Microwave Popcorn (3 Ways!) - Downshiftology (2024)

Let’s make some homemade microwave popcorn! This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, with just a few ingredients (though really, you only need one!). Plus, it’s much healthier than store-bought packets.

Warm, fresh popcorn is one of my favorite “go-to” healthy snacks. It’s light, low-calorie, and satisfies those crunchy, salty cravings. You can whip it up in a pot on the stove, but it’s even easier (like ridiculously easy) in the microwave.

The best part of homemade microwave popcorn is knowing you don’t have any funky additives, as you would with store-bought microwave popcorn. It’s just natural, freshly popped kernels. And with a pinch of salt and drizzle of butter, I guarantee this will be the only way you make popcorn in the future!

Microwave Popcorn – Just a Few Ingredients!

Technically, you only need corn kernels to make popcorn. But with a little oil, salt, and butter, it makes it taste 10x better.

• Popcorn Kernels: Any variety will work here, but I highly recommend organic popcorn as corn is one of the most prolific GMO and sprayed crops.
• Oil: Both olive or avocado oil work for this recipe. And yes, you can even make it without oil…read more below!
• Salt and Butter: These ingredients are of course optional, but boy do they turn a simple bowl of popcorn into an extra tasty one! Bonus – I’ve got a few more creative flavor ideas down below.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

3 Ways to Make Microwave Popcorn

Most recipes call for using a paper bag to make microwave popcorn. But I’ve tested two other ways that create perfectly popped results every time. For all of these methods, I mix the kernels with just a tiny amount of oil first. Here are your options:

In a Paper Bag

Add the popcorn kernels to a paper bag and fold over the the top twice. Microwave for about 2 to 4 minutes, stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Then, remove the bag from the oven.

In a Stasher Bag

Add the popcorn kernels to a large upright Stasher Bag and close the bag. Microwave for about 2 to 4 minutes, stopping when you hear a few seconds between pops. Then, remove the bag from the oven.

In a Glass Bowl

Add the popcorn kernels to a medium to large glass bowl (make sure it’s tempered glass) and place a ceramic dinner plate on top of the bowl to act as a lid. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, then stop when you hear a few seconds between pops.

Carefully remove the bowl from the oven (it will be hot), remove the plate, and let the bowl cool to the touch before diving in.

Add Some Fun Flavors To Your Popcorn

Butter and salt is my go-to seasoning, but the world is your oyster when it comes to flavoring up a bowl of popcorn!

• Make it sweet: Add a dash of cinnamon and sugar, or drizzle it with a bit of honey and butter.
• Bump up the savoriness: Can’t beat a garlic parmesan combo! Just add a sprinkle of garlic powder and parmesan cheese.
• Give it a spiced kick: Along with salt and butter, add a pinch of cayenne powder or chili powder for a bold, spiced flavor
• Add a hint of spicy tang: For my chili lime lovers, add a dash of chili powder with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Ways To Store Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is undoubtedly best when it’s fresh. But if you happened to pop a bit too much, you can store it an air-tight container or sealable bag. It will keep for 1-2 weeks. But here’s a few extra tips to make sure your popcorn stays fresh.

• Let the popcorn cool completely before storing away. Otherwise it will become soggy since you’re trapping in moisture from the heat.
• Don’t add any butter, salt, or flavorings as it can make the popcorn a bit softer. Store it plain, then add any toppings before serving again!

More Healthy Snack Ideas

Got a craving for the munchies? Here are a few more nibbles that will satisfy your hunger.

• Zucchini Chips
• Banana Bread Energy Balls
• Trail Mix Granola Bars
• Classic Hummus

If you make this microwave popcorn, let me know how it turned out!I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.