Ditch the store-bought microwave popcorn and make Homemade Microwave Popcorn with just a few simple steps, for a healthier whole-grain snack.

Popcorn is one of our all-time favorite snacks at our house. While I prefer, Stovetop Popcorn, I also love homemade microwave popcorn.
Yes, it is COMPLETELY possible to make homemade microwave popcorn without using prepackaged bags.
The method for making homemade microwave popcorn is INCREDIBLY easy.
How to Make Homemade Popcorn in a Microwave
- Pour ½ cup of kernels into the bowl and cover the bowl with a plate.
- Place in microwave and heat for 2-5 minutes (timing depends on the wattage of the microwave).
- The popcorn will be done when popping slows to more than a second between pops.
- Of course, you can use a special bowl designed for popcorn in the microwave, but I just use a glass bowl.

Making Microwave Popcorn with a Paper Bag
I used to use a brown paper lunch bag in the microwave, however, there are now warnings against this method, and I have heard of them catching on fire in the microwave. Therefore, it is time to make a change to using a BOWL to pop popcorn in the microwave.
How to Season Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Seasoning homemade popcorn is up to you and the options are limitless.
- Mist with oil and season with fine salt.
- Coat with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
- Sprinkle with cheese and seasonings.
- Use Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning.
- Drizzle with caramel and chocolate chips.
More Easy Homemade Snacks
- Stovetop Popcorn
- Homemade Cheese Crackers
- Easy Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups
- Gluten-Free No-Bake Granola Bars

Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼-1/2 popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Pour in ½ cup kernels into the bowl and cover the bowl with a plate.
- Place in microwave and heat 2-5 minutes (timing depends on your wattage of microwave).
- The popcorn will be done when popping slows to more than a second between pops.
- Spray the popcorn with a cooking spray or toss with melted butter. Toss with salt.
Notes
- Be sure to use a bowl and plate that are heat safe.
- The glass bowl method makes two servings of homemade popcorn.
- Of course, you can use a special bowl designed for popcorn in the microwave, but I just use a glass bowl.
DB
Worked great!
Ina
this is a great suggestion, thank you! I am using for very many years an old air popper, which produces delicious and perfect popcorn, but I always think it would be nice to reduce the amount of small appliances in my tiny kitchen/storage room. THIS is it! Using a 2.5 qt Pyrex bowl with a heavy white dinner plate on top, filling in 1/4 cup of kernels - well...that's just enough for greedy ME, lol. My first try was 6 minutes on highest settings (900W), and after 5-5 1/2 minutes the bowl was filled and it almost completely had stopped popping. No burnt kernels, only maybe 1/2 tlblspoon kernels were not popped. Then put a sprinkle of oil, some salt, and Nutritional Yeast, mix. Thank you again. WARNING, though! The bowl was INCREDIBLY hot, either put it onto a folded towel, or fill it into another bowl. Nevertheless, I enjoyed having the warm bowl resting in my lap on a cold winter evening. (: