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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📋 RECIPE
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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ cup Popcorn Kernels
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Melted Butter or Ghee
- Nutritional Yeast
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Spices
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and two popcorn kernels in a saucepan 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
First Published on August 18, 2017. Updated on August 27, 2020 with new photos, better instructions etc. No changes to the recipe.
Krystel | Planning The Magic says
This is super cool. What would you do to make it more kettle corn tasting?
Cassie says
I think I'm the only person who has no idea what this kettle corn tastes like haha! We don't have it in Australia so I'll have to look out for it when I'm in the states next!
Angela says
Oh this looks great! YOu should try it with coconut oil! Yum! Big time yum!
Cassie says
I'm not a huge coconut oil fan but just for you I'll give it a go!
Janella Panchamsingh says
I am not a fan of popcorn but I think it's essential to know how to make a good bowl on the stove
Cassie says
So true Janella - one for the back pocket
TColeman says
Stovetop popcorn to me is so much better. I haven't made any in a while but I need to!
Cassie says
So tasty!
Pooja Kawatra says
I love making the popcorn on the stove with corn and butter. they are absolutely yummy and no preservatives at all.
Cassie says
Absolutely Pooja!
Cynthia Nicoletti says
I love popcorn. I am plain just like a little salt and a little taste of butter.
Cassie says
Nothing wrong with that!
Jeanine says
I have never done this before! I would love to, looks really cool and I think my kids would enjoy it this way and watching it!
Cassie says
I bet they'd love the spoils!
Blair villanueva says
These are the best. Its homemade which make it cheaper and enjoys huge servings!
Plus awesome movie marathon 🙂
Cassie says
Yep I need a movie marathon stat!
Stephanie Pass says
I'll confess I have never made stovetop popcorn before. I would love to try this way.
Cassie says
Do it!!
Glenda says
I haven't had homemade stovetop popcorn in a long time. I don't think my kids had it at all. Definitely, will love to try it out with my kids.
Cassie says
I bet they will love it!
Rebecca Brianne says
I remember having a popcorn maker as a kid and it was the best!! I've actually never made it on a stovetop but I'll have to try it! And the olive oil suggestion sounds perfect!!
Cassie says
Olive oil makes it so tasty
Jill Conyers says
It's been a long time since I've made stove top popcorn. I"m an air popped popcorn kind of girl.
Cassie says
I haven't tried air popped popcorn!
Madelain says
I use olive oil too! I love it and popcorn, of course 🙂
Madelain | https://www.wheremyheartwanders.com
Cassie says
Twins!
Nicola says
We quite often make popcorn this way, in fact this was the only way we did it when i was a child. We don't really get butter popcorn here in England - only salt and sweet. I made some mince pie popcorn at Christmas...it was super tasty!
Cassie says
Yeh we don't really get the butter thing in Australia either! When I got popcorn when we were in the states from the cinema i'm like yehhhh don't put that butter on top thanks haha
Jean says
Yum! I love popcorn, usually opting for sweet. However, more recently I'm loving a mix of sweet and salty. This recipe sounds great and I would love to try and recreate it. I've never cooked popcorn myself before.
Cassie says
Sweet and salty is soooo good on popcorn
Hey Sharonoox says
I love snacking on popcorn on movie night. All time favorite snacks. We love a freshly popped popcorn.
Cassie says
It's so much better!
Cindy Ingalls says
Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. White Cheddar is my absolute favorite. I bought an old style popcorn maker a while back and love using it but I miss being able to flavor it with oil so I'm going to give the stove top method a go.
Cassie says
I haven't tried white cheddar popcorn before
Kelly Hutchinson says
We eat a lot of popcorn in our house. Making it on the stove top is my preferred way.
Cassie says
Same!
AnnMarie John says
There's nothing better than stove top popcorn. I have always disliked the microwave ones because old school is best. It's really easy and you can make your own flavors too. My fave would be garlic parmesan.
Cassie says
That sounds super tasty
Terri Steffes says
I think people have forgotten the deliciousness of homemade popcorn. The microwave bags are just so easy but the flavor of this corn is so much better.
Cassie says
So true Terri!
Tina Gleisner says
My husband makes lots of popcorn so I'm going to share your ideas with him, and love going back to the old fashion way of doing things
Cassie says
Me too Tina!
Delaine says
I would love to see a picture of how it looks before it actually becomes popcorn. But this idea is amazing and fun and sounds much more healthier..
Cassie says
I'll snap a before pic next time I make up a batch!
Mayuri says
Yummmm...I love popcorn. A bowl full of popcorn, movie and soft drink is a perfect combo for me. I am going to pin this recipe. Love it!
Cassie says
Yep I feel the same!
sonali jain says
I love popcorn! I’ve never made stovetop before. I’m going to try the stovetop way now .
