Healthy Recipes Mealtimes Healthy Snack Recipes Healthy Popcorn Recipes How to Make Popcorn in the Microwave 5.0 (1) Add your rating & review Learn how to make popcorn in the microwave for a quick, fuss-free snack. You can make popcorn in a brown paper bag or in a bowl—get instructions for both methods below. Once the kernels are popped, you can add any seasonings you want for a sweet or salty snack. By Kimberly Holland Kimberly Holland Kimberly Holland is Southern Living magazine's digital food editor and a highly regarded content creator. She shares her knowledge on turkey basting, pizza making and random food facts for dozens of nationally known brands. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines and Kristen Hartke Kristen Hartke Kristen Hartke is a veteran food journalist with more than 25 years of experience covering the culture of food, restaurants and cooking. She has also been a recipe developer and food stylist for more than 10 years. Kristen is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, and her writing and photography have also appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, NPR, Rachael Ray In Season and many other national and international publications. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 17, 2024 Tested by Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> EatingWell Test Kitchen Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Casey Barber Active Time: 5 mins Total Time: 5 mins Servings: 1 Nutrition Profile: No Added Sugar Gut Healthy Sesame-Free Weight Loss Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Heart-Healthy Healthy Cholesterol Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Jump to recipe Best Popcorn Seasonings to Try For vegan “cheesy bacon” popcorn, melt ¼ cup salted vegan butter and mix it with 1 cup finely chopped crispy shiitake “bacon” and ⅓ cup nutritional yeast.Create PB&J popcorn by mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons melted refined coconut oil with 1 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries and 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder. Add salt to taste. Try brown butter–coconut popcorn: combine ¼ cup brown butter with ½ cup finely crushed coconut chips, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Make chocolate-chile popcorn by melting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and ½ cup dark chocolate chips. Stir in 2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile (or to taste) and 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt.For herbed popcorn, drizzle 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over the freshly popped popcorn and toss it with 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Nutrition Notes Popcorn is a whole grain that contains polyphenols, compounds that are linked to heart health and lowered cancer risk. It’s a great choice when you want a snack because it’s high in fiber, a key nutrient that may help you feel full for longer periods of time. The fiber in popcorn may also support weight loss and gut health. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels Directions Paper Bag Method Pour 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels into a lunch-size paper bag. Casey Barber Fold the top of the bag down about 1 inch. Then fold it 2 more times. (The extra folds will prevent the popcorn from popping out during heating, but the bag can still expand as the kernels burst.) Casey Barber Place the bag in the microwave; set it for 3 minutes on High. Do not leave the bag unattended (there is a small risk of burning if the bag overheats). Listen for the kernels to start popping. Once there is a pause of several seconds between pops, stop the microwave. Casey Barber Slowly open the bag. Steam and heat will escape, so hold the bag away from you. Add any desired seasonings (see above) and shake to coat the popcorn evenly. Casey Barber Bowl Method Pour 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels into a large microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave. Top with a large microwave-safe plate. Make sure the plate fits snugly (a loose-fitting plate will allow steam to escape, which may slow popping or prevent the kernels from popping). Casey Barber Set the microwave for 3 minutes on High. Do not leave the bowl unattended. Listen as the popcorn pops. When there is a pause of 2 to 3 seconds between pops, stop the microwave. Casey Barber Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully. Remove the plate, being careful to avoid the heat and steam. Add any desired seasonings (see above) and stir or shake to coat the popcorn evenly. Casey Barber Nutrition Information Serving Size: about 3 1/2 cupsCalories 100, Fat 1g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 20, Total Sugars 0g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 2g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 0mg, Potassium 62mg Frequently Asked Questions What is popcorn? Popcorn is made from the dried kernels of a particular kind of corn. These kernels resemble those you see on corn on the cob, but only a certain type of corn has the ability to pop when heated. Popcorn kernels are made of three key parts: the endosperm, germ and bran or hull. The classic hull color is white or yellow, but popping-corn kernels can be red, black or any number of colors. When heated, a small bit of water in each kernel turns to steam. This steam creates immense pressure, and the kernel explodes. The hull is torn apart as the endosperm, which is primarily starch, turns into the puffed starch we know as popcorn. EatingWell.com, October 2024 Rate It Print