How To Make Popcorn On The Stove (Healthy Stovetop Popcorn Recipe)

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Have you ever done something the same way for so long that you don’t even question it? For me, that was buying microwave popcorn. As a pretty frugal person, I eventually realized just how much extra I was paying for the “natural” versions of microwave popcorn when I could just buy a bag of kernels instead. Once you see how to make popcorn on the stove, you’ll never look back! This recipe is so simple, I could practically do it with my eyes closed (though I wouldn’t recommend it, hot stoves and blindfolds don’t mix!)

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Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Popcorn Recipe

Easy and Quick

Start to finish, making popcorn on the stove takes just five minutes. Yes, you heard that right, five minutes! That’s only a couple of minutes longer than microwave popcorn. And if you have a large family like mine and usually need to pop two bags, this method is actually faster!

Less Expensive Than Microwave Popcorn

At the time of writing this, my local grocery store sells a natural microwave popcorn with 15 servings for $6.40. Or you can buy a bag of popcorn kernels for $2.50 that serves 27 people! Talk about a markup. Next, we’ll tackle canned beans versus dried beans… but let’s take it one step at a time.

Better Ingredients

Another reason to make popcorn on the stove? The ingredients. Microwave popcorn often comes with a long list of additives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy oils. Some brands even use questionable chemicals in the lining of the bags. When you make popcorn on the stove, you control what goes in. Just kernels, a healthy oil of your choice, and maybe a sprinkle of sea salt. It doesn’t get any simpler or healthier than that! Plus, you can skip the artificial butter flavor and experiment with wholesome toppings like nutritional yeast, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate.

Ingredients To Make Popcorn On The Stove

Coconut Oil

Any high smoke point oil will work here, such as avocado oil. I always grab my coconut oil because it is what I have on hand and I like that it doesn’t add any flavor. 

Popcorn Kernels

White, yellow, blue, red… any popcorn kernels work here! Bonus, if you have a grain mill you can also make your own cornmeal from popcorn (for recipes like this delicious cornbread!)

Salt

This is optional, and to taste! I am at the point where I just eyeball it and it always turns out perfect. Less is more so make sure to add it and taste test before adding more.

Butter

Once the popcorn has popped, that’s when you add the butter, salt and any other flavorings you want to use! 

Tools You Need to Make Popcorn On The Stove

A stove. Ah okay, also a large, heavy bottomed pot, and a bowl or these cute containers to put your delicious popcorn in! That’s it, folks!

Steps For How to Make Popcorn On The Stove

Heat the Oil

Start by adding coconut oil and three test kernels to a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for the test kernels to pop. This step ensures the oil is hot enough for perfect popping.

Add the Kernels

Once the test kernels pop, add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to the pot, spreading them out in an even layer. Cover the pot with the lid, and get ready for the fun part.

Shake and Pop

Gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner to keep the kernels moving and prevent burning. Keep an ear out—when the popping slows to about two seconds between pops, it’s time to remove the pot from the heat.

Season and Serve

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and sprinkle it with salt. For an extra treat, drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat evenly. Then dig in and enjoy your perfectly popped snack!

Is Popcorn Healthy

Popcorn can absolutely be a healthy snack—when you make it right. It’s naturally whole grain, packed with fiber, and low in calories, making it a great option for when you’re craving something crunchy. The trouble comes with all the extra stuff added to store-bought versions, like artificial flavors, excessive salt, and unhealthy fats.

How to Make Popcorn On The Stove Recipe