How to Make Popcorn on the Stove
Published 8/10/2022
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Make snack time easy tonight with our stovetop popcorn tutorial. In under 10 minutes, you can make popcorn on the stove. Enjoy!
The BEST Stovetop Popcorn
I have to say that stovetop popcorn can be a little bit intimidating if youโve never made it before. Heck, Iโve been making it my whole life and I still get nervous that the popcorn is going to overflow while Iโm making it or that the bottom of the pot is going to burn.
Thatโs why we thought weโd put together the ultimate homemade popcorn tutorial so that you can eat perfect, airy stovetop popcorn every single time you make.
Ingredients You Need
First things first here are the basics of what you need to get started when making stovetop popcorn:
- Popcorn kernels: any kind of unpopped kernel will work. We like to buy ours in the bulk section because itโs super cheap!
- High heat oil: we recommending either olive oil or avocado oil.
- Sea salt: what is popcorn without the salt?!
- Medium to large pot with cover: the cover is key. Make sure to grab a pot with a cover because youโll need it to heat the kernels.
What Kind of Popcorn Kernels to Buy
There are a few different kinds of popcorn kernels out there. The most common two are yellow and white kernels, which can be found at most grocery stores. Either of these two work for this recipe, so use what you can find or what you have on hand!
We love:
Best Oil for Stovetop Popcorn
Olive oil and avocado oil are are the best option when it comes to making popcorn on the stove.
Why? They have a light flavor and work well with medium/high heat.
Want to avoid the oil? I have a little secret for you โ sometimes I donโt use oil at all! It just depends. One reason why I like to use oil is that it gives the popcorn a little bit extra flavor and Iโve found that it pops more evenly. But, I am here to tell you that this recipe works sans oil.
Best Pot for Stovetop Popcorn
Youโll need a medium to large-size pot depending on how much popcorn you want to make.
For reference, 2 tablespoons of kernels will make around 5 cups of popped popcorn. This recipe yields around 10 cups of popped popcorn, so you want to make sure you have a pot big enough to fit that amount of popcorn!
My favorite pot to use is a nonstick Calphalon pot WITH a lid. Making sure your pot has a lid is super important because you cook your kernels with the lid on.
How to Make Popcorn on the Stove
Making popcorn on the stove is easy. This might be the easiest tutorial youโve ever read and bonus, it only takes 10 minutes!
Heat Oil
Begin by heating your saucepan over medium/high heat. Then, drizzle on oil, spreading it out as evenly as you can.
Test Heat with a Few Kernels
Add a few kernels to the bottom of your pot and cover and shake them around every so often. The oil will begin to heat up. When those two kernels pop, you know youโre ready to add the rest of the kernels!
Add remaining kernels
Add the rest of the kernels and salt and cover again. Shake the pot every so often so that the kernels donโt burn on the bottom of the pot. Youโll notice after a few minutes that the kernels will begin to pop.
Shake Shake Shake
Keep on shaking until the popping slows down to about 1 every 3 seconds.
Once the popping slows down, you know youโre pretty much out of kernels and your stovetop popcorn is ready! If you forgot to salt your popcorn beforehand, no worries! You can add whatever toppings your heart desires at this point.
Stovetop Popcorn FAQs
Per 2 tablespoons of un-popped popcorn kernels (a single serving), you get around 5 cups of popped popcorn.
Popcorn is a great healthy snack for adults and kids. It is a 100% whole grain, low fat (if made at home), and high in fiber. 2 tablespoons of unpopped popcorn (a single serving) is: 110 calories 2g fat, 25g carbs, 5g fiber, 0g sugar, and 3g protein.
Popcorn is gluten free. If you are a celiac or allergic, just make sure to buy a certified gluten free popcorn product so that there is no cross-contamination with other grains.
Homemade popcorn has fiber, protein, and is a whole grain. Plus, per one serving of popcorn, you get 5 cups of popped popcorn, which makes for an enjoyable snack for everyone!
Popcorn Seasonings to try!
Donโt like boring old salted popcorn? Try one of these homemade seasonings to spice things up!
More Popcorn Recipes
Looking for more fun popcorn recipes? Check out: 4 DIY Easy Popcorn Snack Mixes HERE. Youโll find how-to recipes forโฆ
- Churro
- Parmesan Garlic
- Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
- Ranch
How to Make Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil*
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place 1/2 tablespoon of oil on the bottom of a medium to large pot. Make sure your pot is at least 2.5 quarts so that it can fit the popped kernels. Turn heat to medium/high and place two unpopped popcorn kernels in the oil. Cover and let sit, shaking periodically.
- Once the two popcorn kernels have popped, you can add the rest of the unpopped popcorn. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, cover, and shake kernels so that they are fully coated in oil.
- Continue to periodically shake kernels (with the top on) about every 20 seconds so that the kernels donโt burn. Soon enough, they will begin to pop!
- Continue shaking pot as the popcorn pops. Once there are about 2 or 3 seconds in between pops, you know the popcorn is done popping and itโs time to eat!
- Option to add more salt or any other seasonings your heart desires!
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Donโt forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, weโd love to see what youโre up to!
Mind-blowing recipe to be so simple. Made the popcorn taste way better and every kernel popped for me for the first time!!!!
Easy and deliciousโฆ Thank you very much