How To Make: Popcorn on the Stove

Crunchy and buttery stovetop popcorn is super easy to make and is ready in 10 minutes. 

Step-by-step instructions on how to make deliciously buttery and salty stovetop popcorn.

An easy and classic snack is popcorn. The microwavable bags of popcorn are very easy and popular to use. But you might know if you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle that microwaves are not the healthiest options to cook with. For this reason, my family and I make it a point to not use them at all (unless we are traveling). 

As a side note about microwaves – I find that the amount of time I am saving by using a microwave doesn’t compare to the better taste and texture of my food that only an oven or stove can achieve. If you mostly use microwaves, try using the oven to reheat your leftovers next time. I know you will taste the difference!

Back to popcorn.

So we don’t use microwaves and if we want to make popcorn we have to make it on the stove. It might seem a little daunting to pop popcorn on the stove, but it is very easy and it only takes 10 minutes!

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Organic popcorn

Organic popcorn kernels are a must for this recipe. I try to only use organic or non-GMO ingredients in my cooking and it has made a huge difference in my health. Sometimes you can’t taste a difference, but one ingredient you can is popcorn kernels. 

Non-organic popcorn kernels taste weird and the shells of the popcorn kernels are perpetually getting stuck in my teeth – making for a bad popcorn experience. On the other hand, organic popcorn just tastes better and the popped popcorn pieces taste tender and I hardly get any popcorn shells stuck in my teeth. 

I buy my organic popcorn in bulk at a local store, but any organic brand would do!

Notes for making this recipe:

• In this recipe, I give you the amount of popcorn kernels needed to make 6 cups of popped popcorn which is about 2 – 3 servings. 

• A trick I found for not adding too many popcorn kernels into a pot was to pour enough kernels to cover the bottom of whatever pot you are using in a single layer. 

• I prefer aluminum foil for this recipe because you can poke holes in the top to allow for ventilation without popcorn escaping. 

• You can use a pot with a lid angled to one side to allow the steam to escape, but I find that the popcorn starts to escape as it’s popping and the final popcorn can become a little tough and soggy. 

• This popcorn is delicious with salt sprinkled over the top, but I also love it with All-purpose seasoning! It is an herb/garlic blend that I love to put on everything! 

Tools You May Need:

Two large bowls

Aluminum foil

How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

1. Start by taking a medium-sized pot and adding in the ghee/ vegetable oil and the organic popcorn kernels. Cover the pot with aluminum foil. Then poke a few holes in the aluminum foil to allow the steam to escape.

2. Cook on medium heat until the rapid popping of the popcorn starts to slow down, 4 – 5 minutes. Then remove from the heat.  Don’t wait until the popcorn has stopped popping completely because it will be burnt!

3. Transfer half of the popcorn into a large bowl. Add butter to the popcorn remaining in the pot. Cook the popcorn in the butter until the butter has melted, then sprinkle with salt. Pour into a large bowl, repeat with remaining popcorn. 

4. Serve immediately, enjoy!

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