Making homemade popcorn seasoning is so much easier than you would think. Today I’m showing you how to make 7 of my favorite popcorn flavors, from herby ranch to gingerbread!
The day I learned that popcorn is a whole grain was a pretty big day. Suddenly my favorite mindless-munching snack was a healthy one, and let’s just say I ate a lot of popcorn after that discovery. But while many store bought flavored popcorns are loaded with butter and sugar, you can make your own homemade popcorn seasoning at home that’s healthier (and cheaper!) than the store bought stuff.
How to make flavor stick to homemade popcorn
There are a few ways to make the seasonings really stick to the popcorn. I always like to spray the popcorn lightly with either flavorless or olive oil (depending if I want the olive flavor to shine through, like in the savory seasoning recipes). Simply spray or drizzle the oil over the popcorn and toss to coat the whole batch. Then sprinkle on your seasoning and toss once more for evenly coated popcorn.
Another way to ensure your seasonings stick is to swap out regular sugar for powdered sugar in the sweet recipes. This light sugar will coat each kernel without all sinking to the bottom. Ready to get popping?
Savory Popcorn Recipes
Ranch Popcorn Seasoning: ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp dried chives, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
Dorito Popcorn Seasoning: 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp salt
Taco Popcorn Seasoning: 1 Tbsp taco seasoning, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
Coconut Curry Popcorn Seasoning: 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, ½ tsp curry powder, ¼ tsp salt
Sweet Popcorn Recipes
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Seasoning: 2 Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt
Gingerbread Popcorn Seasoning: 1 ½ Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves
Mexican Chocolate Popcorn Seasoning: 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, pinch of cayenne pepper
Ingredients
Pick a Seasoning
- Ranch: ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp dried chives, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- Cinnamon Sugar: 2 Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt
- Gingerbread: 1 ½ Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves
- Coconut Curry: 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, ½ tsp curry powder, ¼ tsp salt
- Dorito: 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp salt
- Mexican Chocolate: 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder,1 Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, pinch of cayenne pepper
- Taco: 1 Tbsp taco seasoning, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
Base
- 4 cups popped popcorn
- 1 tsp oil 5 mL
Instructions
- Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ingredients to your seasoning of choice.
- Pop: Prepare popcorn in either the microwave or traditionally on the stove. Spray or drizzle oil onto popcorn, tossing to evenly coat.
- Serve: Sprinkle seasoning over popcorn and toss to coat once more. Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
I first published this recipe over on Amanda’s Cookin’.
Dave says
Hi Sarah,
Great ideas! I’m curious about the nutritional yeast which I never heard of. Is that a filler of some sort to add some bulk to the seasoning? Does it have a flavor?
Thanks!
Sarah says
Hi Dave! Oh gosh, I’m so excited to have the honor of introducing you to nutritional yeast. I did an article all about it here, but in short it adds cheesy / eggy / creamy / savory flavor while being full of vitamins (especially B12, which isn’t usually found in vegan foods). I use it to add flavor to all sorts of dishes, but its texture, which is a bit flaky, makes it perfect for popcorn seasoning!
Madalene says
I tried the Doritos recipes and it was a big hit! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful recipes.
Sarah says
So happy to hear, Madalene! 😀
Amy says
Agree the flavor combo was perfect.
Lisa Wilson says
These sound delish! So my question is about the nutritional yeast as well. If you aren’t vegan, can you leave it out?
Sarah says
Hi Lisa! You can leave it out (or substitute it for parmesan), but it’s actually a really nice flavor (for vegans and non-vegans alike!). Enjoy 😀
Sally says
That Dorito flavour is amazzzinng! We load it on our buttered popcorn. I quadruple the recipe each time as I’m addicted. Thanks for the recipe 🙂 i usually dont even like nutritional yeast much
Sarah says
YAY! So happy to hear it, Sally! 😀
Jaci says
Enjoyed the Gingerbread Seasoning this evening. YUM Will definitely mix up more for the future. Looking forward to trying the Mexican Chocolate next.
One of our favorites is Cinnamon Popcorn. I pop the corn in an organic non-flavored coconut oil – enough to make 8 or so cups. I then melt additional coconut oil to use as “butter”. The seasoning is a rounded teaspoon of Vietnamese (Penzey’s is my favorite) cinnamon, a packet of Stevia, and a good pinch of salt.
Thanks for the recipes!
