Homemade Microwave Popcorn

I love popcorn. Really, it should be evident by my Kettle Corn post. Homemade popcorn on the stove just blows everything else out the window. We have one of those old fashioned stove-top poppers and it’s just awesome…..and I really mean that – not like some people say awesome but don’t really mean it. However, sometimes I want popcorn and I want it NOW. I don’t want to wait or wash the popper. Have you noticed that the good stuff at the store is expensive? But kernels aren’t? Today I’m going to show you how to make your own microwave popcorn. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s cheap……but it’s not as good as stovetop – be on the lookout for one of those poppers at a yard sale (that’s where we scored mine!).

You’ll need a paper bag (we used a GIANT size), masking tape, popcorn kernels, olive oil, and popcorn salt. I got our salt at Sam’s in a HUGE container…..but real butter is better. Better butter, better butter, better butter………

Pour the kernels right down into the bag. I’m getting really excited about what is going to happen!

Pour the oil over the kernels. It’s a good idea to pour the oil after the kernels are already in the bag. It helps them get coated a bit better…….I learned that the hard way. I learn tons of stuff the hard way.

I like my popcorn with salt. Like I said, butter is better though. You can use popcorn salt OR any seasoning you want at this point – cumin, cinnamon, taco seasoning, ranch dressing powder, or oregano. Be creative. Have a popcorn creativity contest with your family……and then pour it out if it’s nasty and start over. Been there, done that.

Now, bend the top over (not like I forgot to do in this picture) and shake the heck out of that bag. I mean, really go at it. You want to coat all the kernels with oil and salt. No kernel left behind.

Now, tape the top down. I read that some people use staples…….but that just scares me a bit. I don’t want my popcorn bag on fire. I’ve already made too many mishaps in the microwave; I really don’t need another one to add to Barry’s list.

My microwave has a popcorn setting, so I just use that. If yours doesn’t, I don’t know what to tell ya…..just guesstimate. When the popping slows and you have a few seconds between pops, you need to pull it out…..or else it will catch on fire. Or so I’ve heard from OTHER PEOPLE. *Cough*

It’s a miracle! Isn’t that coolest thing ever? Don’t worry about the oily bag, it just wipes right up.

Dig in! It’s great warm. I used this batch to make a version of Puppy Chow, but using popcorn instead of cereal. It was pretty stinking awesome if I do say so myself. It’s gone. Sorry. Make your own.