How To Make The Best Stovetop Popcorn

When it comes to snacks, there is nothing like a fresh batch of homemade popcorn. When I hear those kernels popping rapidly and the aroma wafts through the air then tickles my nose, I am done.

Just give me a tall glass of ice cold lemonade to go with my big bowl of fresh popped popcorn and I am a happy camper.

Popcorn is a healthy snack, especially when air-popped and not smothered in tons of butter and cheese. It is also fun to make just like homemade cookies.

I enjoy most flavors of popcorn including, butter, cheese, and sea salt. You name it. Chances are I love it! One of the great things about popcorn is, it is simple and easy to make. 

My mother taught me how to pop popcorn on top of the stove when I was in second or third grade. Through the years, I have popped popcorn in the microwave, with an air popper, and on top of the stove. 

I discovered mom’s way of popping popcorn to be the best way of popping popcorn. Of course, I am a little biased. Ok. Maybe more than a little biased, but one thing is for certain, there is no denying mom’s popcorn is delicious.

Mom’s stovetop popcorn recipe is the best. It is simple, quick, and easy. And guess what? It only takes three ingredients – popcorn kernels, sea salt, and canola oil. 

Now, here’s the thing. Mom’s popcorn recipe is adaptable, too. I figured that out one day, while I was in the kitchen preparing to pop a batch of popcorn using her recipe then decided to add a little twist to to switch it up a little. You know me, right? I am all about trying new things.

You know what I did? I decided to add a little brown sugar to mom’s popcorn recipe. You know I did! Believe me when I tell you it is amazing! OMG kind of amazing!

Talk about delicious popcorn with a hint of salt and sweet! Oh yeah! It will be extra crunchy, have a light brown tint and taste amazing. It is … Ok. I will stop talking about how good it is and show you how to make your own batch of popcorn with a hint of salt and sweet. Ready? Let’s do it!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 CUP PREMIUM POPCORN KERNELS (YELLOW OR WHITE)

1 TEASPOON COURSE SEA SALT

1 TEASPOON LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

3 TABLESPOONS OF CANOLA OIL

INSTRUCTIONS

WARM CANOLA OIL ON MEDIUM HIGH HEAT IN PAN WITH A LID

ADD SEA SALT

ADD GOLDEN BROWN OR LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

SWIRL THE SUGAR AROUND IN THE CANOLA OIL OR USE A SPOON TO  MIX IT 

MAKE SURE THE BROWN SUGAR MIXES WELL WITH THE CANOLA OIL (YOU CAN ALSO MIX THE BROWN SUGAR IN THE CANOLA OIL BEFORE YOU POUR IT INTO THE PAN.)

ADD PREMIUM POPCORN KERNELS

WAIT UNTIL THE POPCORN STARTS TO POP BEFORE COVERING THE POT WITH A LID

MOVE THE PAN BACK AND FORTH OVER THE HEAT TO PREVENT POPCORN FROM BURNING

THE POPCORN SHOULD BE POPPING LOUDLY AND RAPIDLY

GIVE IT ANOTHER GOOD SHAKE

WHEN THE POPPING SLOWS DOWN, REMOVE THE PAN FROM THE HEAT

POUR POPCORN INTO A BOWL IMMEDIATELY

NOTE: To make mom’s homemade popcorn, use the ingredients above, but Do Not use light brown sugar and following popping instructions.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTERED POPCORN 

Use mom’s recipe above (without the brown sugar) and follow popping instructions 

Pour popcorn into a bowl

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan 

Pour butter over the popcorn

HOW TO MAKE HOT N SPICY POPCORN

Use mom’s recipe above (without the brown sugar) and follow popping instructions

Pour popcorn into a bowl

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan 

Add 4 tablespoons (more or less to suit your taste) of your favorite hot sauce to the butter

Pour the mixture over the popcorn  

HOW TO MAKE PARMESAN CHEESE POPCORN

Use mom’s recipe above (without the brown sugar) and follow popping instructions

Pour popcorn into a bowl

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan 

Pour butter over the popcorn  

Sprinkle with premium parmesan cheese