Crunchy Salty Sweet

One of my absolute favorite foods is popcorn. I love that you can eat a lot (compared to something like chips), and there are a ton of different ways to enjoy it.

I showed you my Oscar spread last year, and in coming up with an idea for the Oscars this year, my mind instantly went to a popcorn bar. I’m sharing three of my favorite ways to enjoy popcorn (2 salty, 1 sweet), perfect to make in large batches for an Oscar party or in small batches (still large batches lets be honest) for individual consumption.

Basic Popcorn Instructions:

Spray a large pot with cooking spray (I use quite a bit, or you could use 2 teaspoons of vegetable or canola oil), and add in the popcorn kernels (1/3 cup will result in 11 cups of popped popcorn, 1/2 cup will result in 16 cups).

With the pot covered and the heat on high, shake the pot around for a few minutes. Once they start popping keep moving the pan around to prevent the popcorn from burning.

Once the popping comes to a lull (one pop every second or two), remove from heat and it’s ready to dress up!

1. Garlic Parmesan Popcorn

This one is my favorite of the three. The combination of olive oil and parmesan cheese gives the popcorn a tangy, earthy, and rich taste.

Simply melt butter and olive oil together on the stove (or in the microwave).

Pour over popcorn.

Grate parmesan cheese.

Sprinkle with parmesan, garlic powder and salt to finish.

I think I’ll add in some parsley or rosemary next time to add in a bit of freshness!

2. Sriracha Lime Popcorn

If you like things spicy, this is a must-try! The lime zest gives the needed acidity, and the sesame seeds and just a hint of nuttiness.

Melt the butter and sesame oil on the stove (or in the microwave). Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Add in the sriracha, lime zest, salt and sesame seeds and mix together.

Pour over popcorn.

Grab a glass of water, and dig in!

3. Smore’s Popcorn

I love anything related to smore’s, so I had to give this one a try. The end result is more like popcorn clusters, which are impossible to stop eating. If you like smore’s and/or rice krispie treats, you won’t regret making this!

Over medium-high heat in a medium sized pot, melt the butter. Add in the mini marshmallows and heat (stirring frequently) until fully melted.

Place the popcorn on a sheet tray and top with the crushed graham crackers. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the top.

Immediately top the popcorn with lots of salt, and the mini chocolate chips.

Let cool at room temperature (or in the fridge if you’re impatient). Once cooled, break into clusters and enjoy.

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Adapted from: BuzzFeed

Makes: Varies, recipes are easily doubled

Prep: 5 minutes (max), Cook: 5-10 minutes, Total: 10-15 minutes from start to finish for each recipe

Basic Popcorn:

• 1/3-1/2 cup popcorn kernels (1/3 cup = 11 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup = 16 cups popped popcorn)
• cooking spray or vegetable/canola oil

Spray a large pot with cooking spray and add in the popcorn kernels.

With the pot covered and the heat on high, shake the pot around for a few minutes. Once it starts popping keep moving the pan around to prevent the popcorn from burning.

Once the popping comes to a lull (one pop every second or two), remove from heat and it’s ready to go.

Garlic Parmesan Popcorn:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 11 cups popped popcorn (from 1/3 cup of kernels or a 3 oz microwave bag, popped)

Simply melt butter and olive oil together on the stove (or in the microwave).

Pour over popcorn.

Sprinkle with parmesan, garlic powder and salt to finish.

Sriracha Lime Popcorn:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 11 cups popped popcorn (from 1/3 cup of kernels or a 3 oz microwave bag, popped)

Melt the butter and sesame oil on the stove (or in the microwave). Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Add in the sriracha, lime zest, salt and sesame seeds and mix together.

Pour over popcorn, and enjoy.

Smore’s Popcorn:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 16 cups popped popcorn (from 1/2 cup of kernels, or two 3oz bags of microwave popcorn)

Over medium-high heat in a medium sized pot, melt the butter. Add in the mini marshmallows and heat (stirring frequently) until fully melted.

Place the popcorn on a sheet tray and top with the crushed graham crackers. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the top.

Immediately top the popcorn with salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Let cool at room temperature. Once cooled, break into clusters and enjoy.