We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
Celebrate National Popcorn Day by making gourmet popcorn at home with these chef tips
From top-rated tools to delicious topping recipes, we have all the ingredients for making the most of this classic snack.
Popcorn is an American (pop) icon, synonymous with movie-watching, carnivals, outdoor gatherings and snuggling up on the sofa. It's changed a lot since the early days, and now you can find everything from microwavable versions to gourmet varieties sold in fancy tins. Popcorn buckets have even become a cultural phenomenon at Walt Disney World! And with National Popcorn Day coming up this Sunday, Jan. 19, there's never been a better time to give the nostalgic snack a new, delicious spin.
Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Original Yellow, 8 lb.
Princeton Popcorn Mushroom Popcorn Kernels, 16 oz.
4th Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee, 9 oz.
Kernel Season's Movie Theater Butter Salt, 11.75 oz., 2-pack
McCormick Gourmet Organic Seasonings, 1 oz., 4-pack
Truff Black Truffle Salt, 5.3 oz.
Fisher Naturals Pecan Halves, 1 lb.
Wonderful Lightly Salted Pistachios, 12 oz.
Skippy Super Chunk Peanut Butter, 28 oz.
Justin's Classic Almond Butter, 16 oz.
Mac Yourself Cheddar Cheese Sauce Mix, 9.3 oz.
Happy Belly Grated Parmesan Cheese, 16 oz.
Melinda's Creamy Style Cayenne-Habanero Wing Sauce, 12 oz.
Stonewall Kitchen Sea Salt Caramel Sauce, 12.25 oz.
Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning-Caramel, 3 oz., 2-pack
Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauce, 16 oz.
Great Northern Popcorn Company Stovetop Aluminum Popcorn Maker, 6 qt.
Popco Silicone Popcorn Maker, 15 cups
Stainless Steel Popcorn Serving Bowl, 8 qt.
Red Co. Enamelware Metal Popcorn Bowls, 1.2 qt., 4-pack
Mixing Bowls with Lids, 5-pack
Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set
Experts promise it's possible to create specialty popcorn right at home with the help of some handy tools and ingredients. As Nicole Patel, award-winning chocolatier and founder of Delysia Chocolatier, puts it, "Who says popcorn has to be plain? With a little creativity, you can transform an ordinary snack into something extraordinary."
"I like to follow a ratio of one batch of popcorn (about 5 cups), 4 tablespoons of fat (such as butter or oil) and 1/4 cup of seasonings and/or mix-ins," says chef Christina Tosi of Milk Bar bakery, who dedicates an entire section to popcorn in her cookbook, Bake Club. "The possibilities are truly endless."
Read on as confectioners, chefs and other popcorn pros share their top tips and recipes for taking your treat to the next, delicious level (from sweet to savory to seriously buttery!), in honor of National Popcorn Day. And if you don't want to DIY, you can score 25% off a Dylan's Candy Bar popcorn purchase with the exclusive Yahoo code POPCORN25 (valid through Jan. 19 at 11:59pm PST).
How to make gourmet popcorn at home
1. Start with the basics.
"Whether you prefer bagged popcorn, an air popper, or stovetop popping, the key is to start with plain (non-buttered) popcorn while it’s still warm for the best results," says Patel.
For that classic stovetop flavor, she recommends heating 3 tablespoons of high-quality oil (like coconut or avocado) in a large pot. Then add ½ cup of kernels, cover and shake until they’re fully popped. To make things even easier, consider a popcorn maker: This one from Popco has more than 25,000 five-star reviews for its intuitive design (more on it and other accessories below).
"The first thing to know about popcorn is that it comes in two shapes for different purposes," notes Bjorn Quenemoen, co-founder and principal recipe developer/flavorist at Bjorn Qorn.
"Butterfly kernels have all the nooks and crannies for seasoning to catch on. Heirloom popcorn typically is butterfly and white. Movie theater popcorn is a yellow butterfly and comes from a hybrid seed, as does ours."
