This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn is a tasty snack that’s buttery, cheesy, and super garlicky! Perfect for movie nights or just because you need a crunchy treat.
Just imagine munching on this popcorn while you binge your favorite show. I love how easy it is to make—just pop, toss with melted butter and seasonings, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn Kernels: The star of the show! I recommend using high-quality kernels for the best popping. If you’re in a pinch, pre-packaged popcorn works too, but watch out for added flavors that might clash with the garlic.
Roasted Garlic: Roasting garlic brings out its sweet and mellow flavor. You can buy pre-roasted garlic or roast it yourself in the oven. If you’re short on time, feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is often best!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor. If that’s not available, Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you’re looking for something plant-based.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, as it allows you to control the saltiness. For a healthier twist, you could substitute with olive oil; just know it changes the flavor a bit!
How Do You Make Sure Your Popcorn Stays Crunchy?
Keeping popcorn crunchy is key, especially when mixing with buttery seasonings. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to pop the kernels in a dry environment; moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Let the popcorn cool slightly before adding the garlic butter mixture. This helps keep it crispy.
- Drizzle oils or butter slowly and toss gently to prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy.
- Serve immediately after seasoning for maximum crunch!
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, mashed into a paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious popcorn takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Popping the kernels will take around 5 minutes, and mixing with the garlic butter and seasonings should only take about another 5 minutes. It’s quick and oh-so-rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pop the Popcorn:
Use your preferred method to pop the popcorn kernels—whether that’s on the stovetop, in an air popper, or in the microwave. Once they’re popped, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl and set it aside for now. Make sure to leave out any unpopped kernels!
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the mashed roasted garlic paste and gently cook for about 1 minute. This step helps the garlic flavor infuse into the butter, making your popcorn extra delicious.
3. Mix It Up:
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over your bowl of popcorn. While doing this, use your hands or a large spoon to toss the popcorn gently, ensuring every piece gets a tasty coating!
4. Add Seasonings:
Now sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) onto the popcorn. Toss everything together again so that all the seasonings are mixed in well.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your roasted garlic Parmesan popcorn is ready to go! It’s best when served immediately while it’s still warm and crunchy. Grab a bowl, settle in, and enjoy this savory snack during your favorite show or movie!
Can I Use Pre-Popped Popcorn for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use pre-popped popcorn! Just make sure it’s plain and unsalted to ensure that the flavors from the garlic butter and seasonings shine through. However, freshly popped popcorn will give you the best crunch and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Roasted Garlic?
No worries! If you don’t have roasted garlic, you can use fresh minced garlic instead. Just sauté it in the butter for a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as raw garlic can have a sharper taste.
Can I Store Leftover Popcorn?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that it may lose some crunch over time. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes if you want to try to refresh it!
Is This Recipe Easily Scalable?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Just remember to make sure you have a large enough bowl for tossing, and adjust your seasoning quantities accordingly for even flavor distribution!