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Sonali!
Vinil says
Oh wow. I was the bum who used the microwave stuff. But now I see there is a better option, and yes I love popcorn.
Cassie says
Yeh the microwave stuff is easy but seriously this is just as easy!
amelie redillas says
popcorn! great pair for kalamansi juice with lots of ice! on weekends we made lots of pops at home and watch movies with hubby and kids.
Cassie says
I haven't heard of this juice before!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
Homemade popcorn is the best. I was used to make this with my mom when I was a child. You brought me so many good memories. Now I am craving popcorn,
Cassie says
That's so lovely Adriana! 🙂
Marcie says
We used to always make it on the stove top growing up, until we got an air popper. Now, we can't get enough kettle corn!
Cassie says
It's addictive alright!
Heather Johnson says
I have a container of kernels that I need to use up. I may have to try your stovetop method!
Cassie says
I'm sure you will love it!
Debbie Savage says
This post makes me so happy! I love love popcorn and now I don't have to drive to a movie theatre to pick up a good one!
Cassie says
No you do not!
Nikki Arnold says
Omg yumm!! I have been wanting to do this because its so much more cost effective and healthier than buying it in the bags at the store to microwave.
Cassie says
It so is Nikki!
On women's Mind says
I never tried to make stovetop popcorn. usualluy I make in microwave but sometimes half pack is not properly done. I must try this stovetop method hopefully it will do better.
Cassie says
You'd be surprised!
Breena Blake says
I love stovetop popcorn! It is so delicious. My mom would make it for me all the time as a kid. I have to admit, it is a true art form to get it right and I've definitely burned my fair share of stovetop popcorn as an adult. However, I still love it ?
Cassie says
Haha I so far haven't burnt any on the stovetop but I actually am guilty of burning a few in microwave bags!!
Ayana Pitterson says
I am just like you -- savory all the way. People always ask me why I don't like chocolates...not into sweet. Thought something was wrong with me, but I have a friend in you..lol. I too also love popcorn. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Thrifting Diva
Cassie says
You have a friend in me always Ayana!! Savoury sisters!
Jessica Hughes says
Popcorn made on the stove top really is the most delicious way! I've never thought of making it with olive oil but that's a fantastic idea and I bet it is so yummy!
Cassie says
I prefer it to butter! And I love butter!
StylishGeek says
I have been so spoiled buying these ready-to-eat bags of popcorn in the store that I forgot I can make them via stovetop! Thanks for making me remember! Need to do this!
Cassie says
So much better Cara!!
Erica says
I've never made stovetop popcorn, but I did make it with olive oil in a popcorn popper as a kid. It looks really good in the picture. I love adding spices to popcorn to just vary it up from time to time. To me, that makes it even more satisfying.
Cassie says
It's just so versatile! Love it!
Angela Tolsma says
Oh gosh I don't know if I could swear off all chocolate but I do love popcorn, especially when made right! I haven't had stovetop popcorn in ages, definitely need to make it again!
Cassie says
It's heavenly (in my humble opinion)
Lesley says
I love popcorn as an evening snack. We have a popcorn maker so I never made it on the stove but it sounds like an easy option.
I like mine with salt and that's it but anything dill is great too.
Cassie says
I have a popcorn maker too but I like the fact that when you cook it in olive oil on the stovetop it soaks in the mild olive oil taste
Olivia Stacey says
Sounds delicious! I've never made stovetop popcorn-- will need to try out this recipe soon. Thanks for the detailed instructions, recipe and tips.
Cassie says
Thanks Olivia 🙂
tara pittman says
Popcorn is a favorite snack here. I should make this for the boys snack
Cassie says
I love snacking on it!
robin rue says
I grew up on popcorn popper popcorn, but once I had my own house I learned about making it on the stove. I love it both ways 🙂
Cassie says
I never had a popcorn machine until recently - but we definitely had way too many microwave bags in my lifetime haha.
GiGi Eats says
YUMMMMM!!! What's funny is every time I think of stove top popcorn I think of the movie SCREAM -lol!
Cassie says
I have never seen scream haha! But if they make stovetop popcorn, it's my kind of movie!
Amisha says
Delicious. Wow this recipe is so healthy , quick and easy. I must also confess that i too sometimes go for movies for popcorns ;). Popcorn is a great snack.
Cassie says
It sure is Amisha!
Brandi H says
I love popcorn! I've never made stovetop before. I usually pop the bags or get prepackaged bags. But of course, my favorite is movie theater popcorn because I can load it up with tons of butter. Yum! I'm going to try the stovetop way now and add lots of butter to it.
Cassie says
I bet you'll love it Brandi!
Andreya says
popcorn is the one which is simple to prepare and I too love this very much. Thanks for sharing the method for STOVETOP POPCORN.
Cassie says
Thanks Andreya