This Quick & Easy Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn recipe is a tasty low-calorie treat that’s ready in just a few minutes on the stovetop.
I am totally addicted to this popcorn! The combination of garlicky butter, a little heat from chili flakes, and the parmesan makes my mouth water! These are super easy to make and way healthier (and cheaper) than buying the pre-packaged stuff at the store.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy snack: This popcorn comes together on the stovetop in just a few minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Homemade popcorn is way cheaper than store-bought bags or microwave versions.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Popcorn kernels – any type of popping corn will do.
- Olive oil – use any type of neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or avocado.
- Chili powder – cumin or cayenne pepper both work as great substitutes. Chili flakes may not stick as well to the popcorn as chili powder would, but chili flakes can still be used as a substitution.
- Paprika – both smoked paprika and basic paprika will work. You can also use additional cayenne or chili powder as an alternative.
- Garlic powder – Garlic flakes or garlic salt can both work too.
- Rosemary – dried thyme, sage, or oregano can also work as tasty substitutes.
- Cayenne pepper – ground red pepper or red chili pepper can both be used in place of cayenne pepper.
- Melted butter – melted margarine can also be used, or melted coconut oil. Coconut oil will add a hint of a different favour than butter, but will work just as well.
- Parmesan cheese – nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for parmesan.
How to make garlic parmesan popcorn
Step 1: Heat the oil and add kernels.
Warm a large pot, swirl in a little olive oil, then add the popcorn kernels.
Step 2: Pop the corn.
Cover and cook, shaking the pot occasionally until the popping slows and the pot is full of fluffy kernels.
Step 3: Mix the spice blend and melt the butter.
Stir together the spices in a small bowl and melt the butter while the popcorn is still hot.
Step 4: Season the popcorn.
Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn, sprinkle on the spice mix to taste, and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Finish with parmesan.
Grate parmesan directly over the pot and toss again.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Serve right away while crisp.
Recipe Tips and Variations
This spicy garlic parmesan popcorn is easy to customize. You can swap out the seasoning mix with one of these fun flavour ideas:
- Cinnamon sugar: Combine 2 tbsp brown sugar with 1 tbsp cinnamon.
- Hot chocolate: Mix 1 tbsp cocoa powder with 1 tbsp powdered sugar for a more dessert-style popcorn.
- BBQ: Blend smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt for smoky-sweet flavour.
- Everything bagel: Toss with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Dill pickle: Mix dried dill, onion powder, mustard powder, and garlic powder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pop the corn in a microwave instead of on the stove?
Yes. Use plain kernels in a microwave popcorn popper or bowl, but you’ll need to be extra careful with the seasoning and butter ratios to avoid soggy or burnt popcorn.
How do I keep my popcorn from burning?
Shake the pot frequently while popping, use medium-high heat (not max), and remove from heat as soon as popping slows to about 2‐3 seconds between pops.
How do I get the seasoning to stick evenly on all the popcorn?
Make sure you drizzle melted butter while the popcorn is still hot, then toss immediately. A large bowl and gentle shaking or folding helps distribute seasoning without breaking the kernels.
How to store and make-ahead
Make ahead: Pop the kernels and keep the seasoning mix separate, then combine just before serving for the freshest flavour.
Store: Place cooled, unseasoned popcorn in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; add butter and spices when ready to eat.
More healthy snack recipes
Meal prep tools
- These Reusable silicone food bags are perfect for reducing plastic waste
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls to store your leftover popcorn in
Garlic Parmesan Popcorn {Quick & Easy}
Ingredients
- Enough popcorn kernels to cover bottom of pot in one layer about 1/4 cup
- Enough vegetable/canola oil to cover bottom of pot in one thin layer about 1-2 tbsp
Spice mix
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Popcorn topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In large pot (make sure it comes with a fitted lid!), add 1-2 tbsp olive oil (you will have to eye-ball it) and add popping corn.
- Cook covered on med-high heat, shaking pot often as popcorn starts to pop. Check on it every once in a while to make sure it isn’t burning. You should be able to tell that it’s done because the whole pot will be filled with fluffy white kernels!
- Mix together spice mix, and drizzle melted butter over hot popcorn. Put on your desired amount of the spice mix (I used almost all of it) and toss popcorn to make sure seasoning is even.
- Grate parmesan cheese directly on popcorn and toss to coat.
- Serve right away and enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
Popcorn is my favorite snack! Love this flavor combo!!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks Kathryn! Let me know if you give it a try!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
What a yummy recipe! We always pop our own popcorn, but we never spice it up. I think its time to change that! This looks delicious!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks so much Michelle! I was seriously surprised how simple this was!