BBQ Spice Popcorn Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ popcorn recipe transforms a simple snack into a flavorful treat with smoky, spicy, and sweet notes. Perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings, it’s quick to make and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil
- ⅓ cup yellow popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Set this spice mixture aside.
- Step 2: In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and olive oil until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3–4 popcorn kernels and cover with a lid. When these kernels pop, add the rest of the kernels, cover again, and shake the pot every 10 seconds to prevent burning.
- Step 4: When the popping slows to more than 3 seconds between pops, turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for 15 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
- Step 5: Remove the lid and drizzle the brown sugar and olive oil mixture over the popcorn. Gently toss to coat all the popcorn evenly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the popcorn and stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Step 7: Transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely before storing.
Tips & Variations
- Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness or dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Try using avocado oil instead of coconut oil for a neutral flavor.
- To keep popcorn crisp, avoid covering it tightly while still warm.
Storage
Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh any slight staleness, warm it briefly in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular popcorn kernels instead of yellow?
Yes, regular popcorn kernels work just as well and will pop similarly. Yellow kernels are common but not required.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, all the ingredients used are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.
PrintBBQ Spice Popcorn Recipe
This BBQ Popcorn recipe is a flavorful twist on classic popcorn, combining smoky paprika, chili powder, and garlic spices with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Cooked on the stovetop with a blend of olive and coconut oils, this snack is perfect for game nights or anytime you want a tasty, crunchy treat with a spicy-sweet kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sugar and Oil Mix
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Popcorn
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil
- ⅓ cup yellow popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Prepare the brown sugar mixture: In another small bowl, mix together brown sugar and olive oil until combined. Set aside for later use.
- Pop the popcorn: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3-4 popcorn kernels and cover with a lid. When these kernels pop, it signals the oil is hot enough. Add the remaining popcorn kernels, cover the pot, and gently shake every 10 seconds to ensure even popping. Continue until popping slows to more than three seconds between pops, then turn off the heat and let sit for 15 seconds to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
- Coat with sugar mixture: Remove the lid and immediately drizzle the brown sugar and olive oil mixture over the hot popcorn. Carefully toss the popcorn to coat it evenly with the sugary oil.
- Add the spice mix: Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the coated popcorn and stir gently to distribute the spices evenly throughout the popcorn.
- Finish and store: Transfer the BBQ popcorn to a serving bowl for immediate eating, or spread it out on a baking sheet in a single layer to cool completely before storing. Store cooled popcorn in a sealed container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve this flavorful BBQ popcorn snack fresh for the best taste and crunch.
Notes
- The popcorn is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid for best popping results.
- You can adjust the spice quantities to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
- If you prefer a vegan version, ensure the brown sugar is certified vegan.
- For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked salt in place of kosher salt.
Keywords: BBQ popcorn, smoky popcorn, spicy popcorn recipe, stovetop popcorn, savory popcorn snack, homemade popcorn