Sarah says
So happy to hear it, Jaci! 😀 Sounds delicious with the coconut oil!
Winta Mehari says
Hi! Thanks so much for posting the recipes! I am exploring some healthy popcorn seasonings. Did you know what the nutritional values are for these seasonings by any chance? Thanks!
Sarah says
That’s a great question, Winta! Because spices generally have such little nutritional values, I didn’t include them. You can more or less expect most of these recipes to have about 40 calories (6g carbs, 1g protein, 1 g fat), along with whatever sodium from salt you might add. And if you add nutritional yeast, that will improve the nutritional profile a bit.
Jillian says
So far I’ve tried the ranch and Mexican chocolate. Both have been perfect as is!
Sarah says
So happy to hear it, Jillian! Happy popping!
Gemma says
OMG!! I’m so exited that I found such great recipes. I made the cinnamon sugar, the Mexican chocolate, and the Doritos. they were all soooooooooooo good and i’m looking forward to making these recipes again. thanks so much!!!
Sarah says
So happy to hear it, Gemma!
Liz says
Hey there, these recipes look amazing. Wondering if these can be stored in jars if I make bulk quantities. Have never used the yeast and not sure of it’s shelf life.
Sarah says
Yea they should all be shelf stable for a while! Nutritional yeast will be good for a long time at room temp (I keep it for up to a year).
Mike says
Hello, Could the sugars be substituted with Splenda for those who are diabetic? Thank you
Sarah says
Yep that would be fine with this recipe! 😀
Aja Welsh says
Both me and my aunt are popcornaholics. It is her birthday and I quadrupled all seven of these recipes and put them in jam jars with nice labels for her. Every single one came out AMAZING. My whole family is currently eating the cinnamon sugar. So glad I made enough to have extra for us!!!
Sarah says
SUCH an awesome gift idea, Aja! 😀
olivia says
hi sharah my name is olivia and i wanted to say hi and thanks for sharing this post
Tropicaliano says
HELLO Sarah
I am down here in South America (Brazil). I love you popcorn recipes
My family too
Thanks a lot for sharing your gifts
Tropicaliano.
Sarah says
So happy to hear it! Enjoy! 😀
Sophie says
The popcorn was delicious! I tried the Dorito one and it was the most scrumptious thing I had ever tasted!
Sarah says
YAY! So happy to hear it, Sophie! 😀
Hannah says
My husband and I are obsessed with popcorn and have been trying these recipes the past week. All have been awesome. I think the ranch might be our favorite. Can’t wait to try the couple we haven’t had yet. Thanks for the recipes!
Gordon Bishop says
I had a go at the Mexican flavour. I would never have thought of mixing these ingredients but found them really nice. I hunted for cayenne pepper in my cupboard however I had to substitute with a 1 cal chilli spray which helped the ingredients stick to the popcorn…. But is currently burning my tongue 😂…. Thanks, I’ll hava a go at the other recipes after doing a little shopping.
Gthomas says
These sound like a great gift for friends and neighbors. Do they save well? Like could I mix up a batch, put them in little glass jars and give them as gifts or do they need to be used right away? Thank you!
Sarah says
Yep you definitely could! 😀 Happy holidays!
Bruce Albert says
Just came across your site and very impressed with it. I haven’t tried anything out yet however I have a feeling anything you post will be good. Will try popcorn tomorrow , .
John says
I am looking forward to trying these recipes. I am so tired of the same old no flavored popcorn. Thank you
May says
There all very tasty…giving popcorn a little lift from the basic butter and salt…thanks
Jessica Alexis says
Just tried the Cinnamon Sugar… It is sooooo good!!! I cannot wait to try a few more
Advntr says
The mexican chocolate was not really good
Jessica Hunt says
Really excited that Google showed me this post! Just ran out of my favorite popcorn seasoning (Questlove Truffle Parm Rosemary) and I’m going to make my own with nutritional yeast now! Nothing ventured nothing gained…also, I need the B vitamins desperately so I’ll look over your blog about using it in other things as well! Thank you!
Anderson says
I really love your recipe’s even before I have tried them out.you have blessed my soul
Zamira Logrono says
Hi Sarah, these look amazing!
Can I pre make and package these to eat later? Maybe as premade snacks for the kids to take to school..
Thanks..
Sarah says
Yep that would work well! 😀
Ava Mercado says
I love these!
