Y’all I make this homemade cheddar popcorn recipe for at-home movie nights whenever I get the chance. It tastes so much better than store-bought. Unlike store-bought that often has an artificial cheese flavor, homemade cheddar cheese popcorn is made with real cheddar cheese powder, giving it a rich, savory taste that’s hard to replicate and stop eating.
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How To Make Cheddar Popcorn
Step 1: Pop the popcorn kernels
Heat oil over medium in a 5-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Once the oil is hot and rippling, add popcorn kernels and cover immediately. Gently shake the pot over the burner as kernels begin to pop. (Be careful of escaping steam.)
Continue cooking the kernels until popping slows and you hear one-two second between pops, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour popped corn into a large bowl.
Step 2: Assemble cheese popcorn
While gently tossing, drizzle melted butter, salt, and cheese powder, evenly distributing all ingredients together.
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Cheddar Popcorn Recipe
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I’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- 5-quart pot with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Neutral flavored oil vegetable, grapeseed, etc.
- 1/2 cup Popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted* butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons Cheddar cheese powder*
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium in a 5-quart pot with a tight fitting lid
- Once oil is hot and rippling, add popcorn kernels and cover immediately. Gently shake the pot over the burner as kernels begin to pop. (Be careful of escaping steam.)
- Continue cooking the kernels until popping slows and you hear one-two seconds between pops, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour popped corn into large bowl.
- While gently tossing, immediately add butter, salt, and cheese powder, evenly distributing all ingredients together.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Storing Popcorn
Let it cool completely. Warm popcorn will create condensation in the container it’s stored in. Store in a cool dry place in a properly sealed airtight container. Glass, plastic, or a resealable bag are all great options. Homemade cheese popcorn will be it’s freshest for up to 5 days.Nutrition
Recipe help
Microwave popcorn is often pre-seasoned with salt and other flavors, which can compete with the cheddar cheese flavor. Additionally, microwave popcorn can sometimes be greasy, which can make it harder for the cheese powder to stick to the popcorn. It’s best to start with plain, air-popped popcorn or popcorn that has been popped on the stovetop using oil. This will give you a neutral base to which you can add the cheddar cheese powder and other seasonings.
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Who needs Cheetos when you make this delicious hot cheesy popcorn at home!
Yum! Such a great way to make popcorn and much better than the bag!
I’ve never had cheesy popcorn but it sounds seriously addictive. On my list for the weekend!
We love the cheddar cheesy taste and hot crunchy texture. Can’t beat it for quick, easy and addictive. Many thanks!
I am not sure if this popcorn will go from the kitchen to the table for sharing, it is that good, I don’t think I will want to share.
This popcorn was delicious; it’s so much better than storebought! This recipe is my go-to for movie night!
I grew up with mall Topsey’s popcorn, and cheese was my favorite! Love this!
This homemade popcorn was so much better than the store bought cheddar popcorn we normally get!! It was way more flavorful and packed with cheesy goodness!
I didn’t think I could get the movie theater quality of cheddar popcorn at home, but this recipe was spot on! Perfect for movie night.
I made this cheddar popcorn with my daughter for our family movie night and the recipe was so easy to follow that you’re guaranteed success. The flavor was better than that store bought stuff so this will be our go-to in the future.