Down with microwave popcorn and all of the unknown ingredients that come along with it. Make stovetop popcorn easily, without MSG and with a ton of flavor.

Overflowing stovetop popcorn in red and white box with popcorn kernels on table

Original post: October 2010 | Updated: October 2019

You guys. I have a serious question to ask you today. When you reach for popcorn in your pantry, which type do you reach for? Do you prefer microwave? Do you pull out your air popper? Or do you go stovetop? Let me give you my thoughts about popcorn (I have many) and what you perhaps should be doing. Because popcorn is delicious.

We are big popcorn people in our family and growing up we ate it a lot, too. For me it is a cue for relaxation and family time. Plus it smells amazing and tastes even better. The salty, crunchy snack can’t be beat. So you want to make it right!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST STOVETOP POPCORN

STEP 1

Pour vegetable oil and a few popcorn kernels into a large heavy-duty saucepan. Set heat to medium, cover the pot and wait for the first kernels to pop. Once the oil is hot the first kernels will begin to pop.

Add the remaining of the kernels to the pan. Occasionally shake the pan gently back and forth to allow steam to escape from the kernels and to completely coat the kernels in the oil.

Top view of pan with oil and popcorn kernels in it

STEP 2

While heating the oil wait for kernels to pop and when popping slows, wait until you can count 2 seconds between the pops. Remove from heat. Remove the lid and carefully pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl.

Drizzle the melted butter over the popped popcorn (optional) and sprinkle with salt. Add to serving bowls and discard unpopped kernels.

Popped popcorn in a container with melted butter pouring down

RECIPE NOTES

Do not set heat above medium! In fact, go a touch below. This will decrease the chances of burning and it will ensure a perfectly cooked snack.
In place of vegetable oil, feel free to use olive, canola or even coconut oil or avocado oil.
If there is not a vent on your lid, vent it slightly by hand so steam can escape while cooking (and to avoid getting mushy popcorn).
The butter is optional but adds incredible flavor. Even just 1 tablespoon will go a long way!
Use your favorite variety of salt, whether it is sea salt, table salt, popcorn salt or another variety. Be careful not to over-salt!

BEST KERNELS FOR STOVETOP POPCORN

The popcorn aisle can be slightly overwhelming, with all of the options available. Check out this article from The Diligent Chef to see which kernels are best for stovetop cooking!

SEASONING OPTIONS

Butter and salt are my favorite! Salty and salty = YUM.
Skip the butter and load it up with salt and pepper!
Go sweet! Sprinkle 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon over the top. Add a bit of butter for good measure.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is the PERFECT addition to a heaping bowl!
Go spicy! Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the top, along with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper.
Drizzle with additional oil and salt.
Throw in a box of chocolate covered peanuts OR chocolate covered raisins! The hot popcorn will slightly melt the chocolate and make it irresistible.
Olive oil, chili powder and paprika.. YUM!
Nutritional yeast adds a delicious flavor!

WHY MAKE STOVETOP POPCORN

When you make popcorn on the stove, you know what you are using minus all of the filler ingredients that you will find in a bag of the microwave variety. However, making it on the stove top eliminates those unwanted ingredients completely. On the opposite end of the spectrum, making it in an air popper is rather, um, BORING. In fact, extremely lifeless and dull.

The stove offers a flavorful yet healthy option! Cooked in just a couple tablespoons of oil, feel free to add the flavorings of your choice to make it as tasty as possible!

OTHER HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS

Healthy Breakfast Cookies – These cookies aren’t just for breakfast and they are deceptively delicious. Kids will never know how healthy they are!
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups – Eliminate artificial and unknown ingredients by making your own homemade fruit roll-ups! This is the ultimate snack food for kids. Great for lunch boxes, too!
Healthy Breakfast Muffins – Enjoy breakfast the healthy way! Whip up a batch of these muffins as a perfect on-the-go meal or a snack to stay on track with healthy eating.
No Bake Granola Bars are the perfect snack for little ones. There is something comforting about knowing EXACTLY what goes into your kids’ bodies!
Healthy Fruit Dip – This Fruit and Veggie Dip is creamy, healthy and ADDICTING. Kids LOVE this stuff! Great healthy after-school snack option.
Healthy Snack Bites – In less than TEN minutes you have a perfect snack and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry. Great after-school or anytime snack with no preservatives or added sugar!
Instant Pot Applesauce – Make your next batch of applesauce in your Instant Pot for an added touch of delicious flavor! This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and takes just a few minutes to make.