This No. 1 bestselling tub of kernels is perfect for making homemade popcorn over the stovetop or in an air-popper.
"Mushroom kernels are for confectionery use," says Quenemoen. "They're roundish and durable for mixing into sugars."
If you're interested in making homemade dessert-style popcorn at home, this container of gluten-free, non-GMO mushroom popcorn is a good place to start.
The brand also sells a container with yellow- and mushroom-style kernels for those looking to switch up their creations or experiment while perfecting their (pop) art.
2. Butter up.
Butter is to popcorn like it is to bread, with the two going hand-in-hand. Once you have your popped kernels, try this trick from Quenemoen: "I like to gently heat up 2 tablespoons of unsalted Straus Family Creamery butter until it melts and continue to cook it until the milk fat solids in the butter start to brown and the butter smells like toasted hazelnuts."
He adds, "Keep in mind the butter will continue to cook if you leave it in the pan so you will want to add the brown butter to the popped popcorn in a bowl and mix well." Then season with 1/2 teaspoon of regular or specialty salt to your taste.
When making popcorn from scratch or buttering up plain popcorn, Quenemoen also likes using ghee (clarified butter). "Butter is great but it also contains a lot of water. Yuck to wet popcorn. Ghee solves that problem," he says.
This pick is non-GMO, as well as Whole30-compatible and keto-certified. I personally use it as an alternative to regular butter when cooking at home and it works just fine.
Another fun option: butter seasoning! The brand also offers seasoning variety packs, as well as a buttery oil for those who aren't ready to ditch the drizzle just yet.
3. Add herbs.
Herbs pack a lot of flavor, plus they're a lower-calorie alternative to butter. Quenemoen likes "to pick 1.5 tablespoons of fresh rosemary off the stem and fry it in about 3 tablespoons of Simpli Extra Virgin Olive Oil so the rosemary becomes crispy and the oil becomes infused" (he notes this can done over a medium high heat in a small sauté pan).
"Once the rosemary turns a dark army green and fragrant, it's ready, in about 30 seconds to a minute depending on the temp of your oil." Then just pour the rosemary olive oil over freshly popped popcorn and season lightly with seasoning salt. Don't like rosemary? Try experimenting with another herb like thyme or oregano.
If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, this seasoning squad from McCormick stars rosemary, along with garlic, oregano and thyme for adding an aromatic touch to popcorn whenever you want.
Just open the cap, blend some with olive oil and carefully drizzle it on. (We also found a rosemary-infused oil for those who prefer to keep a ready-made option to keep on hand.)
For another earthy (and, based on the success of truffle fries, likely fancy-crowd-friendly) flavor, consider subbing in Truff's Black Truffle Salt in place of regular salt, suggests Quenemoen.
Truff also sells a black truffle-infused oil for those who prefer a light drizzle here and there.
4. Get nutty (or fruity).
When it comes to creating popcorn like you might see at a specialty store, Patel says texture is key. Think "roasted nuts like pecans, almonds or cashews for a rich, satisfying crunch. Looking to add sweetness? Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tangy contrast."
She adds, "For an easy sweet treat, try warm popcorn with candied pecans and a dash of cinnamon — it’s always a crowd favorite!" (She also likes tossing warm popcorn with a chopped Pecan Cayenne Chocolate Bark or Pistachio Cranberry Chocolate Bark from Delysia.)
These pecan halves from Fisher can be mixed into popcorn raw as-is or toasted, or mixed with a little maple syrup, cinnamon and cayenne for a touch of spice and sweetness.
Fishers sells oven-roasted mixed nuts, as well as nut and dried fruit mixes.
Grab a bag of pistachios from Wonderful to mimic the flavors in the Delysia Pistachio Cranberry Chocolate Bark.
The ones shown are lightly salted and don't contain shells so they will play well with other flavors and spices and won't require any hassle or mess to get out. Then just throw in some dried cranberries and chocolate chips and you're good to go.
