Homemade Ranch Popcorn Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Ranch Popcorn is a flavorful twist on a classic snack, combining the tangy zest of ranch seasoning with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn. Easy to make and perfect for movie nights or parties, this recipe brings a deliciously savory punch to your popcorn bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives (heaping teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (a few turns, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil is preferred)
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 drops soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set this ranch seasoning blend aside.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add three popcorn kernels and cover the pot. These test kernels will let you know when the oil is hot enough to pop the rest.
- Step 3: While waiting for the test kernels to pop, measure out the remaining ½ cup of popcorn kernels. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop in short intervals. Stir in soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, if using.
- Step 4: Once the three test kernels pop, add the remaining popcorn kernels to the pot, cover, and immediately remove from heat. Gently swirl the pot from side to side for about 20 seconds to evenly coat the kernels with oil.
- Step 5: Return the pot to the heat and allow the kernels to start popping. When the pot is about halfway full with popped corn (roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute after popping begins), slightly crack the lid to release steam.
- Step 6: If needed, gently shake the pot to move unpopped kernels to the bottom for better popping. When popping slows or stops, immediately transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
- Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter over the hot popcorn and toss well to coat. Sprinkle the prepared ranch seasoning over the popcorn and toss or shake until evenly coated. Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste, or experiment with olive oil or avocado oil for different flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Make a large batch of ranch seasoning and store it in an airtight container for quick use on snacks.
Storage
Store any leftover seasoned popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause popcorn to become stale. Reheating is not recommended as it may lose its crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular buttermilk instead of buttermilk powder?
Buttermilk powder is preferred because it is dry and blends evenly into the seasoning mix. Using liquid buttermilk would make the seasoning wet and not suitable for coating popcorn.
What is the purpose of cracking the lid during popping?
Cracking the lid slightly allows excess steam to escape, preventing soggy popcorn and ensuring the popcorn stays crisp and fluffy.
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Homemade Ranch Popcorn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 cups of popped popcorn 1x
Description
This Homemade Ranch Popcorn recipe features fluffy, perfectly popped popcorn tossed in a flavorful blend of homemade ranch seasoning and melted butter, creating a deliciously savory snack with a hint of herbaceous zest. Made on the stovetop using simple pantry ingredients, this easy treat is perfect for movie nights or anytime you crave a crunchy, tangy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Ranch Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon buttermilk powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives (heaping teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (a few turns, to taste)
Popcorn
- 3 Tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil is preferred)
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 drops soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make Ranch Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to evenly mix the ranch flavors. Set this seasoning blend aside for later use.
- Heat Oil and Test Kernels: In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, pour in the oil and add three popcorn kernels as test kernels. Heat on high and cover the pot. When these kernels pop, the oil is hot enough to start popping the full batch.
- Melt Butter and Prepare Add-ins: While waiting for the test kernels to pop, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop using short intervals to avoid overheating. If desired, stir in 4 drops of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter for an extra depth of flavor.
- Pop Popcorn: Once the test kernels pop, immediately add the remaining ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the pot. Cover and remove the pot from heat, swirling gently side to side for 20 seconds to evenly coat the kernels. Return the pot to the heat, and the kernels will start popping shortly.
- Vent Steam Midway: When roughly half the popcorn has popped (about 30 seconds to 1 minute after popping begins), slightly crack the lid to release excess steam. This helps keep the popcorn crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Shake as Needed: If popping slows before all kernels have popped, gently shake the pot side to side to encourage any remaining kernels to reach the bottom and pop. Once popping significantly slows or stops, immediately transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl or a brown paper bag to avoid burning.
- Toss with Butter and Ranch Seasoning: Pour the melted butter evenly over the freshly popped popcorn, tossing or shaking well to coat thoroughly. Then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mixture over the popcorn and toss or shake again until the popcorn is fully covered. Taste and add additional salt if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade ranch popcorn snack!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
- Releasing steam mid-popping is key for crisp popcorn.
- Refined coconut oil is preferred for popping due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Adding soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the butter is optional but adds a savory umami depth.
- This popcorn is best enjoyed fresh as it may lose crispness if stored long.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ranch popcorn, homemade popcorn seasoning, stovetop popcorn, savory snack, popcorn recipe
