Easy Stovetop Popcorn (Ready in Just a Few Minutes)
My easy stovetop popcorn can be really in a matter of minutes. This 3-ingredient homemade treat is crunchy, hearty, and so yummy!
With my huge list of topping suggestions, you can make a bowl of popcorn with all kinds of unique and indulgent flavors. Whether it’s for your at-home movie night or to feed lots of hungry mouths at a birthday party, once you make your own popcorn, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
Get Your Ingredients Together
You’ll only need the following to make my easy stovetop popcorn:
- Popcorn Kernels – 1/3 cup (about 75 grams)
- Oil – 2 tbsp of any neutral oil (sunflower oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil)
- Salt – a pinch of kosher salt
For reference, 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels (which is about 75 grams) will make about 8 cups of popcorn.
To make the popcorn on the stovetop, you also need a large heavy-bottom pot with a lid, as pictured. A pot that has a thick/heavy base prevents the popcorn from burning.
How to Make It in Four Easy Steps
Step 1 – Add the oil and a couple of popcorn kernels to the pot over medium heat. Put the lid on the pot and wait until the tester kernels pop. You’ll hear them pop, and you’ll know the oil is ready then. It can take about 4-5 minutes for them to pop. Turn the heat off and carefully remove the lid. You’ll see the popped kernels.
Step 2 – Add all the popcorn kernels and a pinch of salt to the pot. Put the lid on immediately and shake the pot lightly to make sure all the kernels are coated in oil. Wait about a minute (don’t turn the heat back on yet).
Step 3 – Turn the heat on to medium and wait for all the kernels to pop. It will take around a minute or two. You’ll know it’s done when you no longer hear regular popping.
While the popcorn is popping, you can shake the pan a bit to move the popcorn around a little so it doesn’t burn on the bottom and the heat distributes a little more evenly. You can also crack the lid open a little (if the lid isn’t vented) to let any steam escape (which helps make the popcorn crispier).
Step 4 – While the popcorn is warm, add any additional seasonings you want (see my big list of popcorn toppings ideas) and then serve in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy.
You’ll find your hand wandering into this bowl more times than you’ll care to admit, I can assure you!
Now that your popcorn is ready, it’s time to make it your own with a few extras!
Make it Extra Yummy with these Toppings
Popcorn is not just a case of ‘sweet, salty, or both.’ There really is no end to the list of ingredients and add-ons you can mix with popcorn, both sweet and savory.
My list is perfect for getting inspiration when you pull the popcorn kernels out of the cupboard. You can even download this list for free if you like. Laminate it, stick it to the noticeboard, and see how many of these combinations you can try!
Here’s the At-a-Glance Recipe Card
Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels (about 75 grams)
- 2 tbsp of any neutral oil (sunflower oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil)
- a pinch of kosher salt
- optional additional toppings or seasonings (to taste)
Instructions
- Add the oil and a couple of popcorn kernels to the pot over medium heat. Put the lid on the pot and wait until the tester kernels pop. You’ll hear them pop, and you’ll know the oil is ready then. It can take about 4-5 minutes for them to pop. Turn the heat off and carefully remove the lid. You’ll see the popped kernels.
- Add all the popcorn kernels and a pinch of salt to the pot. Put the lid on immediately and shake the pot lightly to make sure all the kernels are coated in oil. Wait about a minute (don’t turn the heat back on yet).
- After a minute, turn the heat on to medium and wait for all the kernels to pop. It will take around a minute or two. You’ll know it’s done when you no longer hear regular popping.
- While the popcorn is popping, you can shake the pan a bit to move the popcorn around a little so it doesn’t burn on the bottom and the heat distributes a little more evenly. You can also crack the lid open a little (if the lid isn’t vented) to let any steam escape (which helps make the popcorn crispier).
- While the popcorn is warm, add any additional seasonings you want (see my big list of popcorn toppings ideas) and then serve in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy.
It really is that simple to make your very own stovetop popcorn! I would love to know in the comments what your absolute favorite popcorn toppings are, and what occasion you made my popcorn for.
Get ready for lots of crunch, and plenty of satisfied smiles when it’s time for movies, games, or get-togethers!
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Always fancied making your own popcorn at home? Save my recipe to one of your party or snack recipe boards, so that you can reference it with ease at any time.
