DIY Popcorn In Microwave
Sure it's easy enough to pop homemade popcorn on the stove, but my favorite part of this DIY microwave popcorn "recipe" is that it's so easy even my five-year-old can do it (with a little supervision, of course)!
Let's face it, as tasty as microwave popcorn can be, it's downright expensive and laden with sodium. Do it yourself using these simple steps for a snack that's high in fiber and low in sodium and calories - then season it any way you want.
I chose to purchase Black Jewell popcorn kernels because they pop with very few hulls. However, you can use any type of popcorn kernel that you prefer. You'll also need a lunch-size brown paper bag, a small piece of tape, and of course, a microwave.
How To Make Popcorn In Microwave
Simply place about ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in a lunch-size brown paper bag. Fold it over once and secure with a small piece of tape, and microwave until the popping slows to about once per second, about 2-3 minutes.
Carefully open the bag and season to taste with butter and/or salt. For the very BEST popcorn butter, I recommend checking out how to clarify butter!
Printable Recipe ↓
Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 lunch-size brown paper bag
- 1 transparent scotch tape
Instructions
- Pour ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into a lunch-size brown paper bag. Fold the bag over once and secure with a small piece of scotch tape.
- Place the bag in the microwave with taped side up and microwave for approximately 2-3 minutes until the popping slows to about once per second.
- Remove bag and open carefully. Season to taste.
Incidentally, should you happen to burn a bag while figuring out the timing for your microwave, here's a simple trick for removing that burnt popcorn smell.
Stephanie says
Whatever you do-don't use a bag with any printing on it. I reused a bag from the deli and it caught on fire in the microwave!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Oh my gosh, good to know! I've never used anything but the plain brown paper lunch bags I buy at the grocery store, so I wouldn't have thought of that, either. Thanks for sharing!
Johnny says
Wow home-made popcorn! this might even get me back in the good books!
Kentucky Lady 717 says
WHERE DO YOU FIND BLACK JEWEL POPCORN ?????
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I purchased my container of it at Meijer.
Matt says
The paper-bag method works, but if you use the same paper bag multiple times, the bottom will fall apart (presumably because the glue disintegrates and the paper becomes stiff). If microwaved for too long, the paper will dry out and start to blacken, creating noxious smoke in your microwave. The paper seems to blacken more quickly if the popcorn inside is also blackening. Wetting the paper bag does not seem to help; it just releases more fumes. The best scenario would probably be to use a new bag each time, but this conflicts with my goals to reuse things. I have also experimented with ceramic containers, but they can get dangerously hot.
Diane says
Hello everyone! I would very much like to try this, as my hubby is popcorn man! LOL Tell me, could I use something like one of the butter sprinkles in the bag? Just an idea. Thanks.
Dave says
Popcorn came out great thank you very much !! great recipe!
James Strawser says
My kids are everyday popcorn eaters, gotta try this! Maybe I will melt some of my "fresh made butter" over it!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Mmm, sounds delicious!
Dena Millet says
Putting this in Easter Basket!
Annette says
How do you heat coconut oil? I was told never to put it in the microwave?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Annette, I can't find any valid information stating that coconut oil shouldn't be microwaved — other than accounts stating not to microwave just the coconut oil in a container because of the danger of super-heating it, causing dangerous splattering when removing it.
Putting a tablespoon or two of solid or liquid coconut oil in the paper bag with the popcorn kernels should be perfectly safe.
kentucky Lady 717 says
I've made this several times, expermenting...I tried it with the oil added to the bag, didn't like it.....so now I just add 2 TBSP. popcorn kernels to the bag, fold over once and pop approx. 2 mins. depends on your microwave....don't use the popcorn button, just use highest setting.....and if I want butter on it, I just melt some first in the microwave and set aside , after it pops, I pour in bowl and add the melted butter....and salt and whatever else you want to use....and most of the kernels will pop.....I tried Walmart kernels, not that good, a friend told me about Kroger, so that's what I use and it pops much better....haven't tried the black jewel yet, no Meijer stores near me.....so this does work....but I haven't reused the bag tho yet !!!!! May try that sometimes.....this will make about 2-3 cups of popped corn.....and it is pretty good and way better for you that the stuff you buy in the store and way cheaper too ........
Sierra says
Hi Brenda -
So happy it worked out for you! How much oil & popcorn did you use?
Sierra says
Brenda -
How did it work with the oil?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I sometimes add a little coconut oil to mine. It should be fine to add a little!
Brenda lee says
The oil and bag worked perfectly. I tried it both with And without the clip too (just folding it over twice and aiming it down)----perfect. I will experiment with different spices/amounts/times. I'd like to make as many of the kernels pop as much as possible.
Brenda lee says
I plan on trying this tonight, with a modified version: twixit clips (available at bed bath and beyond) to secure the bag safely, and a little of oil and seasonings---mixing everything beforehand. Tape and staples (from other recipes) scare me. I'll report back. Fingers crossed there are no fires!!