Homemade Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe
Enjoy a quick and easy homemade cheddar cheese popcorn recipe that’s perfectly crispy, cheesy, and buttery. Made on the stovetop with simple ingredients including popcorn kernels, cheddar cheese powder, and melted butter, this snack is a flavorful treat perfect for movie nights or anytime cravings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 3 Tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil preferred)
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
Cheese Topping
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cheddar cheese powder packet
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- Fine sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Test Kernels: In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or dutch oven, add the oil and three popcorn kernels. Heat over high heat and cover the pan. Once these test kernels pop, the oil is hot enough to pop all kernels.
- Prepare Ingredients: While waiting, measure out the remaining 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, heating in 20-second intervals if microwaving to avoid splatter. Remove the cheddar cheese packet from the macaroni box and mix in the ground mustard powder if using.
- Pop Popcorn: When test kernels pop, immediately add the 1/2 cup popcorn kernels to the pan. Cover and remove from heat, gently swirling the pan side to side for 20 seconds. Return the pan to the stove over high heat; the kernels will start popping almost instantly.
- Vent Steam: Once the kernels are about halfway popped and the pot is about half full of popcorn (approx. 30 seconds to 1 minute after popping begins), slightly crack the lid to release excess steam. This helps keep the popcorn crispy.
- Finish Popping: Gently shake the pan side to side if needed to let remaining kernels settle at the bottom. When popping slows or stops, promptly remove from heat.
- Transfer to Bowl: Immediately pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl. Using a bowl with a lid or a large brown paper bag can help with tossing.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Toss the popcorn with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese powder evenly over the buttered popcorn and toss or shake well until fully coated.
- Season and Serve: Add fine sea salt to taste, toss gently, and enjoy this cheesy, buttery popcorn immediately.
Notes
- Refined coconut oil is preferred for popping because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Ground mustard powder is optional but enhances the cheesy flavor with a subtle tang.
- Use fresh cheddar cheese powder from boxed macaroni and cheese for the best flavor.
- Cracking the lid slightly during popping prevents soggy popcorn by letting steam escape.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness; leftover popcorn may lose its crunch over time.
Keywords: cheddar cheese popcorn, homemade popcorn, stovetop popcorn, cheesy snack, quick popcorn recipe, movie snack
