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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free

    December 9, 2021

    Perfect, Easy Popcorn On The Stovetop!

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    Making popcorn on the stove top isn't hard, but there are a few important details you need to pay attention to get the PERFECT pop every time.

    Stovetop popcorn in a stainless steel pan.
    Stovetop Popcorn

    *Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Popcorn is the best healthy and versatile snack, you can do so many fun things with it and it's gluten free!

    I highly recommend making your treat on the stovetop or in an air popper. Bagged popcorn can contian chemicals and preservatives, but homemade popcorn gives you much more control over ingredients.

    Want more popcorn recipes? You can't go wrong with this Confetti Popcorn or my tasty Sweet Cinnamon Popcorn!

    Ingredients:

    Homemade, stovetop popcorn requires only 3 simple ingredients!

    Popping corn: you can get a giant jar of popcorn for just a few dollars making this snack delicious, healthy and affordable.

    Oil: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil are all great options.

    Salt: salt the oil and add more afterwards if you like (a little melted butter is also very tasty)!

    Ingredients for stovetop popcorn: oil, salt and popcorn kernels.
    Ingredients

    How to make popcorn on the stovetop:

    Step 1: heat oil

    Place a large, high quality pan on the stovetop. Measure oil and salt into the pan and place heat on medium low (heat level is very important, see expert tips below for more info)! Place 3 test kernels in the oil and put a lid on the pan.

    A stainless steel pan coated in oil and salt. 3 test kernels sit in oil.
    Test Popcorn Kernels

    Step 2: listen carefully

    When you hear test kernels pop, add remaining popcorn to the pan and quickly re-lid. This time, place the lid at a slight angle so that steam can escape. Give the pan a good shake halfway through to encourage un-popped kernels to the bottom.

    Stovetop popcorn in a lidded, stainless steel pan. Lid is tilted to prevent steaming.
    Lid Tilted On Pan

    Step 3: enjoy!

    Add desired toppings and seasonings to your popcorn and enjoy!

    Homemade, stovetop popcorn in a large, stainless steel pan.
    Fresh, Homemade Popcorn!

    Expert tips!

    Heat level is very important! Too low: kernels will sit in oil too long before popping and they'll begin to brown. Also, pops won't be as explosive, resulting in small pieces of popcorn rather than big and fluffy. Too high: you'll risk oil beginning to smoke and completely burning your popcorn. It's all about getting that perfect temperature! I've found that medium low works well (my stovetop has settings 1-8, I use 3 for popcorn).

    Popping all kernals: give your pan a good shake halfway through to encourage unpropped kernels to the bottom so they are right on the heat source.

    For crispy popcorn: tilt the lid on the pan while kernels are popping. Each explosion creates a bit of steam and if the lid is fully on the pan, the kernels will sit in that additional moisture making them chewy rather than crisp.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Perfect, Easy Stovetop Popcorn!

    Delicious popcorn made on the stovetop with just a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt! Healthy, gluten free and delicious!
    Prep Time3 minutes mins
    Cook Time7 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Gluten Free Snacks, Healthy Snacks, Homemade Popcorn, How To Make Stovetop Popcorn, Stovetop Popcorn
    Servings: 8 cups
    Calories: 35kcal
    Author: Stacey Adams

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup popping corn
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil *coconut or grapeseed oil will also work
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Place a large, high quality pan on the stovetop. Measure oil and salt into the pan and place heat on medium low.
    • Place 3 test kernels in the oil and put a lid on the pan.
    • When you hear test kernels pop, add remaining popcorn to the pan and quickly re-lid. This time, place the lid at a slight angle so that steam can escape (this will make the popcorn crisper rather than chewy).
    • Give the pan a good shake halfway through to encourage un-popped kernels to the bottom. Once pops are 2-3 seconds apart, remove from heat.
    • Add desired toppings and seasonings to your popcorn and enjoy!

    Storage:

    • Store in an airtight, food safe storage container for up to a week.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup (all values are approximate) | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 0.07g

    Did you make this recipe?!

    Wahoo! Thank you so much for trying it out – please be sure to leave a rating! Simply click on the stars in the recipe card above.

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    Pinterest pin for stovetop popcorn. Shows popped corn in stainless steel pan with text overlay.
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    Hi, I'm Stacey! I love developing quick, healthy, real food recipes to share with you and your family. Eating nutritious food doesn't have to mean heaps of time in the kitchen, let me show you!

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