Oh no! You’ve ended up with a bag of microwave popcorn that’s too big for your microwave.
Fear not! You can still get that corn popping.
How to pop your popcorn if the bag is too big for the microwave
1. Fold the Bag
Depending on how the bag is made, you may be able to fold the bag slightly to make it fit. Make sure that it can still rotate, as this is crucial for even cooking.
2. Use a bowl
Empty to contents of the bag into microwave safe glass bowl that fits in the microwave and heat for 2-4 minutes. Stay near the microwave and watch to ensure the popcorn doesn’t burn.
3. Use a different bag
You can pop your corn in any microwave-safe bag. Transfer some of the popcorn kernels to a paper lunch bag, fold the top down a few times, and microwave that instead.
This method, however, could lead to inconsistent popping and potentially burnt popcorn if you’re not careful, as these bags don’t have the same heat technology as traditional microwave popcorn bags.
4. Use a Silicon Popcorn Popper
A silicon popcorn popper is a great way to prepare popcorn in a microwave and can be used with kernels from microwave popcorn bags. Here’s how:
Step 1
Open the popcorn bag carefully and pour the kernels into the silicone popcorn maker. Be aware that the kernels from a microwave popcorn bag are typically coated in oil and seasonings, which can be a bit messy.
Step 2
Place the lid on the silicone popcorn maker. Depending on your particular model, you may leave it slightly ajar to let steam escape.
Step 3
Microwave the popcorn according to the silicone popcorn maker’s instructions. If no specific time is suggested, start with 2-4 minutes. When the pops slow to about 2 seconds apart, stop the microwave.
Step 4
Carefully remove the popcorn maker from the microwave. It will be very hot, so use oven mitts or a towel.
Step 5
Let the popcorn sit for a minute to cool, then remove the lid, and enjoy your popcorn.
Keep in mind that microwave popcorn bags are designed to evenly distribute heat and the amount of oil and seasonings included may be too much for a silicone popcorn maker, so the results might not be perfect.
If you plan to regularly use a silicone popcorn maker, consider buying plain popcorn kernels and adding your oil and seasonings, as this will likely give you better results and is more cost-effective.
5. Pop your popcorn on the stove
You only need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid to pop your popcorn on a stovetop.
Pour a little oil in the pot (enough to coat the bottom), heat it over medium heat, add a few popcorn kernels and wait for them to pop. This is your sign that the oil is hot enough. Then, add the rest of your popcorn, cover the pot, and shake it periodically to prevent the popcorn from burning.
How Do You Microwave Popcorn in a Small Microwave?
To microwave popcorn in a small microwave, you could squeeze the popcorn bag into it and put it on. The biggest problem you’ll have is that the bag won’t turn. Every 20 seconds, you’ll need to stop the microwave and turn the bag 180 degrees. This will help to distribute the heat across all the kernels in the bag.
Be warned, this isn’t the most effective method, and you will likely end up with many old maids (unpopped kernels) in the bottom of the bag. But it will give you enough popcorn to satisfy your craving.
You could also use a small microwavable bowl, a silicon popper, or a smaller bag, as explained at the start of this article.
What Size Microwave Fits a Popcorn Bag?
An average size microwave measures 22 inches by 18 inches. You shouldn’t have any problems fitting a popcorn bag into a microwave of this size.
However, some microwaves can be as small as 15 inches by 10 inches. These microwaves are great for small kitchens but not so great for cooking bags of popcorn. This is when you’ll need to cook your popcorn alternatively, such as without a bag.
How Do You Make Microwave Popcorn Without a Bag?
You can make microwave popcorn without a bag in either a microwavable glass bowl or a silicone popcorn popper.
To use a glass bowl, fill your bowl with as many popcorn kernels as you like. Then, cover the top of the bowl with a plate or microwave safe cover and put it into the microwave.
As a rough guide, it will take between 2 and 4 minutes for your popcorn to be ready. But it’s best to keep a listen out for when the popping slows to once every 2 to 3 seconds and then remove.
If you’ve got a silicone popcorn popper handy that fits into your microwave, you can fill it with kernels, place it in your microwave for 2 to 4 minutes, and remove it when the popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds.
If you have neither of these, you can use an alternative bag.
Can You Transfer Bagged Popcorn Into Smaller Bags?
If you prefer to cook your popcorn in a popcorn bag, you can buy smaller bags to do this. 1 oz bags are perfect for making a single serving of popcorn. This size bag should fit into even the smallest of microwaves. If you still have plenty of room in your microwave when using this size bag, consider going up to a 1.5 oz or 2 oz bag.
Once you’ve settled on the best size popcorn bag for your microwave, follow the below guide:
- Carefully cut open the top of the bag of popcorn kernels.
- Pour the contents into the smaller bags.
- Seal the smaller bags by folding the top of the bags over several times.
- Cook the popcorn by following our guide on how to make popcorn in a microwave.
What Bags Can You Use to Make Popcorn in a Microwave?
Popcorn bag too big for the microwave? Popcorn bags are usually made from paper. Most of the ones that come stuffed full of popcorn contain chemicals that stop grease from leaking out of the bag. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) is the chemical that is usually used and it’s known to cause several health problems, including:
- Obesity
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney disease
- Some types of cancer
Now that you know this, you’re probably relieved that your popcorn bag is too big for your microwave.
But are there any popcorn bags that are small and safe to use in a microwave?
Stasher bags are a good option as they are:
- BPA-free
- BPS-free
- Phthalates-free
- FDA food contact and safety compliant
Stasher bags are made from silicone and are reusable, so you haven’t got to keep spending out on popcorn bags.
Here’s some of our favourite Stasher Bag options:
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Make Popcorn in Stasher Bag
What you will need:
- A good size microwave-friendly stasher bag
- Popcorn kernels
- Oil
- Toppings/ seasonings
It’s super easy to make popcorn in stasher bag. Get the kernels and oil in the stasher bag in the microwave for a few minutes. Leave a gap in bag for steam to escape.
Wait for when you have a few seconds between pops and it should be ready. Take out of microwave carefully as it’ll be hot. Give it a good shake and serve!
Learn more about how to prepare popcorn in a stasher bag.
Do I Have to Cook Popcorn in the Microwave?
No, you don’t have to cook popcorn in the microwave, even if it’s in a microwavable bag.
You can use:
- An air fryer
- The stove top
- An Air popper
- A popcorn machine.
Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
Using a microwave to make popcorn is easy, convenient, and a quick way to make a satisfying and filling snack. There’s no need to worry if you’ve only got a small microwave and can’t fit your popcorn bag in it, as there are plenty of ways to solve this problem and get your popcorn fix.
Sources
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a94264/how-to-make-stovetop-popcorn/
https://www.thekitchn.com/stasher-bag-popcorn-trick-23130281
https://microwavemealprep.com/how-to-microwave-popcorn-without-bag/
