Stove-top Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast | Making your own stovetop popcorn is easy once you know a few important tips. Learn how to make popcorn with 4 simple ingredients like coconut oil and nutritional yeast for a satisfying snack.
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Popcorn is my favorite snack. Unless you count chips. And cheese.
Okay, popcorn is my favorite movie night snack.
Cooking popcorn on the stovetop is my favorite way to enjoy it, and making your own popcorn only takes a few minutes longer than microwave popcorn but the light texture is so satisfying.
The coconut oil and butter give great flavor along with the nutritional yeast, making this a delicious snack.
And if you haven't made homemade stovetop popcorn yet, you'll love this easy recipe with step-by-step instructions and some great tips to avoid burnt kernels.
You could also top air-popped popcorn with coconut oil, butter, and nutritional yeast if you would rather use an air popper instead of making this on the stovetop.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast, that comes in the form of yellow flakes. Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein, B12, and folic acid and has a savory umami flavor, which some people find similar to a cheesy flavor.
If you love buttery popcorn and spicy food, you'll want to try my spicy popcorn recipe next, topped with butter and Sriracha hot sauce.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- popcorn kernels: depending on how much pops, ¼ cup of popcorn kernels will make about 6-8 cups of popped popcorn.
- coconut oil: you'll use a tablespoon of coconut oil for popping the kernels and also a few tablespoons of coconut oil mixed with butter for topping the popcorn.
- butter: mixed with coconut oil to top the popcorn.
- nutritional yeast: for flavor! Read more above about nutritional yeast.
- salt and pepper: I use fine sea salt or kosher salt plus freshly ground black pepper to season the popcorn. Use your favorite, skip the pepper if you want to but it adds to the final flavors.
Substitutions
- coconut oil: if you'd rather not use this, try avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil instead, and top the popcorn with butter instead of a mix.
Don't want to make homemade popcorn? Try adding the hot sauce mixture to microwave popcorn for a super easy shortcut!
Instructions
Prep Tips
Medium heat is hot enough to pop popcorn, don't be tempted to turn it higher, which can result in burnt kernels.
Use a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. I like a glass lid because you can watch the popcorn as well as listen to it.
- Add a tablespoon of coconut oil and three kernels of corn to the pot. Add the lid and heat over about medium until the three kernels pop.
- Quickly add the rest of the popcorn kernels and add the lid back on.
- Once the popcorn pops, shake the pot quite often to cook the popcorn evenly.
For best results, cook until there are 2-3 seconds between each pop, and then remove the pot from the heat. You'll minimize unpopped kernels and help prevent the popcorn from burning by doing this.
- Add the popcorn to a large bowl.
- Melt the butter and coconut oil together.
- Drizzle a bit of the melted butter mixture on the popcorn, sprinkle with salt and pepper and the nutritional yeast, then toss it all, or use a wooden spoon the stir. Repeat until it’s topped.
Tips for Making Perfect Stovetop Popcorn Every Time
What to serve with popcorn
If you're having popcorn as a snack for a game day or movie night, I like to pair it with chocolate and nuts for a trio of flavors.
For gameday, try pairing this with a cocktail like a Mexican Mule or Raspberry Collins.
Storage
Popcorn is best served the same day it's made.
FAQs
A large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid is best to use when making stovetop popcorn because you'll get the most even heating and minimize burnt popcorn kernels.
Recipe
Stove-top Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add a tablespoon of the coconut oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid and add three popcorn kernels. Heat over medium heat.
- Melt the butter and other tablespoon of coconut oil together in a microwave.
- Once the three kernels pop, add the rest of the kernels and replace the lid.
- Heat over medium heat, shaking the pot frequently until all or most kernels pop and there are a few seconds between pops.
- To top, drizzle the butter/oil combo on top a little at a time, shaking over salt and pepper and nutritional yeast, then shake and repeat until all toppings are used up. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This post was originally posted on May 30, 2019.
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