5. Try some peanut butter.
Quenemoen reaches for crunchy PB when he wants the perfect combination of nutty and creamy. "I like to combine Skippy Crunchy Peanut Butter and Straus Butter in about equal parts in a microwaveable dish and microwave in thirty-second intervals, while stirring in between each zap," he explains.
"While the peanut butter butter is still warm and liquid (it should take about a minute), I like to pour it over the freshly popped popcorn and toss it in a bowl. Top the peanut popcorn with a light sprinkling of Simpli Pink Peruvian Salt."
Crunch it up with Skippy's "extra crunchy" variety, which comes with a fan base of 14,000 five-star customers on Amazon alone and packs 7 grams of protein.
"This peanut butter helps restore energy and keeps you feeling charged — no wonder it's been a pantry staple for over 80 years!," exclaimed one fan. "Made with four simple ingredients, it features real roasted peanuts without any added preservatives — no separation and no oily mess..."
For a peanut butter alternative, it doesn't get much tastier than this almond butter spread from Justin's.
It has over 5,000 perfect reviews from customers who love it for its rich, creamy texture. It, along with its honey-infused counterpart, also happens to be keto-friendly.
Top your popcorn off with chocolate chips from Enjoy Life (and for more on sweet ideas, keep scrolling.)
6. Go cheesy.
In the mood for something cheesy? Look in your pantry, says Tosi. "Take a seasoning packet from your favorite boxed mac and cheese and add it to a batch of popcorn with 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of sugar and — wait for it — 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning."
Better yet, try serving it up Italian style! "One of my favorite ways to dress up popcorn is with a cacio e pepe twist," says chef George Guzman of Carta Wine Bar. "I toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and a good amount of cracked black pepper. It’s simple but full of flavor — basically cacio e pepe in snack form."
This mix lets you skip the mac (no wasted pasta) and just enjoy the cheese.
"I bought this cheese powder because of a new recipe that asked for this. I love it," wrote one satisfied customer. "The flavor is not as strong as Kraft cheese, but it is still pretty good. I like the flavor! It's very convenient to have. I am looking forward to using it in a bunch of new recipes. 10/10 recommend!"
I'm also a fan of King Arthur's Better Cheddar for a white Vermont cheddar version.
Taking the cacio e pepe route? Grab this No. 1 bestselling shaker for when you don't have fresh parmesan in stock.
More than 1,900 Amazon reviewers sing its praises. "With 16 glorious ounces of salty, cheesy magnificence, this unassuming shaker is about to become the MVP of your pantry. It’s not just cheese — it’s a lifestyle ...," wrote one enthusiast, who also called the cheese "a culinary crown jewel."
Don't forget to sprinkle on black pepper for good, spicy measure.
7. Brave the spicy.
"Have fun experimenting by tossing your freshly popped kernels with smoked paprika, chipotle, harissa, cinnamon or chili spices — whatever bold flavors you love," says Patel. Just mix your popcorn with melted butter or flavored oil first so the spices stick.
Ari Miller, chef-in-residence at Poi Dog advises adding "a slice of fresh ginger in the oil to start or a pinch of powdered ginger once the kernels start popping, along with a splash of rice wine vinegar and a pinch of chili flakes. I use our Chili Peppah Water as a shortcut and finish the popcorn with a modest sprinkle of flaky salt once it's in the bowl to enjoy while binge-watching spy shows."
For a spicy shortcut, try drizzling a wing sauce over your popcorn. This version from Melinda's is creamy and better yet, the brand's Mexicana Hot Sauce was created specifically for popcorn, says Melinda's co-founder and che David Figueroa.
8. Combine sweet and salty.
As you’re making your popcorn, try melting 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips with a teaspoon of vegetable oil in 15-second spurts until melted, recommends Tosi. "Then drizzle it over your popcorn along with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 cup slivered almonds, let the chocolate harden, and you’ve got yourself an irresistible salted dark-chocolate almond popcorn."
