How to Get Spices to Stick to Popcorn

Make different varieties of seasoned popcorn for your next movie night.

Popcorn is an easy, tasty snack all on its own. But you can add any spices and seasonings you enjoy to add extra flavor this movie-theater staple. Spices simply sprinkled on top of popcorn won't adhere properly, so you'll need to take some extra steps to make them stick. Paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, curry powder and cinnamon are all flavorful additions to popcorn. Homemade popcorn works best for this technique, since microwave varieties are already seasoned with butter, oil, and salt. You can still use microwave popcorn, but opt for low-sodium, lightly buttered varieties instead.

Things You'll Need

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 4 tbsp. butter or oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp. assorted spices
• Salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the popcorn as usual. The popcorn must be warm to help the spices adhere, so cook it just before you season it.Place the popcorn in a large bowl or paper bag after cooking.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. If you want to keep the popcorn healthy, switch out the butter for a more nutritious fat. Margarine, olive oil, canola oil and grapeseed oil are all great alternatives. Coconut oil works well, too, but be sure to use only virgin coconut oil and not its heavily refined counterpart.

3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the spices and whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well-combined. If you're using an oil other than salted butter, add salt to the pan, to taste.

4. Slowly pour the spice mixture over the popcorn, mixing the popcorn around as you pour. Toss the popcorn with your hands to coat well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

References

• Living on a Dime: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice Popcorn
• AllRecipes.com: Cajun-Spiced Popcorn
• Savior Faire; Episdoe 509: "The Hills are Alive"; Popcorn!