Homemade Ranch Seasoned Popcorn Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic snack with this Homemade Ranch Popcorn recipe. It’s a simple, savory treat that combines the tangy zest of ranch seasoning with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped corn. Perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon buttermilk powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried chives (heaping teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (a few turns, to taste)
• 3 Tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil is preferred)
• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 drops soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, sea salt, and black pepper to create the ranch seasoning. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, add the oil and three popcorn kernels. Heat over high and cover the pan. These test kernels will signal when the oil is hot enough once they pop.
3. Step 3: While waiting for the test kernels to pop, measure the remaining ½ cup of popcorn kernels. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop in short intervals. Add soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter, if using.
4. Step 4: When the test kernels pop, immediately add the rest of the popcorn kernels to the pan. Cover and remove from heat. Gently swirl the pan side to side for 20 seconds to coat the kernels with oil evenly.
5. Step 5: Return the pan to the heat. The kernels will start popping quickly. When the pot is about half full of popped corn, slightly crack the lid to let excess steam escape. This is roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute after popping begins.
6. Step 6: If necessary, gently shake the pan to allow unpopped kernels to reach the bottom and pop. Once popping slows or stops, immediately transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl, preferably one with a lid, or use a large paper bag for tossing.
7. Step 7: Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the buttered popcorn, then toss or shake until fully coated. Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use refined coconut oil for a subtle flavor and higher smoke point, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable works well.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning for a spicy kick.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and use a flavored oil or melted coconut oil instead.
• Store leftover seasoning in an airtight jar to use on other snacks or salads.

Storage

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crunchiness. Reheating is not recommended as it may make the popcorn soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-popped popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, but freshly popped popcorn will give the best flavor and texture when combined with the melted butter and ranch seasoning.

What is the purpose of cracking the lid halfway through popping?

Cracking the lid lets excess steam escape, which helps the popcorn stay crisp rather than soggy from trapped moisture.

Homemade Ranch Seasoned Popcorn Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 136 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups of popped popcorn 1x

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Description

This Homemade Ranch Popcorn recipe combines the classic tangy flavors of ranch seasoning with freshly popped popcorn for a delicious and easy-to-make snack. Using simple pantry ingredients like buttermilk powder and dried herbs, this flavorful popcorn is coated in melted butter and perfectly seasoned, making it a great treat for movie nights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ranch Seasoning

• 1 Tablespoon buttermilk powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried chives (heaping teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (a few turns, to taste)

Popcorn

• 3 Tablespoons oil of choice (refined coconut oil preferred)
• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 drops soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the ranch seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to blend and set aside.
2. Heat the oil and test kernels: In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, add the oil and three popcorn kernels. Place the pot over high heat and cover with a lid. These test kernels will indicate when the oil has reached the proper temperature for popping.
3. Melt the butter: While waiting for the test kernels to pop, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals to avoid splattering. Add 4 drops of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter if desired and stir to combine.
4. Add popcorn kernels and start popping: Once the initial three test kernels have popped, immediately add the remaining ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the pot. Cover again and remove from heat. Gently swirl the pot from side to side for 20 seconds to evenly coat the kernels in oil and preheat them.
5. Return to heat and pop: Place the pot back on the heat. The popcorn will start popping almost immediately. When the popping increases and the pot is about halfway full with popped corn (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute into popping), slightly crack the lid to release excess steam. This helps keep the popcorn crisp.
6. Shake to pop remaining kernels: If the popping slows but kernels remain, gently shake the pot side to side to ensure any unpopped kernels settle to the bottom and pop.
7. Remove and season: Once the popping slows significantly or stops, immediately transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl to prevent burning. Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and toss well so all kernels are evenly coated. Sprinkle the prepared ranch seasoning evenly over the buttered popcorn, and toss or shake again until completely coated. Taste and add additional salt if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Using refined coconut oil is preferred as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
• The addition of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the butter adds a subtle umami depth but is optional.
• Cracking the lid partway through popping prevents steam buildup and ensures crispy popcorn.
• Freshly ground black pepper can be adjusted based on taste preference.
• Store leftover ranch seasoning in an airtight container for future popcorn or snacks.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ranch popcorn, homemade popcorn seasoning, buttermilk popcorn, savory popcorn snack, stovetop popcorn, flavored popcorn