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
