Making popcorn on the stove is probably the most rewarding cooking project you’ll ever try: With a pot, a little oil and almost no effort, you can turn a scoop of kernels into a big batch of warm popcorn in less than 5 minutes. It’s a perfect treat for movie night—or any night, really—and homemade stovetop popcorn is a pretty healthful snack if you want it to be. (Or not, butter lovers, your call!)
Popping a perfect batch of homemade popcorn is easy if you follow these simple steps. But first, let’s address a few burning questions—because no one wants to burn popcorn! Here are some helpful tips for making basic stovetop popcorn, plus some flavoring suggestions. You could also try Ree’s irresistible sriracha popcorn, or some other great seasoning ideas. And if you decide you’d rather have a machine do the work, here are the best popcorn makers for the job.
What kind of oil should I use?
You want your oil to get extra hot—but not smoking hot—for popping corn, so the best types of oil for popping popcorn are oils with a higher smoke point: oils that you can heat to a higher temperature before they start smoking. Most movie theaters use coconut oil or canola oil, but corn oil, avocado oil and grapeseed oil are all good choices.
What kind of pan should I use?
A sturdy, not-too-thick, deep stainless steel pot with a lid is the best choice for stovetop popcorn. You want a pan that can heat up really quickly, so avoid super heavy pots like a Dutch oven.
Do I need to shake the pan the whole time?
No, but you do need to shake it once in a while during popping and more importantly, you need to listen closely to the popping. The kernels should pop rapid-fire and should continue as one long continuous burst—as soon as the popping slows to a few kernels at a time, you should turn off the heat.
How do I salt the popcorn evenly?
You’ll want to salt your popcorn the minute it’s done popping. Remove the lid, generously salt the top layer and tap the pot on the stove to help distribute the salt. Pour the top half of the popcorn into your serving bowl, then salt the lower layer in the pot, tap the pot again to distribute the salt, and pour the remaining popcorn into your bowl.
What are some other seasoning ideas?
There are so many fun ways to season popcorn. Here are a few ideas for inspiration, but explore your spice cabinet and try anything that catches your eye!
Everything bagel seasoning
Ranch seasoning
Grated parmesan cheese
Taco seasoning
Chili-lime seasoning
Smoked paprika
Cinnamon sugar
Salt and sugar
Ground freeze-dried strawberries
Hot cocoa mix