How To Make Popcorn on the Stove
When I started living without a microwave I didn’t even know how to make popcorn on the stove. I was at a loss! But I learned quickly and it’s now a family favorite!
Salty crispy fresh popcorn is yours in under 5 minutes when you make popcorn on the stove! No microwave needed.
Can you make popcorn on the stove?
I haven’t had a microwave since college, it’s been many years. BUT I used to work where there was a microwave and I almost always had popcorn as a snack. I loved it SO much.
When I quit work to stay home with kids I had no idea how to make popcorn! Through trial and error, I figured it out pretty quickly. And now I’ll never go back.
What do I need to make stovetop popcorn?
You don’t need anything special to make it either. No machine, no special tools, nothing like that. You need:
- a large pot or dutch oven WITH a lid
- white or yellow popping corn
- oil
- salt
What kind of oil do I need to make popcorn?
A lot of people like and use avocado oil because it’s fine at higher temperatures. You can also use vegetable oil or a light olive oil blend. And coconut oil makes WONDERFUL popcorn!
I don’t recommend virgin olive oil though. The flavor is too overpowering when paired with popped corn. Go for a lighter oil for better flavor!
Check out my video to see how quick it can be!
More Homemade Snacks!
When you’ve got kids you know homemade snacks are important! Here’s a few of our favorites:
Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP oil of your choice see post for notes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
Instructions
- heat oil heavy-duty pan with a well-fitting lid over medium heat
- add salt
- drop in a few kernels of popcorn and put the lid on
- when they pop add the rest of corn, cover
- shake briskly over the heat 3-4 times
- when the popping starts shake more often to drop the unpopped kernels down towards the heat
- the popping is about done when you can count to 3 between pops
- turn the heat off, let it finish popping if needed
- when the popping stops remove the lid, taste for salt, add more and serve!
Nutrition
- Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- 3 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Peanut Butter Bread Recipe
- Baked Rigatoni
- Best Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
- Pink Champagne Cupcakes
- Double Decker Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes
- Heaven On Earth Cake
- Homemade Rainbow Cupcakes
- Mixed Berry Custard Pie
- Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet
- Easy Roasted Chicken
- Smoke Cleansing
I only make stovetop popcorn too. It was a family tradition to have popcorn on Sunday nights. My grandpa had a secret on making sure the most kernels popped, so I posted making popcorm my way too! My daughter stated not too long ago "it tastes a lot better than microwave popcorn" I just can't go back!
I love it! And you're adorable!
Great video! I really enjoyed it. I love making homemade popcorn too. It tastes so much better and it's so much better for you. The avocado oil is new to me though – I'll have to see if I can find some. I bet it gives a lovely flavour!
A microwave is an absolutely essential part of my kitchen. I don't cook with it, but I defrost with it, melt with it and re-heat with it. It would also be a real help to your family while you are off at food fest type trips and a WIDE variety of other times.
I haven't had a microwave for most of my adult life, and got along fine without it. I hate microwave popcorn anyway. But my niece got herself one because she missed having one (she's lived with us for 2 years, but lived with my mom before that), and it occasionally comes in useful. I wouldn't miss it if it were gone, though. When she moves out, she'll take it with her.
I have been without a microwave for just over a year now, but started making it on the stove long before then. I like to vary the fats I use for my popcorn: bacon grease, a mix of butter and vegetable oil, and coconut oil.
BUT, I do miss having a microwave. They are fabulous for killing all the yuck on your sponges. Just zap a used, wet sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes, and presto, no more bacteria!