Unseasoned popcorn can taste dull. While popcorn has a crunchy texture, herbs can make a huge difference to its overall taste. That’s why we’re sharing the tastiest seasoning ideas to add some pizzazz to your favorite snack.
When it comes to injecting some flavor into popcorn, your options are endless. Once the kernels have popped, pour the popcorn into a bowl. Drizzle, sprinkle or mix your chosen topping, and toss together to coat every piece. No matter what flavor you choose, season the popcorn when it’s still warm so everything absorbs thoroughly.
Why Your Popcorn Tastes Bland
Do you want to get to the bottom of why your popcorn is flavorless? There are some potential reasons that could be making it bland. Firstly, maybe you haven’t added any seasoning at all—even a small amount of salt can make a huge difference to the final flavor.
Another common reason is that you’ve overcooked or overboiled the kernels. If you choose to boil popcorn, ensure that you remove any moisture using kitchen roll to prevent the water from overpowering the seasoning.
What Are Some Good Seasonings to Put On Popcorn?
Discover a host of innovative, tasty seasoning suggestions to up-level popcorn.
Chilli Cheese
- Melt unsalted butter in a pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together nutritional yeast, salt and chili powder.
- Drizzle the butter and nutritional yeast mixture over the popcorn.
Matcha and Dark Chocolate
- Combine dark chocolate and coconut oil in a saucepan, and melt.
- Sprinkle matcha powder over the popcorn and stir.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate and sea salt over the popcorn.
Cinnamon and Sugar
- Combine cinnamon and white sugar in a bowl and mix together.
- Sprinkle to warm popcorn with a drizzle of dark chocolate chips.
Cajun
- Sprinkle store-bought cajun seasoning to popped popcorn and mix it together.
Chewy Caramel
- Melt butter over heat.
- Add syrup and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil for one minute, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn to coat lightly.
Nutty Chocolate
- Combine popcorn, pecans, and pretzels in a bowl.
- Drizzle with butter, and set aside.
- Melt white candy coating for one minute in the microwave, using 10-second intervals to stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the mixture over the popcorn, and toss to coat.
- Melt milk chocolate in a microwave, and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the popcorn and let stand for one minute.
Tex-Mex
- Add oil to a pan until it’s hot, and add cumin seeds so the oil sizzles.
- Cover and shake for two minutes.
- Transfer the cumin seeds and popcorn to a large bowl, and mix them together.
- Coat with salt, chili powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Gingerbread Caramel
- Butter the sides of a saucepan.
- Add brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, ginger, cinnamon and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and constantly stir for around five minutes.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in baking soda and vanilla.
- Combine the mixture with popcorn, and transfer to a baking pan.
- Place in the oven at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Chocolate Mint
- Melt mint chips and butter over a medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread onto waxed paper, and allow to stand until it sets.
- Break the chocolate into small pieces and mix into the popcorn.
Marshmallow Peanut
- In a bowl, combine popcorn, marshmallows and peanuts.
- In a saucepan, add sugar, butter and corn syrup and bring to a boil for two minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn, marshmallows and peanuts.
Pizza
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano and paprika.
- While the popcorn is hot, spray or drizzle with olive oil, and toss in the seasoning mixture.
Garlic Chilli Lime
- Combine chili powder, garlic powder, salt and paprika.
- Spray or drizzle olive oil onto the popcorn.
- Add lime juice over the popcorn, and add the seasoning mixture.
Balsamic Vinegar and Pickles
- Combine vinegar and pickles in a bowl.
- Add the mixture to warm popcorn, and, if desired, top with jalapeno peppers.
Experiment with Herbs
Herbs and spices are key to injecting flavor into popcorn, as plain popcorn lacks flavor but carries a lot of texture. You can be as experimental as you wish, though for the best result, add the popped popcorn and melted butter to a bowl. Toss together to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Then, sprinkle your chosen herbs into the mixture and toss them together for a balanced flavor.
How to get seasoning to stick to popcorn – read this next.
Popcorn Seasoning Ideas
Popcorn can be a delicious and versatile snack when seasoned properly. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there are endless options to choose from. From classic combinations like cinnamon and sugar to more unique ones like balsamic vinegar and pickles, these seasoning ideas will take your popcorn game to the next level.
Remember to season your popcorn while it’s still warm for maximum flavor absorption. Next time you’re settling down for a movie night, try experimenting with some of these delicious seasoning ideas and take your popcorn to a whole new level.
