Homemade Microwave Popcorn

4 from 4 votes

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You won’t believe how easy it is to make Homemade Microwave Popcorn! All you need is a few popcorn kernels and a brown paper bag. That’s it! Just follow these super simple directions for air popped popcorn without a popper. For more snack ideas <– see here!

popcorn in bowl

Homemade Microwave Popcorn | Easy!

This is a simple recipe for homemade microwave popcorn minus all the chemicals and things that I don’t particularly like eating all the time. Much more economical and you can customize it to how you like it. All you need is a large brown paper bag (like a large lunch bag) or glass bowl and 2 minutes!

Main Ingredients Needed

With just three ingredients you can have homemade microwave popcorn worthy to grace any movie night! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Popcorn Kernels – you can find plain popcorn kernels in the snack aisle next to the boxed microwave popcorn.
  • Butter – just regular butter here for a classic movie theatre flavor.
  • Salt – and don’t forget the salt! Add more or less depending on how you like it.

Seasoning Variations

But you don’t have to make classic popcorn if you don’t want to. Search your spice cabinet high and low to create your own unique popcorn experience.

  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder + Parmesan Cheese: these all come together to create a tasty Italian-inspired snack.
  • Smoked Salt: for a pleasant smokey flavor to your popcorn.
  • Cajun Seasoning: it can be quite salty so add little bits at a time until you reach your desired saltiness.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: for a sweet option.
  • Pumpkin Spice: this would be perfect in the fall!
  • Chili Lime Seasoning: a little heat and a little zing.
  • Ranch Seasoning: who doesn’t love ranch-flavored anything?
  • Chili or Cayenne Pepper: for those of you who like things spicy!

How to Make Homemade Microwave Popcorn

For full details on how to make homemade microwave popcorn, see the recipe card down below 🙂

Pour Popcorn Kernels into a Container

Pour kernels into a plain brown paper bag. Crimp/fold the top of the bag over itself and place it on its side in the microwave.

-or-

Pour kernels into a glass bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid (a glass plate works really well). Place in the microwave.

Cook Popcorn Kernels

Cook on high for 1-2 minutes or until the popping slows to 5 second intervals. Every microwave is different and depending on the wattage, yours will be either a little shorter or a little longer. You’ll have to experiment to see where the sweet spot is for your microwave, but 1:30 is a good place to start.

Toss with Seasonings

Remove from microwave, open carefully (its really hot!) and toss with butter and seasonings.

brown paper bag on counter

More Popcorn Recipes to Try!

This is seriously the best snack to make. It’s easy, fast and so versatile. Everyone gets the flavor they want, it’s perfect for a movie night.

Anyways, the printable recipe card is down below, be sure to save it because it’s a good one! Enjoy:)

popped popcorn in brown paper bag
popped popcorn in brown paper bag
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4 from 4 votes

Homemade Microwave Popcorn Recipe

You won't believe how easy it is to make homemade Microwave Popcorn! Just follow these directions and give it a try.
servings 2 servings
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Pour kernels into a plain brown paper bag or a glass bowl with a microwave-safe lid (a glass plate works great). Crimp/fold the top of the bag over itself and place it on its side in the microwave.
  • Cook on high for 1-2 minutes or until the popping slows to 5-second intervals.
  • Remove from microwave, carefully open, and toss with butter and salt.

Notes

Seasoning Ideas
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder + Parmesan Cheese
  • Smoked Salt
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • Chili Lime Seasoning
  • Ranch Seasoning
  • Chili or Cayenne Pepper

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Iron: 1mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade microwave popcorn, Microwave Popcorn

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Recipe Rating




34 Responses
  1. Shelli Bender

    5 stars
    I am so trying this!!!
    I love a quick fix of popcorn but hate the microwaveable type with all those chemicals!! Thanks you Lauren

  2. Kaylee

    Sweetest little helper! Looking forward to trying this today with my littles. Congratulations on your 5 years as well! 😀

  3. Lauren Martin

    I love this! My family eats popcorn all the time so this is awesome! Congrats on the anniversary and I hope you feel better.
    P.S. Your daughter is too cute!

  4. Joann@The Italian Next Door

    Oh…my….goodness!! Too adorable!! Your daughter is such a little sweetie! And what a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?? My kids love to have popcorn for a snack, but I don’t like to give them much processed food and chemicals. Thanks for a great recipe Lauren! Come visit me over at my blog.

  5. dee

    your daughter. is. SO. ADORABLE!! ahh dajkhdjkahka i cannot take it..what an expressive little cutie pie! I love that she repeats what you say!! “don’t you wooorrrry!!” she’s too sweet..

  6. Carlas Confections

    Such a cute video. Brooke is so darn adorable!!! Love her 😀 Fabulous idea for popcorn. I hope you are starting to feel better too 🙂

  7. Mary-Michael

    OK, I am having cuteness overload. She is precious. And what a fun age! I have a 2 1/2 year old and we have a ball! And congratulations on the new addition!! You guys are such a cute family!

  8. Lauren @ Part Time House Wife

    Love it! I have a similiar recipe posted, It’s so addictive since there’s no guilt I go thru kernels like a popcorn fiene!
    Adorable video!

  9. Julie @ Table for Two

    i seriously want to steal brooke or have you guys visit me or me visit again. seriously SO ADORABLE. i can’t get over her haha..i hope you feel better 🙁 🙁

  10. Katie @ Blonde Ambition

    She is too cute! She’s like “forget the popcorn, we’re making jello!!!”…until you give her the bag to shake, haha.

    I’ve made popcorn on the stove before and it’s just as easy! But I like that this method has fewer dishes to wash 😉

  11. Megan | Eats Daily

    5 stars
    Ok I responded once already but I just wanted to come back and say that I made this tonight and it came out SO good and I can’t believe how easy it was. I had some kernals that I had been waiting to use but I never felt like getting out a large pot on the stove (kind of lazy) and dealing with hot oil . How’d you know the paper bag trick? Anyway, thank you!!

  12. Megan | Eats Daily

    Haha great video! You two are so funny together…I especially like the end where you tell her to say “this is how you make popcorn!” 😉

  13. Amy

    Congrats on 5 years! I am so excited for you that you are having another baby! Your daughter is just so cute! Hope you get feeling better soon

    xo

  14. Betty

    Your daughter is adorable! How easy what that popcorn!?! I’m always amazed at how little I know!! LOL Thanks for sharing… will try! Hope your daughter enjoyed her jello.

  15. Kristy (Sweet Treats & More)

    Okay, your little girl is too cute, and hilarious! What a personality! We love popcorn and usually just use our air popper, but I’ll have to give this a try!!

    Hope you’re feeling better!

  16. Lauren

    She is so dang cute! This video was a great idea. I hope she enjoyed the jello, since she seemed so excited about it! 🙂 And I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Being sick like that is the worst.

  17. Melissa

    Oh my goodness, you made my morning! Your daughter is adorable and totally cracks me up – what a fun age! We have tried popcorn like that in the microwave when I didn’t want to drag out the electric popper and it worked like a charm.

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