries and almonds. It is one of those popcorn recipes you can change every time.

You will need: You will need: 8 cups popped popcorn, 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup roasted peanuts, 1 cup chocolate candies or dried fruit, 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn and let it cool slightly. 2. Toss with butter and a pinch of salt. 3. Add pretzels and peanuts. 4. Fold in the candies once cool. 5. Serve in a big bowl or small paper bags.

Garlic Parmesan Herb Popcorn

This savory popcorn tastes like garlic bread in snack form. Olive oil, grated parmesan, garlic powder and a little dried rosemary make it feel grown up and a bit fancy. It is great for wine and cheese nights or a cozy book club. Fresh black pepper on top adds a nice bite. Which savory flavor would you try first: garlic parmesan or cheddar?

You will need: You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn. 2. Warm the oil with garlic powder and rosemary for 1 minute. 3. Drizzle over the popcorn and toss. 4. Add parmesan and toss again. 5. Season with salt and pepper.

Movie Theater Style Popcorn at Home

The secret to that movie theater taste is coconut oil and a very fine salt that sticks to every piece. Some people also add a little butter flavored salt for that famous yellow color. Serve it in striped paper cups and dim the lights for a real cinema feel at home. It is cheaper than one trip to the snack counter and you can refill as much as you want.

You will need: You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 teaspoon very fine popcorn salt, 2 tablespoons melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot with 3 kernels. 2. When they pop, add the rest and cover. 3. Shake until popping slows. 4. Toss with fine salt right away. 5. Drizzle with butter and serve in paper cups.

Microwave Paper Bag Popcorn

You do not need store bought microwave bags with mystery ingredients. A plain brown lunch bag and some kernels do the job. Fold the top twice, microwave until the popping slows, and season however you like. It is cheap, fast and great for after school snacks. This is one of the simplest popcorn recipes you can teach a kid to make with a little help.

You will need: You will need: 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, 1 brown paper lunch bag, 1 teaspoon oil (optional), salt or your favorite seasoning.

How to make it: 1. Put the kernels and oil in the bag and shake. 2. Fold the top down twice. 3. Microwave on high 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Stop when the pops are 2 seconds apart. 5. Open carefully, add salt and shake.

Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars

Think of a crispy rice treat, but made with popcorn and peanut butter. These bars are chewy, crunchy and great for lunch boxes or road trips. A drizzle of white chocolate on top makes them look bakery fancy. Cut them small, because they are rich. Kids will love helping press the mix into the pan. Would you add chocolate chips or keep them simple?

You will need: You will need: 8 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup melted white chocolate.

How to make it: 1. Line an 8 inch pan with parchment. 2. Heat honey and brown sugar until it bubbles. 3. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. 4. Pour over popcorn, mix and press into the pan. 5. Drizzle with white chocolate, chill and cut into bars.

Masala Popcorn

In India, popcorn often comes dusted with spices, and once you try it, plain salt may feel a little boring. Turmeric gives a golden color, while chaat masala adds a tangy, savory kick. Cook the spices briefly in warm ghee or oil so they taste toasty, not raw. It is a lovely snack with a cup of hot tea on a rainy afternoon. Spiced popcorn recipes like this are popular all over South Asia.

You will need: You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons ghee or oil, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat ghee in a large pot and stir in turmeric and chili for 20 seconds. 2. Add the kernels and stir to coat. 3. Cover and shake until popping slows. 4. Pour into a bowl. 5. Sprinkle with chaat masala and salt and toss.

Air Popped Popcorn With Olive Oil, the Lightest of All Popcorn Recipes

For a light everyday snack, air popped popcorn is hard to beat. Three cups is a filling portion with fiber and very few calories. A light spray of olive oil helps a pinch of salt or herbs stick without adding much fat. Keep a jar of kernels in the pantry and you will always have a quick, healthy snack ready for the afternoon slump.

You will need: You will need: 1/3 cup popcorn kernels, an air popper or a paper bag, 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil in a spray bottle, salt, optional dried herbs or paprika.

How to make it: 1. Pop the kernels in an air popper or paper bag in the microwave. 2. Spread in a wide bowl. 3. Mist lightly with olive oil. 4. Sprinkle with salt and herbs. 5. Toss and enjoy right away.