This cheddar popcorn is a quick and easy snack that is loaded with rich, cheesy flavor for the whole family! Simply prepare the popcorn (or use pre-popped popcorn), add some butter, and then toss it in powdered cheese! Enjoy it on your next movie night or just because!
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe
We have all tried cheddar cheese popcorn at some point in our life, usually purchased in those metal tins around the holidays. However, I am here to let you know that you can easily make this (incredibly tasty) treat right at home!
Get ready to take your movie nights to the next level with this cheesy and irresistible cheddar popcorn! It is honestly so simple to do that you may eat your popcorn like this every single time you make it!
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🥘 Cheddar Popcorn Ingredients
You can easily find all of these ingredients on a quick run to the grocery store. If using pre-popped popcorn, omit the popcorn kernels and coconut oil.
- Oil - 3 tablespoons of coconut or your preferred cooking oil (with a high smoke point) for popping the kernels.
- Popcorn Kernels - ½ cup of unpopped yellow or white popcorn kernels.
- Butter - 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This will add flavor and make sure the cheese powder sticks to the popcorn!
- Cheddar Cheese Powder - 1 packet of cheddar cheese powder. Grab this from your favorite box of macaroni and cheese (I've found that one full packet is the perfect amount of powder). Alternatively, some specialty stores may sell standalone cheddar cheese powder or order it online.
- Ground Mustard (optional) - ½ teaspoon of ground mustard for some extra tang, if desired.
- Sea Salt - ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, to taste.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Cheddar Popcorn
If using pre-popped popcorn, skip the instructions for making the popcorn and jump straight to coating it! You will need a large Dutch oven (for making the popcorn), a serving bowl, and a large spoon for tossing the popcorn.
This recipe will yield 16 cups of popped cheddar popcorn.
Make the Stovetop Popcorn
- Heat. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and three popcorn kernels to act as test kernels (these will let you know when your oil is properly heated), and place the pot over high heat.
- Pop the kernels. Once all three of the popcorn kernels have popped, immediately add the rest of the ½ cup of kernels. Place the lid on to the pot and lift your pot from the heat. Gently swirl it around for about 20 seconds and then return it to the heat. *The kernels should begin popping almost instantly.
- Crack the lid. When the popcorn is about halfway done popping, crack the pot lid to allow the steam to escape.
Coat the Popcorn
- Coat. Once all of the kernels have popped, pour the popcorn into your serving bowl. Toss with 4 tablespoons of melted butter until the popcorn is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle 1 packet (approximately 4 tablespoons) of cheddar cheese powder over the top of the popcorn (if using ½ teaspoon of ground mustard, mix it with the cheese powder before sprinkling it over the popcorn).
- Serve. Season with ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to taste, and then serve immediately.
This cheddar popcorn is easily the star of the show! Serve it with a hot dog bar for a fun and tasty movie snack! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Instead of making the popcorn on the stovetop, you can use an air popper (if you have one), make the popcorn in the microwave, or even use pre-popped popcorn!
- The easiest way to get cheddar cheese powder is to take it out of a box of macaroni and cheese. Alternatively, you can buy it online.
- One packet of cheddar cheese powder equals 1½ ounces or slightly less than ⅕ cup.
🥡 Storing
Store your cheddar popcorn in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks. However, I highly doubt it will last that long!
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❓ Recipe FAQs
The easiest cheese powder to get is the ones that come from the boxed macaroni and cheese (don't worry, you can use the noodles in a different dish!) Choose your favorite brand, as the same flavor will be transferred to the popcorn! You can use classic cheddar powder or even white cheddar powder!
Make sure to store your cheddar popcorn in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag to maintain its maximum freshness!
We all know that butter adds a ton of flavor to popcorn, but it is best to pop the kernels in oil. Oil will keep the popcorn from becoming mushy during the popping process. If you still want to add some butter flavor, toss the popcorn in melted butter after it has been popped!
🍿 More Tasty Snack Recipes
- Cheese Platter - A simple platter loaded with different varieties of cheese for a party-worthy snack tray!
- Dehydrated Apples - Naturally sweet homemade apple chips are perfect for on-the-go snacking!
- Baked Mac & Cheese Bites - Tasty bites of cheesy goodness that can be made with fresh or leftover macaroni and cheese!
- Pretzels - Large homemade soft pretzels are perfect for any occasion!
- 7 Layer Dip - A mouthwatering dip that combines all your favorite flavors into one!
- Charcuterie Board - An elegant collection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and more for an appetizer worthy of any gathering!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheddar Popcorn
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 4 tablespoon butter (unsalted, melted)
- 1 packet cheddar cheese powder (*see notes)
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Stovetop Popcorn
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the coconut oil and three popcorn kernels to act as test kernels (these will let you know when your oil is properly heated), and place the pot over high heat.
- Once all three of the popcorn kernels have popped, immediately add in the rest of the kernels. Place the lid on to the pot and lift your pot from the heat. Gently swirl it around for about 20 seconds and then return it to the heat. *The kernels should begin popping almost instantly.
- When the popcorn is about halfway done popping, crack the lid of the pot to allow the steam to escape.
Coat the Popcorn
- Once all of the kernels have popped, pour the popcorn into your serving bowl. Toss with the melted butter until all of the popcorn is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the cheddar cheese powder over the top of the popcorn (if using ground mustard, mix it together with the cheese powder before sprinkling it over the popcorn).
- Season with salt to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Instead of making the popcorn on the stovetop, you can use an air popper (if you have one), make the popcorn in the microwave, or even use pre-popped popcorn!
- The easiest way to get cheddar cheese powder is to take it out of a box of macaroni and cheese. Alternatively, you can buy it online.
- One packet of cheddar cheese powder equals 1½ ounces or slightly less than ⅕ cup.
- To store: Store your cheddar popcorn in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks.
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