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. That fragrant steam that escapes when you open a freshly popped bag? It contains nearly four dozen chemicals, some of which have been proven toxic. Do it yourself using these simple steps for a healthy snack that’s high in fiber and low in calories — then season it any way you want.
I chose to purchase Black Jewell popcorn kernels because they pop with very few hulls and are packed with antioxidants. 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 1/4 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!

Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 lunch-size brown paper bag
- 1 small piece scotch tape
Instructions
- Pour 1/4 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
Saturday 12th of December 2015
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
Saturday 12th of December 2015
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
Sunday 16th of November 2014
Wow home-made popcorn! this might even get me back in the good books!
Kentucky Lady 717
Sunday 22nd of December 2013
WHERE DO YOU FIND BLACK JEWEL POPCORN ?????
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Sunday 22nd of December 2013
I purchased my container of it at Meijer.
Matt
Sunday 20th of October 2013
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
Wednesday 2nd of October 2013
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.