How to Make Popcorn on the Stove

Do you want to learn how to make Popcorn on the stove and it’s perfect each time? This post is for you!

I’ve been making my own popcorn for YEARS and I can guarantee that every time I share a photo or video of when I make it over on Instagram, I will always get a few questions on how to do it.

Not only is it incredibly easy to make popcorn at home on your stove, it’s also a VERY budget friendly recipe.

What Do I Need to Make Perfect Popcorn?

All you need is a large saucepan with a lid, corn kernels and oil – that’s it!

What Type of Oil is Best for Making Popcorn?

You want to use an oil with a high smoking point, as you will need to use a high temperature to heat the oil. Personally I prefer to use:

• Grapeseed Oil
• Peanut Oil
• Ghee

However you can also use extra virgin olive oil, canola or vegetable oil to cook popcorn.

How to Make Popcorn on the Stove

1. After adding the oil (you will only need 2 tablespoons) place the lid onto your saucepan and let it heat up for 1 – 2 minutes.
2. Add a couple of kernels of corn to your saucepan. You will know straight away if the oil is hot enough as the oil will bubble around the kernels and they will pop – if it’s not quite to the right temperature, the kernels will just sit there.
3. Once the ‘testing’ kernels have popped, add the remaining kernels and place the lid onto your saucepan. 
4. Gently shake the saucepan for the first 10 seconds or so before letting it sit over the heat.
5. After approximately 30 seconds, turn off the heat and give your saucepan a good shake.
6. The kernels will continue to pop, leave the saucepan on the stove top and give it a shake every 10 seconds or so until the popping stops.
7. Remove the saucepan lid and let the popcorn cool for a few minutes before transferring to an airtight container.

Tips For Making Popcorn:

• Don’t be tempted to add more oil to your saucepan, you will only need 2 tablespoons to cook ½ – ¾ cup of corn kernels.
• The time it takes for the oil to reach a high enough temperature will depend on your stove. I find my induction stovetop will take 1 – 2 minutes to reach the required temperature.
• If your popcorn starts to overflow, simply pour some into another container/bowl and return the saucepan to the stove.
• I like to sprinkle a little pink Himalayan Salt over the top of our popcorn once I have transferred it to a container.
• Don’t put the lid on the container you are storing your popcorn in until it has completely cooled, otherwise you may get some moisture on the lid and it will make the popcorn go soggy.

For more easy snack ideas, you might also like to check out this Freezer Friendly Snacks Collection.

Have you made this recipe?

Make sure you leave a review below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @createbakemake too or join our Facebook group!

Enjoy!

You can also find more easy snack ideas in our Snack Attack eBook – Also available in a Thermomix edition. Shop the full range of books, eBooks and products here.