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!!
Tammy F. says
I will be trying this, thanks a bunch.
Tammy says
This is great! I love making my own popcorn on the stove, but hate how long it takes. I had no idea I could microwave it!! We will definitely be doing this from now on!
StuffinNewbie says
You are an amazing woman. I love the simplicity of your ideas, and your way of putting your family before your career. I did the same thing and my kids are now wonderful adults - but balancing the budget was quite the challenge to my creativity. You have come up with some fantastic solutions. I will try this popcorn recipe, too!
Allison says
I think I like my popcorn-on-the-stove too much to try this. But it is a great idea instead of the purchased microwave which I don't like the taste of. It's hard to get used to the chemical taste whe you are used to corn, oil and salt alone. Good for you for finding an acceptable alternative.
michele says
This is very easy and you can control how much salt or butter you use or not.
Teresa McFayden says
Tried this and not a fan. Maybe I need to add more seasonings. Really small kernels, too. :( Shoot....I was so excited!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Does your microwave have different settings? If so, it sounds like you may want to try a higher setting. The type of kernel you use will make a difference as well. The Black Jewell kernels that I used produce a much smaller than normal piece of popcorn.
Denise Duszczak says
Where do you buy that black popcorn from?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I picked it up at my local Meijer.
catherine says
love this n thanks
Sierra says
I have heard of this method before and forgot all about it. You don't need a special type of paper bag? I always worried it would catch on fire. Maybe I will give it a try.
Thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
No, I just bought the cheapest paper bags that the store had. Since you're not using any oil, you can actually reuse the bag multiple times too.
Sierra says
Thanks! As much as I love my Whirely Pop, this sounds like a much easier clean up. Guess what's for a snack tonight? LOL
Brandy says
The hubby and I try to squeeze in movie night when the little ones are in bed but more often than not the sound of our air popper wakes our youngest, and I detest microwave popcorn. We will have to try this quick trip, Im sure it's amazing and quieter....
momznite says
That's it? How wonderfully simple! Not at all what I imagined.
Jo says
4 DOZEN chemicals in commercial microwave popcorn???? EWWWW, that turns my stomach. Why do they have to do that when it's so simple to make at home?
I'll never purchase that junk again. Homemade is easy, peasy and oh so tasty!
CC says
I love using olive oil instead of butter and sprinkling with parmigiano reggiano! Yum!
kasey says
I do this all the time! Oddly though, I have never taped the bag and I will start doing that now (I would just fold it over tightly)
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
How easy! Popcorn is a favorite snack around here, I will have to try this.