Best Popcorn Recipes to Make with Kids

Wanna get the kiddos involved with your movie night popcorn snack? Check out this roundup of the best popcorn recipes to make with kids for some home run ideas. Your kids will be excited to help out, and everyone will gobble up the results (adults included).

Depending on the age of your children, they can help in different ways. Mixing the popcorn is an exciting way to help for younger children, while helping pop the popcorn or add the ingredients can be interesting for an older child or teen.

Everyone participates in the eating part, of course. And they’ll be begging for these recipes again and again because they’re seriously crave-worthy (and simple, too).

If you’re looking for some popcorn Halloween recipes for the kids we’ve got you covered.

Recipe #1: Pizza Popcorn

Kids love pizza, right? They’re gonna go crazy for this pizza-flavored popcorn. It’s like pizza night, but fluffier and more fun. You could also add other ingredients to doll it up, such as pepperoni, olives, or a third cheese.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popped popcorn (½ cup plain kernels popped or 1 bag plain microwave popcorn)
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (or butter-flavored coconut oil)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tabelspoon pizza seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Here’s how to do it:

Mix the melted butter/oil, tomato paste, pizza seasoning, and salt; whisk until the tomato paste is mixed in thoroughly.
Add this seasoning mixture to the popcorn in a large mixing bowl or paper bag and toss to coat evenly.
Add the cheeses and toss again to mix evenly throughout the popcorn.

Check this article for all your favorite popcorn recipe ideas.

Recipe #2: S’mores Popcorn

This will easily be a massive hit with kiddos of any age. Fluffy popcorn, melted chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and melty marshmallows? Yes, please!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popped popcorn (½ cup plain kernels popped or 1 bag plain microwave popcorn)
2 cups chocolate chips (your favorite will do fine)
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces

Here’s how to do it:

Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined sheet tray.
Place the marshmallows on an even layer on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the oven on broil for 5 minutes.
While the marshmallows broil, melt half of the chocolate and coconut oil (if you use the microwave, be sure to stir every 30 seconds).
Drizzle the melted chocolate/coconut oil mixture over the popcorn, covering it as evenly as possible.
While the chocolate is still warm and melty, add the broiled marshmallows and graham crackers.
Melt the second half of the chocolate and coconut oil.
Drizzle that mixture over the top.

Allow to fully cool before eating; it tastes much better once the chocolate sets. This should take about 10 minutes, although it depends on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen.

We’ve put together some fun ideas for giving the gift of popcorn on valentine’s day.

Recipe #3: Peanut Butter Popcorn

Similar to caramel corn, this crunchy candy-like coating is irresistible. You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, and you could even mix a little jelly to go for a pb&j vibe if you’re feeling adventurous.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popped popcorn (½ cup plain kernels popped or 1 bag plain microwave popcorn)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Here’s how to do it:

Add the brown sugar and corn syrup to a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat (stir frequently).
Turn off the heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn; toss to coat evenly (can use a mixing bowl, paper bag, or gloved hands for this).
Allow to fully cool before eating, about 20-30 minutes.

Recipe #4: Cinnamon Bun Popcorn

Cinnamon buns are a great flavor to recreate in recipes, and this cinnamon bun recipe is no exception. The warm cinnamon is echoed by brown sugar, and the vanilla protein powder lends a sweetness reminiscent of gooey icing while providing a nutrient boost. It’s comfort in a bowl.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popped popcorn (½ cup plain kernels popped or 1 bag plain microwave popcorn)
½ cup vanilla protein powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (or butter-flavored coconut oil)

Here’s how to do it:

Mix the protein powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar and set aside.
Drizzle the melted butter/oil over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly (can use a mixing bowl or a paper bag for this).
Add the seasoning mixture, tossing to coat evenly.

Recipe #5: Ranch Popcorn

Ranch is excellent on everything, right? So why not popcorn? If you want to dive fully into the deep end, you could make a batch of this ranch popcorn and a batch of the pizza popcorn above and mix them together. Now you’ve elevated movie night snacks to an unseen level.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popped popcorn (½ cup plain kernels popped or one bag plain microwave popcorn)
3 tablespoons buttermilk powder
1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon dried dill
4 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (or butter-flavored coconut oil)

Here’s how to do it:

Melt the butter or oil in a pan; once melted, add the spices.
Drizzle over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly (can use a mixing bowl or a paper bag for this).

More Kids Popcorn Recipe Ideas

Wanna keep the flow of new ideas coming? Here are some fun additional ideas to try with kiddos:

Kiddos are sure to love cheese popcorn
Savory, spicy & sweet salt alternatives
Adventurous kiddos? Try hot sauce popcorn!
Make it healthier with protein popcorn

Don’t settle for regular butter-and-salt popcorn when your next movie night comes around. Step up your game and get your kiddos involved with some of these unique popcorn recipes they’ll love to help out with.

And why stop at movie night? These popcorn snacks would make great after-school snacks, lunchbox add-ons, or weeknight after-dinner treats.

Next, check out some more unusual popcorn recipes.