Healthy Homemade Popcorn

Homemade Popcorn is EASY to make at home. This method for stovetop popcorn, makes the BEST Homemade Popcorn!

Healthy Homemade Popcorn

Are you looking for a healthy and easy snack for your kids after school?

A snack you can whip up in a matter of minutes and feel good eating?

Are you about to sit down for a family movie? About to catch up on your favorite shows on DVR?

POPCORN is the perfect snack for each one of those occasions!!!!

Popcorn is a great go-to snack for so many reasons.

• Making popcorn at home is EASY.
• Popcorn is whole grain
• Popcorn satisfies your craving for something salty or crunch
• You can eat a large serving of homemade popcorn for very few calories
• Popcorn is also high in fiber.

When prepared on the stove, making popcorn at home is truly healthy and easy!! There are no nasty chemicals here or abundance of unnecessary salt, just real food that tastes more amazing than any bag you buy to pop into the microwave.

How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

• To make popcorn on the stovetop, place 1-2 tablespoons of oil into the bottom of a heavy 6 QT saucepan, or a metal popcorn pan.
• Add 2-3 kernels of popcorn and cover the pan with a lid.
• Once you hear a kernel pop, pour about 1/2 cup of kernels into the pan (enough to just cover the bottom of the pan.)
• Cover the pan and every 30 seconds, pick up the pan to shake up the popcorn kernels.
• I strongly recommend picking up the pan to shake, so you don’t scratch up your stove.
• Once you hear the kernels stop popping, remove from heat and remove the lid.
• Salt with 1 teaspoon of salt, or to your liking.

What Oil is Best to use for Homemade Popcorn?

I strongly suggest using coconut oil for making stovetop popcorn.

• Coconut oil has a high smoking point and it tastes like what you purchase at movie theaters and gives you the added health benefits of fatty acids.
• Feel free to use canola oil if desired.
• NEVER use olive oil–the flavor of the oil is much too overpowering for the delicate flavor of the popcorn.

Which Popcorn Kernels are best for Homemade Popcorn?

My son once did a science fair project on which popcorn kernels are best. We tested every brand of popcorn we could get our hands on and at least 10 times per brand of each popcorn.

We ate A LOT of popcorn. 

The verdict was clear.

• Orville Redenbacher Kernels pop up the fluffiest and leave the fewest unpopped kernels.
• However, if you consider the price per ounce, Wal-Mart store brand kernels were best. They left behind more kernels than Orville, but there was a cost-saving at the end of the day.

What salt is best for homemade popcorn?

The finer the salt, the better it will stick to your popcorn and flavor your popcorn evenly.

I love kosher salt, but you should NOT use kosher salt or sea salt for that matter to season your popcorn.

The best salt to use for homemade popcorn is good old table salt or a super-fine salt. You can even find salt labeled Popcorn Salt. 

Notes on Homemade Stove Top Popcorn

• Season this popcorn as desired. I find that the salt and oil are perfect, but you can add in grated cheese, Italian seasoning, etc.
• Stainless steel pans work best for popping popcorn on the stovetop. Avoid nonstick pans.

More DIY Recipes

• Homemade Drumstick Ice Cream Cones
• Homemade Chicken Stock
• Naturally Sweetened Homemade Applesauce
• DIY Taco Seasoning
• Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Homemade Stovetop Popcorn

An easy recipe for wholesome homemade popcorn--made right on the stove!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or canola oil
• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions

• To make popcorn on the stovetop, place 1-2 tablespoons of oil into the bottom of a heavy 6 quart saucepan, or a metal popcorn pan.
• Add 2-3 kernels of popcorn and cover the pan with a lid. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and shake occassionally.
• Once you hear a kernel pop, pour about 1/2 cup of kernels into the pan (enough to just cover the bottom of the pan.)
• Cover the pan and every 30 seconds, pick up the pan to shake up the popcorn kernels. I strongly recommend picking up the pan to shake, so you don't scratch up your stove.
• Once you hear the kernels stop popping, remove from heat and remove the lid.
• Salt with 1 teaspoon of salt, or to your liking.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Stovetop Popcorn

Amount Per Serving

Calories 127 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 51mg2%

Potassium 56mg2%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 175IU4%

Iron 0.6mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!