How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

Learn how to make stovetop popcorn easily and say goodbye to those bags of microwave popcorn forever.  Cooking popcorn on the stove is effortless and cost effective.  It's a blank canvas too - choose from many different topping combinations like classic salt and butter, or try something different by sprinkling some nutritional yeast on top.  

We all agree the best part about going to the movies in the popcorn, right?  But you don't have to go to the cinema to get delicious popcorn.  You can make it at home too!

Today I'm going to teach you how to make stovetop popcorn.  Making it on the stove is my personal favourite method - it's quick, easy, cheap and you don't need any special equipment.

If you've got a stovetop and a saucepan with a lid, you can make popcorn!

Make a batch for your next movie night, or for a healthy snack when you're feeling peckish.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE...

• Make popcorn easily at home without buying a machine
• Cheap snack
• So many topping possibilities 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Here's what you'll need to make popcorn on your stovetop (full measurements listed in the printable recipe card below)...

• Olive Oil 
• Popcorn Kernels 
• Salt 

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

Here's a few topping ideas you might like to consider.  They aren't mandatory though - classic salt popcorn is always a hit.

• Melted Butter or Ghee
• Nutritional Yeast
• Salt & Pepper
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - drizzle it over the popcorn
• Salt & Vinegar (use a vinegar powder)

BEST OIL FOR POPPING POPCORN

I've made so many batches of popcorn in my life and I've think I've used just about every oil you can imagine.  I personally prefer to use olive oil for popcorn, but this doesn't mean you can't use another type of oil.  As long as the oil you choose has a high smoke point, you're safe.

A light flavoured olive oil doesn't add flavour to the popcorn like coconut oil does, which I really like.  But if you like the taste of coconut oil this may not be a problem for you.

Ghee can also be used for popping popcorn.  It adds a nice butter flavour.

HOW TO MAKE STOVETOP POPCORN - STEP BY STEP

Heat olive oil and two popcorn kernels in a saucepan (with a lid) on medium heat. Cover the saucepan and wait for the kernels to pop. This can take several minutes and that's ok. Be patient. When they pop, you know you're ready to go!

Add the rest of the kernels in and cover the saucepan. Remove from heat immediately and give the saucepan a good shake to mix the kernels with the oil. Return to heat and wait for the popping to begin.

Shake the pot at regular intervals to ensure all the kernels are popping and none get burnt. There's a bonus arm workout here.  When the popping stops, remove from heat, pour into a bowl, sprinkle with salt and and mix in any desired toppings. 

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

• I love using olive oil as it doesn't add overpowering flavour to the popcorn.  But feel free to use coconut oil, grapeseed oil or ghee instead.
• Don't put the heat too high.  You don't want the oil to smoke or it will cause the popcorn to taste burnt.  Low and slow is how you make the best popcorn.
• Be patient while waiting for the first 2 kernels to pop.  It can take several minutes.  Don't be tempted to turn the heat up!
• Use whatever toppings you desire, or none.  Just make sure you add a little salt to your finished bowl either way.
• You can halve this recipe to make a quick snack for one person.
• Popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for days.

MORE SCRUMPTIOUS SNACK RECIPES:

• Sweet and Salty Popcorn
• Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
• Popcorn Trail Mix
• Homemade Baked Pita Chips
• Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn
• Two Ingredient Dough Pretzel Bites
• Honey Roasted Peanuts
• OR see all Snack Recipes

If you’ve tried to make Stovetop Popcorn I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!

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First Published on August 18, 2017.  Updated on August 27, 2020 with new photos, better instructions etc.  No changes to the recipe.