Name: Homemade Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil preferred); 1/2 cup popcorn kernels; 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cheddar cheese powder packet; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional); Fine sea salt (to taste)

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Introduction

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Popcorn is a quick and easy snack that’s bursting with savory flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the perfect crunchy, cheesy treat right at home.

A large white bowl filled with a heap of golden yellow and light brown popcorn, showing fluffy and slightly crunchy textures with some pieces darker than others, resting on a white marbled surface. Scattered pieces of popcorn surround the bowl, with two smaller white bowls partially visible, also filled with popcorn. A soft gray cloth and a small metal dish with salt sit nearby. The scene is bright with natural light highlighting the popcorn's varying colors and textures, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil preferred)
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cheddar cheese powder packet (see note)

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Fine sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, add the oil and three popcorn kernels. Heat over high heat and cover the pan. Wait for these test kernels to pop to know the oil is hot enough.
Step 2: While waiting, measure the remaining 1/2 cup popcorn kernels. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop in short intervals, being careful not to overheat.
Step 3: Remove the cheddar cheese powder packet from the box. Stir in ground mustard if using.

Step 4: Once the three test kernels have popped, add the 1/2 cup popcorn kernels to the pan. Cover and immediately remove from heat. Gently swirl the pan side to side for 20 seconds.
Step 5: Return the pan to heat. The kernels should start popping quickly. When the popcorn is about halfway popped (around 30 seconds to 1 minute into popping), slightly crack the lid to release steam.
Step 6: If popping slows, gently shake the pan to help remaining kernels reach the heat. Once popping has nearly stopped, remove the pan from heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl or a brown paper bag for tossing.

Step 7: Toss the popcorn with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese powder evenly over the popcorn, then toss or shake again to coat completely. Season with fine sea salt to taste and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor and high smoke point, but any vegetable oil works well.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese powder before tossing.

Try swapping the cheddar powder for nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan alternative.
Be careful not to overheat the butter to avoid burning or separating.

Storage

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, spread popcorn on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make popcorn chewy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pile of popcorn with a mix of white and golden-yellow kernels, some pieces showing a light dusting of orange powder, giving a salted cheese look. The texture is fluffy with irregular shapes and slight browning on a few pieces. The kernels are tightly packed together, filling the whole frame with bright and vivid colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn instead of kernels?

Microwave popcorn usually contains added oils and flavorings, so it’s best to use plain kernels for this recipe to control the ingredients and get the best cheesy flavor.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese powder?

You can substitute with grated cheddar cheese sprinkled over warm popcorn, though it won’t be as evenly coated. Alternatively, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.