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Calling all popcorn addicts! This herb popcorn is spiced up with butter and a mix of dried herbs, and works as a healthy snack or for entertaining.
Any popcorn addicts out there? (Hands up!) Popcorn is a huge weakness for both Alex and me. Luckily, we’ve broken our daily habit…though popcorn + Netflix is so darn comforting after a long day at work, am I right?
Normally we go with just salt, but here’s a recipe for a special occasion kind of popcorn. This herb popcorn is a perfect easy entertaining recipe and healthy snack for any type of gathering.
Ingredients for herb popcorn
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this herb popcorn:
- Butter
- Dried all-herb mix
- Nutritional yeast
- Popcorn salt
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast that’s sometimes used in vegetarian and vegan dishes for its cheesy, savory taste. It looks like a yellow powder, and it’s sometimes called “nooch” by its devoted fans. And nooch popcorn is one of the best uses for nutritional yeast! It sounds a bit odd, but give it a try! You may be surprised.
Where to buy nutritional yeast? These days, it’s stocked in some mainstream grocery stores: check in the spice aisle. Or you can order it online: Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast
How to make herb popcorn
Alex whipped up this herb popcorn a few weeks ago for a party, and it accidentally turned out so delicious that we wanted to share it with you. It’s savory, buttery, and has little gooey bits of herbs throughout. We were pleasantly surprised at how tasty it was!
How to make herb popcorn? First of all, let’s talk popcorn methods. Alex and I have a few different methods we like to use:
- Stovetop method: For the best flavored popcorn, we use the stovetop method. Here’s our tried and true method for How to Make Popcorn on the Stove. You can use a normal pot, or a stovetop popcorn popper. Get one! Stovetop popcorn popper $30
- Air popper: For a spin on healthy popcorn, we use an air popper. The air popper is truly easy to use — even easier than stovetop, and it doesn’t require any oil! Get one! Popcorn Air Popper $25
We hope that you’ll love it as much as we do. Let us know if you make it in the comments below: and what are your favorite popcorn toppings? Do you make nooch popcorn?
More healthy snack recipes
Outside of this stovetop popcorn, here are a few more of our favorite healthy snack recipes:
- Try Pecan Energy Bars or Granola Bars.
- Mix up Almond Cashew Crackers, Honey Sesame Almonds, or Spiced Crispy Chickpeas.
- Try Mango Salsa and Homemade Tortilla Chips.
- Make Fruit Dip, Green Pea Dip, Homemade Hummus or Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip.
Dietary notes
This herb popcorn is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Frequently asked questions
Herb popcorn is seasoned with dried or fresh herbs for a unique and flavorful twist on the classic snack. It takes regular popcorn to the next level with a burst of savory goodness.
The possibilities are endless! Popular choices include thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a blend of Italian seasoning.
We prefer using dried herbs, since fresh herbs can make popcorn soggy.
Herb Popcorn
Calling all popcorn addicts! This herb popcorn is spiced up with butter and a mix of dried herbs, and works as a healthy snack or for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil, for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon dried all herb mixture (for example, a mix of basil, rosemary, savory, tarragon, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast*
- Fine popcorn salt (Tip: To make popcorn salt, crush kosher salt using a mortar and pestle)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn in an air popper or our Stovetop Popcorn method.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter. Add the dried herbs and nutritional yeast; stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the popcorn, and sprinkle with popcorn salt to taste.
Notes
*Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast in the form of a yellow powder; it’s popular for adding flavor to vegetarian or vegan dishes. Using nutritional yeast with popcorn adds a cheesy flavor. We purchase our nutritional yeast here.
I`m a popcorn addict! My friend often buys those gigantic popcorn bags from Costco for me. The same friend gifted me a popcorn machine and I`ve been dying to try out popcorn recipes. :)
I am a popcorn addict – sometimes, it’s all I want for dinner. Last time we were in Amish Country we picked up a stove-pop popper with a hand crank and it makes the best I’ve ever had. Will have to try it with these new toppings though!
You know, I’m one of those weird ones who doesn’t crave popcorn. ;-) Yet this looks really good. I like your holiday entertaining suggestions – I’m still eyeing the baked goat cheese for our holiday gathering!
this is one of my favorite snack..i usually get it from trader joes but now it seems like i can try it at home.
I am a TOTAL popcorn addict! I always think ‘Oh I’ll just have a small bowl of popcorn’ and then it turns into eating all of it, whoops!
I’m a total popcorn addict and I love trying new flavours (especially savoury ones, though chocolate covered popcorn is awesome!). My favourite flavours so far are curry or za’atar popcorn but these look great! Gonna try them soon (I guess I have to plan a Homeland marathon this weekend ;) )
Oh I’m actually badly missing sweet, but not with caramel popcorn. It’s what we are used to in germany. But I will definitely try out this one for cozy movie nights. :)
My honey and I have popcorn as an after dinner snack at least once a week. Nothing like fresh popped out of the pan. Sometimes we top with a combo of maple syrup and butter. Yum!