Did you know bags of microwave popcorn are coated with the same stuff they use to coat Teflon pans? It’s really not good for our bodies. But good news: delicious popcorn is easy to make on the stovetop. And with a plethora of flavor ideas to enhance this favorite movie-watching snack, you won’t miss those popcorn bags anyway!

TIP: Don’t use normal butter to pop your corn. It has high moisture content that tends to make popcorn soggy. Instead, use coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or clarified butter/ghee (butter that’s had all the water boiled out of it).

TIP: Askew the lid on the Dutch oven so that it is still open slightly, allowing moisture to escape while the popcorn is popping. That way, the corn won’t steam itself and turn out chewy.

Stovetop Popcorn

1/3 C popcorn kernels
1 TBSP coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or clarified butter (ghee)

Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pan with a lid; I prefer using my Dutch oven. Turn the heat up to medium, add 2 kernels of corn, and cover.

Once both kernels have popped, remove the lid and pour in the remaining popcorn kernels. Give the Dutch oven a shake to evenly distribute them in the oil and cover. As the kernels begin popping, allow to cook, shaking the Dutch oven occasionally, until the popping sound slows to about one pop every few seconds. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and add your flavors.

While the popcorn is still warm, add in your flavors and stir to coat the kernels evenly. When using wet ingredients (ie peanut butter, mustard, Buffalo sauce…), it’s best to heat them on the stove and create a sauce before drizzling it over your popcorn and tossing to combine.

Here are some ideas for flavors:

• Movie Theater Popcorn: clarified butter and fine sea salt (sticks to the kernels really well!)
• Kettle Corn: confectioner’s sugar & fine sea salt
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Maple syrup and pecans
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese and dried herbs (rosemary, basil, oregano)
• Salt and vinegar
• Ranch: garlic powder, onion powder, chives
• Everything seasoning
• Honey Mustard: honey and Dijon mustard
• Diced bacon and chopped chives
• Sriracha and lime juice
• Curry powder, golden raisins, and pistachios
• Za’atar seasoning
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese chunks
• Taco: cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder
• Peanut butter and chocolate chips
• Freeze-dried fruit (use food processor to grind them into a powder)
• Chocolate chips and mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut & dried pineapple