How to Make the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
American · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
This stovetop garlic parmesan popcorn is tossed with melted butter, roasted garlic, and freshly grated parmesan for an irresistible savory snack. It is far superior to any microwave popcorn bag and comes together in under 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Parmesan Popcorn recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 0.5 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced finely
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Pop the Corn
Add the coconut oil and 3 test kernels to a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once those test kernels pop, add all remaining kernels, cover with a lid, and shake the pot gently every 30 seconds.
Step 2: Finish Popping
Continue cooking while shaking occasionally until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove from heat immediately and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic butter evenly over the hot popcorn and toss well to coat every kernel thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese and kosher salt over the popcorn while it is still hot so the cheese melts slightly onto the kernels. Toss once more and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor
- coconut oil → any neutral cooking oil such as canola or avocado oil
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Leaving the popcorn on heat too long after popping slows which results in burnt kernels and a bitter taste
- Adding the parmesan when the popcorn is cold which prevents it from adhering properly to the kernels
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbs, 15g fat, 4g fiber.
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