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Homemade Cheddar Popcorn: Easy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

Homemade Cheddar Popcorn

Crisp stovetop popcorn is tossed with melted butter and a savory cheddar cheese powder mixture for an easy, cheesy snack ready in about 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Popcorn
  • 1/2 cup Popcorn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons Neutral-flavored oil, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
Cheddar Coating
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine salt, or to taste
Optional Seasonings
  • 1/4 teaspoon Mustard powder
  • 1 pinch Cayenne pepper or paprika

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Place the oil and 2–3 popcorn kernels in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cover and heat over medium-high heat until the test kernels pop.
  2. Add the remaining popcorn kernels, cover the pot, and shake it gently and frequently over the heat. Continue cooking until the popping slows to about one pop every 2–3 seconds.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent scorching. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter over the warm popcorn while tossing. Combine the cheddar powder with the salt and any optional seasonings, then sprinkle the mixture over the popcorn in batches while tossing continuously.
  5. Keep tossing until the butter and cheddar coating are distributed evenly. Serve immediately while the popcorn is warm and crisp.

Notes

Use cheddar cheese powder or finely powdered dehydrated cheddar instead of shredded cheese. Add the butter and cheese powder in stages while tossing; if the popcorn seems dry, use slightly more melted butter, and if it becomes greasy, add the cheese powder gradually.