Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe is a tasty, cheesy snack perfect for movie nights or parties. It is crunchy, flavorful and easy to make at home.
Unlike store-bought popcorn, homemade cheddar popcorn is fresh and packed with real cheese flavor. You only need a few simple ingredients and a little time to prepare it.
This recipe is fun for kids and adults alike. In this post, I will show you how to make Cheddar Cheese Popcorn step by step. You will also learn the best ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Popcorn and useful tips for the perfect cheesy snack every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried making cheddar cheese popcorn for a movie night at home. The smell of melted cheese was irresistible. When I tasted it, it was crunchy, cheesy and delicious.
My family loved it instantly. We finished the whole bowl in minutes! Now, I make this popcorn regularly. It is simple, fast and much better than store-bought snacks. The homemade flavor is fresh and cheesy and everyone always asks for more.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large saucepan with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil or butter into a large saucepan. Heat on medium until hot, but not smoking.
2. Add Popcorn Kernels
Add popcorn kernels to the pan. Stir quickly to coat them in oil. Cover with a lid.
3. Pop the Corn
Shake the pan occasionally while the kernels pop. Pop until the sound slows to 2–3 seconds between pops.
4. Transfer to Bowl
Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels carefully.
5. Add Cheese Powder
Sprinkle cheddar cheese powder evenly over the popcorn. Use a spoon or spatula to mix gently.
6. Season with Salt and Paprika
Add salt and paprika if desired. Mix well to coat all popcorn with cheese and seasoning.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste a piece. Add more cheese or salt if needed. Mix again gently to spread flavor evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Pour popcorn into a serving bowl. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and crunch.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh popcorn kernels for better popping.
- Cheese powder gives the best cheesy flavor.
- Shake pan gently to avoid burning kernels.
- Mix quickly to coat all popcorn evenly.
- Serve immediately for the crunchiest snack.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Cheese Popcorn is perfect for movie nights, parties or quick snacks. Serve it with soda, lemonade or iced tea. You can also mix it with nuts or caramel popcorn for variety.
Best Sides To Serve With
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes to refresh crispiness. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may make popcorn chewy.
Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional for extra flavor
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil or butter into a large saucepan. Heat on medium until hot, but not smoking.
Add Popcorn Kernels
- Add popcorn kernels to the pan. Stir quickly to coat them in oil. Cover with a lid.
Pop the Corn
- Shake the pan occasionally while the kernels pop. Pop until the sound slows to 2–3 seconds between pops.
Transfer to Bowl
- Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels carefully.
Add Cheese Powder
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese powder evenly over the popcorn. Use a spoon or spatula to mix gently.
Season with Salt and Paprika
- Add salt and paprika if desired. Mix well to coat all popcorn with cheese and seasoning.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste a piece. Add more cheese or salt if needed. Mix again gently to spread flavor evenly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Pour popcorn into a serving bowl. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh popcorn kernels for better popping.
- Cheese powder gives the best cheesy flavor.
- Shake pan gently to avoid burning kernels.
- Mix quickly to coat all popcorn evenly.
- Serve immediately for the crunchiest snack.
FAQs about Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
1. Can I use microwave popcorn instead of kernels?
Yes, but homemade popcorn is fresher. Cheese powder sticks better to freshly popped kernels than microwaved popcorn.
2. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder along with cheese powder for a spicy kick.
3. Can I use real shredded cheese instead of powder?
Powder works best for even coating. Shredded cheese may melt and make popcorn soggy.
4. How do I keep popcorn crunchy?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid covering while still warm, which can trap moisture.
5. Can I make this in large batches?
Yes, double or triple ingredients. Popcorn in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan for even popping.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe is simple, quick and delicious. Now you know how to make Cheddar Cheese Popcorn at home. The ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Popcorn are easy to find and the process is fun.
Perfect for snacks, movie nights or parties, this cheesy treat is crunchy and flavorful. Try this recipe and enjoy fresh, homemade, cheesy popcorn anytime.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
