15 Best Popcorn Recipes for a Fun Movie Night
Butter and salt are just the beginning! 🍿
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It wouldn't be movie night without a big bowl of popcorn! And if we're being honest, popcorn also makes for a delicious after-school snack or midnight snack for that matter. Really all you need is some melted butter and salt to make the crunchy kernels shine, but there are other ways to elevate your popcorn, too. Here, you'll find tons of popcorn recipes that take your favorite movie snack to the next level. From sweet caramel popcorn to cheesy, garlic-parmesan popcorn, there are so many fun varieties to try!
Of course, we've also included a few basic recipes for how to make popcorn on the stovetop or even in your Instant Pot, and our best popcorn makers will keep the whole process easy. But you can also reach for the microwave popcorn if you're in a pinch. Then, doctor it up with seasoning, drizzle with chocolate or turn it into popcorn balls. All of these popcorn recipes would be a fun addition to a party or celebration no matter what time of year it is. Try the candy corn popcorn balls for a Halloween treat or the peppermint popcorn bark when the first snow begins to fall. And if you can't decide between salty and sweet, you can always go with homemade kettle corn—it's a childhood classic that's made for munching!
Salted Pecan Caramel Popcorn
You'll make your own caramel for this salty-sweet treat. Then, add pecans for a nutty crunch.
Get the Salted Pecan Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Spicy Sriracha Popcorn
If you like your snacks with a bit of heat, then this popcorn drizzled with Sriracha butter is for you! The best part is—the stovetop popcorn only takes 10 minutes to make!
Get the Spicy Sriracha Popcorn recipe.
Stovetop Popcorn
Once you try making popcorn on the stovetop, you'll never go back to the store-bought kind! Be sure to use oils with a higher smoke point and don't forget to give the pan a shake once in a while, but don't worry, we promise it's easy!
Get the Stovetop Popcorn recipe.
Candy Corn Popcorn Balls
Everything about these popcorn balls is festive—from the mini marshmallows and roasted peanuts to the candy corn pieces mixed throughout.
Get Ree's Candy Corn Popcorn Balls recipe.
Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn with Bacon
This over-the-top popcorn hits all the right notes. It's sweet, salty, savory, crunchy. Oh, and did we mention it's made with bacon?!
Get the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn with Bacon recipe.
Cotton Candy Popcorn Balls
These popcorn treats will make you feel like a kid again! They're sweet like cotton candy and dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles, just for fun!
Get the Cotton Candy Popcorn Balls recipe.
Cheddar Popcorn
The key to making this cheesy snack is finding Cheddar cheese powder. It's easy enough to get online and good to keep on hand for any last-minute movie marathons.
Spiced Caramel Popcorn Nut Mix
This fall-inspired caramel corn is seasoned with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for a burst of warm flavor. It would be just as delicious for a back-to-school party as it would for Halloween!
Get the Spiced Caramel Popcorn Nut Mix recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
You don't even need to pop your own popcorn for this easy recipe! Simply grab a bag of store-bought popcorn and doctor it up with grated parmesan, garlic, dried parsley, and cayenne.
Get the Garlic Parmesan Popcorn recipe at A Cookie Named Desire.
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Sweet and salty fans will love the combination of chocolate and popcorn. Here, the bark also has crushed peppermint candy canes for a fun holiday treat.
Taco Popcorn
Taco popcorn is zippy with just the right amount of spice thanks to a combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and lime zest.
Pumpkin-Flavored Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Instead of the pre-packaged packets of popcorn, this recipe show you how to make popcorn in the microwave using a brown paper bag! It's a fun trick that's easy to do.
Get the Pumpkin-Flavored Homemade Microwave Popcorn recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Kettle Corn
Just like the kind you might find at a carnival or state fair, this popcorn is both salty and sweet. If you want more caramelized flavor, simply swap the sugar for brown sugar instead.
Get the Kettle Corn recipe at Preppy Kitchen.
Caramel Apple Popcorn Bars
These bars are loaded with fun mix-ins, along with the popcorn, including freeze dried apples, coconut flakes, and marshmallows. Your kids will thank you when you add one to their lunchbox!
Get the Caramel Apple Popcorn Bars recipe at A Classic Twist.
Instant Pot Popcorn
You don't need a popcorn maker or even a microwave to make this easy popcorn recipe. It all comes together right in the Instant Pot.
Get the Instant Pot Popcorn recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
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