Popcorn has always been one of my very favorite snacks, so much so that it’s become a part of our family lore! (All my kids know that it takes very little effort to convince me to go see a movie with them. All they have to do is mention movie theater popcorn!)
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Related: The Surprising Benefits Of Popcorn
I’ve always just gotten the bags of microwaveable popcorn at the grocery store, until very recently. I was passing by the bulk section at the store when the bin of popcorn kernels called out to me. It suddenly struck me just how inexpensive popcorn kernels actually are! I decided right then that I would figure out how to make my own popcorn, preferably without having to buy a special piece of equipment.
I eventually uncovered the best way to make homemade popcorn in your microwave! Homemade popcorn is surprisingly simple to make, and it allows me the freedom to season my popcorn exactly how I want. Plus, I know I’m saving money while I’m at it! So today I’ll be sharing my popcorn discovery with you.
The Bowl Method
You’ll need:
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Large microwave-safe plate
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter & salt (optional)
Directions:
Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels into your large bowl. Grab your plate and place it over the top of the bowl.
Transfer the bowl and plate to your microwave, and cook for 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
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A couple of things I want to mention about this method…
- The first time I tried this, I only managed to pop ONE kernel of popcorn. Turns out, the plate I chose didn’t sit snugly over the top of the bowl, so all the steam escaped the bowl before it could cook the kernels. I would recommend testing out a few combinations of your microwave-safe bowls and plates to make sure the plate forms a good seal over the bowl!
- Another thing to know about this method is that it tends to leave a number of unpopped kernels in the bottom of the bowl. No matter – just hang on to them and use them again the next time you make popcorn. :-)
Popcorn Possibilities
Don’t get me wrong – I’m probably the biggest fan of butter-y popcorn you’ll ever encounter. But that’s not the only way I like to season it! Here are a few ideas for different ways to season your popcorn, if you’re looking to mix it up a little.
- Chili powder and hot sauce
- Onion powder and garlic salt
- Butter, sugar, and cinnamon
You can also you a microwave casserole dish with a lid. I use my corning ware 1.25 and 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels in my microwave for 3 minutes 45 seconds. When done I spray cooking spray and sea salt. For low-fat kettle corn sprinkle with 2 -4 packets of Splenda.
I wouldn’t use a paper bag to pop popcorn in the microwave oven because we tried it and it caught fire. We only put the popcorn in the bag nothing else and it was a clean bag. We also have tried it with a microwavable bowl and glass bowl too and they were fine.
Go to world market purchase a seasoning called bacon salt omg it’s so addicting an yummy on anything I use it for everything popcorn is awesome with it
We use Parmesan cheese on our popcorn and if I don’t put enough on my kids help themselves to more cheese!
Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning on popcorn! Yum!
Sometimes(ok, ALL the time!) I use crushed up potato chips to “salt” my popcorn. It is delicious! You’ll have to try it!
Sounds amazing!
Does the bag have to be brown?
Nope! It just has to be paper. :-)
I love popcorn as much as you do Jillee, so I’ll have to try the casserole trick one of your other followers mentioned! A little tip that I got from http://www.lehmans.com regarding pop corn: soak your popcorn kernels in enough water to cover them for 10 minutes. Drain well and pat dry. Pop as usual. You should have almost no “duds” or un-popped kernels. I’m guessing that the small amount of water that the kernels absorb while soaking, helps build up more internal steam, resulting in more of them being popped? All I know is that it works really well… Read more »
I have been making it in my microwave for years. I use a 2qt. casserole with a cover, works perfectly every time. I also learned years ago that if you use salt on the popcorn, you can take regular table salt and put it in the blender for a few seconds, and it’s more “powdery” like the salt they use in the movie theaters. The stuff in the bags is expensive, and it loaded with preservative chemicals.
Thanks Jillee! We always make our popcorn on the stove top, but you have to use so much oil; this sounds great.
@Joanne G, that’s brilliant! I never thought of the blender method for salt, even though I do that with sugar! D’oh! Plus, I happen to have a 2 quart casserole with a cover that is just begging for this treatment…
Wow, 2 great hints in 1….I’ve tried so many bowls but never my Corning casseroles. Even though it is before 6:00 a.m.,, I had to try the casserole and lo and behold…perfect popcorn. Now to grind up some salt :}
Quick question about using Corningware with a cover. Do you mean the glass cover or putting the plastic cover
on tightly?
I tried making microwaved popcorn in a paper bag and it caught fire so my self I would not try this method, however Glass bowls are safe and plastic made for microwaves are so I use this method for making popcorn.
Ive used paper bags many times and no flames yet.
Me, too. No problem. Of coarse when I It the wrong time I have burned some kernels