We’d be lying if we said popcorn wasn’t one of our favorite snacks. But to be honest, sometimes the good old salt and butter routine can get a bit boring. Because popcorn is a relatively healthy choice, it serves as a great base for these seriously delicious recipes. Next time you’re looking for a unique snack without the fuss, try one of the following five easy popcorn combos below. What are you waiting for? Take a look and then get popping!
1. Cool Ranch Popcorn
Step aside, Cool Ranch Doritos. There’s a new snack in town.
Recipe from Rachel Ray
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 teaspoons buttermilk powder (found in the baking aisle)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Directions:
Mix butter and spices together in a bowl or sauce pan. Drizzle over plain popcorn. Mix to spread evenly.
2. White Chocolate Confetti Popcorn
Like funfetti cake but with popcorn. Be still our hearts!
Recipe from A Side of Sweet
Ingredients:
- 12 cups of kettle corn or other plain popcorn
- 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of shortening or 3.5 oz. white chocolate candy melts or
- 2 tablespoons of sprinkles
Directions:
Melt white chocolate in the microwave or stovetop. Pour chocolate over popcorn, toss to coat each piece. Spread popcorn onto a baking sheet and sprinkle. Sit until try.
3. Rosemary, Black Pepper and Parmesan Popcorn
A healthy alternative to those rosemary parmesan fries you love oh-so much.
Recipe from Our Best Bites
Ingredients:
- 16 cups of plain or salted popped popcorn
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- fresh rosemary
- minced garlic (optional)
- grated parmesan
- ground black pepper
Directions:
In a bowl, mix together the rosemary, olive oil and garlic. Sprinkle hot popcorn with parmesan and toss. Drizzle the rosemary, olive oil and garlic mix over popcorn. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. French Onion Dip Popcorn
This French onion soup inspired recipe tastes straight off the streets of NOLA.
Recipe from FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1-ounce packet of onion soup mix
- 16 cups of plain or salted popcorn
- 6-ounce package of French-fried onions
Directions:
Melt butter and stir in onion soup mix. Toss with hot popcorn and French-fried onions.
5. Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
Your beloved caramel corn but with half the sugar. Plus, peanut butter- yum!
Recipe from Healthy Food for Living
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of plain or lightly salted popcorn
- 1/4 cup of salted peanuts
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp of creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup of brown rice syrup
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp of Kosher salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Toss popcorn and peanuts together. Line baking sheet. Combine canola oil, peanut butter and brown rice syrup in a medium-low heat saucepan. Stir slowly and constantly until smooth (about 2 minutes). Remove from stove and stir in vanilla and salt. Drizzle over popcorn and toss for even coverage. Spread popcorn onto baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 15 minutes. Rearrange popcorn again in an even layer and bake for another 15 minutes. Remoe from oven and let cool completeley.
What recipe has you drooling? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us at @HCEmerson!