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Making homemade popcorn seasoning is so much easier than you would think. Today I’m showing you how to make 7 of our favorite popcorn flavors, from herby ranch to cinnamon sugar! These seasonings have been munched down on in thousands of kitchens since I first published this recipe years ago – yours next?
save this recipe!The day I learned that popcorn is a whole grain was a pretty big day. Suddenly my favorite mindless-munching snack was a wholesome 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.
The Perfect Gift
I love making a big batch of popcorn seasoning to use as an edible holiday gift! Simply scale your favorite flavor up as much as you need, then store it in an airtight container (like a mason jar). These popcorn seasonings can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reader rating
“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.” —Vivian
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: 1/4 cup 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
Make It Stick
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. 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?
7 Easy Homemade Popcorn Seasonings
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: ¼ cup 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 for 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.
Notes
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
How do I make the coating stick
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.”
Love the flavors of popcorn to beat the mundane….
That ranch seasoning was so delish, as was the dorito seasoning! Big hit in our home!
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!
thankuuu saraahh!!! the dorito one is awwwsommeee!!!😲🤤
ur vvv pretty btw!!
Wow you guys a great
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.
So happy to hear it, Vivian! 😀
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!
Thank you for sharing out of love, I’m grateful!
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?
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).