Popcorn Seasoning – A simple combination of spices transforms a classic snack into an incredible flavor explosion. Turn any ordinary night into a movie date night with a massive bowl of delectably seasoned popcorn. Buttery, salty or sweet, and absolutely delicious indulgence will make the toughest week fly by.
My love for popcorn goes way back to my childhood. Movie night with my family meant a giant bucket of buttery popcorn. And I can’t even tell you what movie we just watched because I was too busy shoving popcorn into my mouth.
Salty and sweet popcorn seasonings are equally satisfying. Try kettle corn, crunchy caramel, or cinnamon and sugar popcorn to soothe a sweet tooth in a heartbeat. On the other hand, cheesy, spicy, salty popcorn is an ideal guilt-free snack for anytime munchies. And this homemade popcorn seasoning recipe adds pleasant nostalgia to the mix.
Homemade Popcorn Seasonings Take it Over the Top
Just because something can be low in calories doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Lately, I’ve been jazzing my popcorn up with some homemade seasoning mixes. If you’re in a savory mood, the salty smoothness from Parmesan cheese will supercharge your popcorn snack. For the sweet tooths out there, a simple cinnamon and sugar mix will make your popcorn truly addictive.
Recipe Ingredients
Parmesan Seasoning
- Parmesan Cheese – This well-aged cheese boasts strong umami that pairs excellently with the salt and butter on your popcorn. You can use freshly grated or packaged Parmesan powder.
- Garlic Powder – What can I say? Garlic and Parmesan are best buddies, especially on popcorn.
- Dried Herbs – Thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary, pepper flakes, and parsley make the perfect herb medley to complete this popcorn seasoning’s flavor profile.
Cinnamon Sugar Seasoning
- White Sugar – Now we’re getting into the best popcorn seasoning with a sweetness that compliments warm cinnamon.
- Cinnamon – Give your popcorn a kick of holiday spice for a cinnamon-toast-like treat.
How to Make Homemade Popcorn Seasoning
Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning
- Combine Ingredients – Thoroughly combine cheese, garlic powder, herbs, pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl or jar.
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Seasoning
- Combine Ingredients – Stir the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Use it immediately, or keep it in an airtight jar for later.
Recipe Variations
- The sky is the limit for seasoning your popcorn. Switch these recipes out with lemon pepper, Creole, Jamaican jerk, and buttermilk ranch seasonings for a different flavor twist every time.😉
- Whether you make your own popcorn or use microwavable popcorn, you can always add your own touches to kick it up a notch. If you prefer not to use white sugar, you can use alternatives like brown sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Add nutmeg and allspice to the cinnamon sugar seasoning for warm, fall-themed sweet popcorn seasoning.
- Some people can’t eat cheese made from cow milk but do fine if it’s made with sheep or goat milk. Pecorino Romano is from sheep milk and makes an ideal substitute.
Tips and Tricks
- Adding your seasonings to the popcorn after the butter or coconut oil, but while it’s hot, will help them stick to the popcorn.
- If you want to coat the popcorn evenly, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and then add seasonings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make both of these seasonings ahead and put them in a jar or spice shaker. Then, they’ll be ready to sprinkle on some big flavor the next time you make popcorn.
Serving and Storage and Instructions
Is there anything better than fresh out of the kettle popcorn? Drizzle on the butter and sprinkle it with seasonings while it’s still in the pan, cover it, and give it a good shake. Ready to go!
Your cinnamon sugar popcorn seasoning should stay fresh in your cupboard for way longer than it’ll take to use it up. On the other hand, the savory version with fresh Parmesan cheese will keep in the fridge for about a month.
FAQs
Yes! You can skip the fat altogether by air-popping your treat. Then shake on the seasonings and enjoy guilt-free fat-free popcorn.
You certainly could for an elevated take on popcorn. And the flavors would be more pronounced. However, dried herbs stick better to the popcorn, and the mix lasts longer.
I’ve tried that already, and it didn’t go well. The popcorn seasoning tends to burn. Yuk! So better to add it afterward.
What to Serve With Homemade Seasoned Popcorn
A thirst-quenching drink always goes great with a salty, crispy snack like popcorn. For a fall vibe, try homemade apple cider. Other great drinks you can make are Southern sweet tea and strawberry watermelon juice.
More Delicious Seasoning Recipes for Your Popcorn
- Creole Cajun Seasoning
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Blackened Seasoning
Conclusion
Next time you’re in a snacky mood, enjoy a big bowl of buttery popcorn with your choice of seasonings. With some delicious homemade seasonings, your popcorn will be on another level of tasty. How long did your bowl of popcorn last with these seasonings? Let me know!
Popcorn Seasonings
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Ingredients
Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (12g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (12g) grated Romano cheese (or replace with more parmesan)
- 1 tablespoon (5g) garlic powder
- 2½ teaspoons (15g) dried Italian herbs (½ teaspoon each: thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley)
- 1 teaspoon (1g) red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt, adjust to taste
Cinnamon Sugar
- ⅓ cup (65g) white sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8g) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
Instructions
Parmesan Seasoning
- Thoroughly combine cheese, garlic, herbs, pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl or jar.
Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container un
Serving
- If you're going to drizzle your popcorn with melted butter, do it before adding the seasonings.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container (or ziplock bag) and use as desired.
Tips & Notes:
- Adding your seasonings to the popcorn after the butter or coconut oil, but while it’s hot, will help them stick to the popcorn.
- If you want to coat the popcorn evenly, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and then add seasonings.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Vince says
The Itialian seasons with the garlic and crushed red pepper flackes is a spectaculare combination!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Vince
I’m so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Italian seasoning with garlic and crushed red pepper flakes on your popcorn! It’s one of my favorite combinations too—such a great way to elevate a simple snack into something truly special.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and for your glowing review. Your support means the world to me!
Best,
Imma