“To recreate the flavor of our Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Popcorn at home, coat freshly popped kernels with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt," adds Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylan's Candy Bar. For an extra indulgence, toss in some chocolate chips while the popcorn is still warm. "The chocolate will melt slightly, creating a gooey, sweet-and-salty combination that’s pure perfection.”
This top-rated caramel sauce from Stonewall Kitchen strikes the perfect (read: delicious) balance between sweet, salty, chewy and creamy. Drizzle some over your popcorn or popcorn sundae — more on that below!
If you want something slightly less sticky, or to be used as a lighter base for other treats, consider this Caramel Corn powder from Kernel Season's.
It's made of real brown sugar and can be stored in the pantry, particularly helpful for those with limited fridge space. Then just add a few chocolate chips to taste.
9. Add your favorite candy.
For the serious sweet tooth, Lauren suggests drizzling warm chocolate syrup over popcorn kernels, then sprinkling on mini candies, "like M&M’S or chopped gummy bears" (she personally likes tossing some of her own popcorn over Ben & Jerry's Marshmallow Sky ice Cream with toppings to create a sundae).
"It’s a fun, dessert-inspired snack that’s perfect for movie nights or as a whimsical party treat" she says. "One of the reasons popcorn is so beloved is that it’s a snack everyone can customize. You can start with a simple base and have fun experimenting with different toppings to make it your own!”
This chocolate sauce topping from Ghirardelli is gooey but not too runny, and the squeeze bottle makes it easy to apply.
The brand also sells a set pairing chocolate with caramel for the ultimate decadence.
Essential popcorn gear
Looking for a good popping pot? Look no further than this maker from the Great Northern Popcorn Company, beloved by more than 3,000 Amazon customers for its traditional design and efficiency.
A "quick, simple popcorn maker that pays for itself in no time and has an uncanny ability to pop every kernel every time without burning them. Cleaning is quick and easy too," wrote one of its 3,000+ five-star reviewers, who referred to the pot as the "definitive way to enjoy popcorn."
The brand advises heating 2-3 tablespoons of oil, adding 1/2 cup of kernels to the pot and then stirring continuously until you've blossomed every last kernel.
For more hands-free popping, this innovation from Popco allows you to pop fresh popcorn, sans any bags, oiling or buttering, right in the microwave, in a matter of minutes.
"We’re a retired couple that loves popcorn, so thought I would try it," wrote one of its 25,000+ fans. "I was extremely surprised at how well it works! It's super easy to use and makes the perfect amount for the two of us, and it’s dishwasher safe. I liked it so much I gifted it to family members for Christmas. They love it as well!!"
Just fill the bottom portion up with kernels to the measuring lines, cover it with the lid and microwave for 2-3 minutes. The bowl holds up to 15 cups of popcorn and can be used for serving. It's also collapsible for easy storing — and comes in a range of shades for adding a fun touch to movies.
A dedicated mixing and serving bowl makes every popcorn night feel momentous, and this one from Wabash Valley Farms is not only adorable, but durable and dishwasher-safe.
According to this reviewer, it easily holds two large bags of popcorn so you won't need to pause your movie or TV show to go get a refill.
While you're at it, consider a set of brightly colored popcorn bowls the whole crew can enjoy.
These Red Co. bowls are lightweight, shatterproof and can be thrown in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. They're also safe for the oven for when toppings need (re-) heating.
For a set of mixing bowls that double as snacking bowls to go around, this top-rated, professional baker-approved set is worth checking out.
The bowls are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance, nesting for compact storage — and they have lids to keep popcorn contained when you're transferring it to another room or beyond.
Last time we checked, they were on sale for more than $50 off, so we suggest grabbing them while you can.
If you're hoping to have a fun night in, this popcorn kit from Urban Accents could be just the ticket. It features three types of kernels, along with five different seasonings — some sweet, some spiced — for getting the flavor just right.
Wrote one reviewer, "... If you’re looking to add some excitement to your movie nights and elevate your popcorn game, I highly recommend giving this product a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