Cinthia Hinton says
I’m on the “Movie Theater” diet, where I can only eat things that I would find for sale at a theater concession, so THANK YOU for this!
I am so tired of Malted Milk Balls, Jujubes, Mike & Ike, Whoppers, and Sno-Caps.
Are there any scaling guidelines? I typically eat 64 cups of popped popcorn per day, so would I just multiply your amounts by 16?
I don’t have the patients to wait for your response, as you are no doubt making popcorn for yourself right now, so I’m just gonna jump in and make some! 😀
Linda Evelyn Mccoy says
The ranch was not very ranch like. Havnt tried the others
Swathi says
The coconut curry one…👌🏽👌🏽
Nina@Thatchers gourmet popcorn says
I have tried Doritos recipes and I just love it. Thanks for sharing these recipes.
Gary daniel says
How do I make the coating stick
Sarah says
From the article 😀 – “There are a few ways to make the seasonings really stick to the popcorn. I always like to spray the popcorn lightly with either flavorless or olive oil (depending if I want the olive flavor to shine through, like in the savory seasoning recipes). Simply spray or drizzle the oil over the popcorn and toss to coat the whole batch. Then sprinkle on your seasoning and toss once more for evenly coated popcorn.”
Kay Gray says
Love the flavors of popcorn to beat the mundane….
Mackenzie says
That ranch seasoning was so delish, as was the dorito seasoning! Big hit in our home!
4evahazeleyez says
I was thinking about making some microwave popcorn. I wanted to try a homemade seasoning for it. I’m tried the Doritos Nacho recipe it was so good! I added more onion and garlic powder, and it added Cayenne pepper. I like kind spicy lol!
Donna says
thankuuu saraahh!!! the dorito one is awwwsommeee!!!😲🤤
ur vvv pretty btw!!
lasanthi says
Wow you guys a great
Vivian Drake says
My adult grandchildren always look forward to the different flavours of popcorn I’ll bring to a game or other event. Sara, these top their choices, especially the Mexican Chocolate and Taco. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Bond says
So happy to hear it, Vivian! 😀
ERIN says
I just made the doritos seasoning for my popcorn and it was amazing!! Spot on! Thanks so much and I can’t wait to try the rest!
Flora Butler says
Thank you for sharing out of love, I’m grateful!
Joe says
Hi Sarah,
You spray the oil after the kernels pop, right?
Is there any way for the seasoning to stick to the popcorn without using oil? I’m using a hot air popcorn maker, so I don’t use oil, however I would like the seasoning to stick. Any ideas?
Sarah Bond says
You could try a very light spritz of water! While oil (or a fat) is best for preventing sogginess, most liquids would work (to include water, vinegar, or hot sauce).
Tara says
These sound amazing!! I’m excited to try them all. Question: Can these seasonings be made in advanced and stored for future use? If so, how long would you recommend the shelf life is?
Sarah Bond says
Yes they can! They can all be stored for as long as the spices they contain (so for most of these, many months – the one with coconut may be a little less).
Rabeyah says
Gotta say after all my popcorn experimentation I found the Cheerie Lane pods and hard to see myself going back now the flavors are soo good!! Definitely going to try these seasonings on it.
Nicole says
The Dorito seasoning is on point! Delicious!
Sarah Bond says
So happy to hear it, Nicole! Also great on chickpeas and kale chips. Enjoy! 😀
Debra says
Love the powdered sugar tip.
mike says
This popcorn is the best, especially the taco one I love all the flavors mmmmmmmm delicious
FirstLadyKY says
Happy to find your post. I wondered whether you have tried mixing any of these seasoning combinations into unpopped kernels with any success?
Sarah Bond says
I haven’t tried mixing them before cooking so I can’t say for sure!
David says
Damn, the Dorito seasoning was a pleasant surprise. I think I’ll put nutritional yeast in everything from here on.
Sarah Bond says
Right?! That stuff is a miracle ingredient.
ficus says
Does the taco flavor intentionally contain no salt or is that omission in the final recipe an oversight?
Sarah Bond says
Taco seasoning usually has salt added! If yours doesn’t feel free to add some 😀
Christine says
These look great! I’m actually going to try adding the Dorito one to homemade sweet potato crackers for my son! I’m sure that would entice him. Thanks!
Leo says
Gourmet popcorn seasoning, yay!