Movie Theater Popcorn

Name: Movie Theater Popcorn
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: spoons unsalted butter; 2 Tablespoons coconut oil; ½ cup popcorn kernels yellow or white; Salt t

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Movie Theater Popcorn, Copycat movie theater popcorn, Theater popcorn butter, Cinema popcorn, How to make butter popcorn, Clarified butter

Make movie night at home one to remember with homemade movie theater-style popcorn! This copycat recipe for popcorn has all the flavor and salty buttery goodness of the movie theater popcorn but at home for a fraction of the cost! This is a fun recipe the whole family can enjoy together!

Ready in just 10 minutes and using only 4 simple ingredients you’ll never buy microwave popcorn again, and the best part, no fancy popcorn machine is needed! This recipe whips up in no time using a stove and a large pot.

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Popcorn Variations

There are so many delicious ways to flavour your movie theater popcorn. Try some store bought seasonings like white cheddar, salt and vinegar, or dill pickle.

You can also use this recipe to make popcorn for homemade caramel corn, cracker jacks, or savory chili pepper popcorn.

In place of salt try adding some seasoning and spices like cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, seasoning salt, parmesan cheese, chili powder, or BBQ seasoning.

Try my Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Corn!

Tips for Making Movie Theater Popcorn

After melting the butter be sure to scrape off the foamy part that forms on the butter and discard, you don’t want that in your popcorn.
After melting the butter there will be a layer of milk solids that forms on the bottom of the container. When pouring the butter over the popcorn try to avoid adding the milk solids to the bowl so that you are only using the clarified butter.
When popping the popcorn, keep the pot moving continuously, popcorn burns very fast and even a few burnt kernels will add a burnt flavour to the popcorn.
To prevent burning, remove the pot from the heat before the popping stops. This gives any remaining kernels a chance to pop without burning the already popped popcorn.

Best way to Store Popcorn

To keep leftover popcorn from going stale, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

If you know you are making this popcorn ahead of time to store or freeze it, keep the clarified butter separate. Melts and add once you are ready to eat the popcorn.

Popcorn can stay frozen for up to 10 weeks.

Try my Caramel Popcorn!

Movie Theater Popcorn FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter to make this popcorn?

Margarine will work for this recipe however it will have a different flavour than using clarified butter.

What is the best style of popcorn kernels to use for this recipe?

Use high-quality name brand kernels for the best possible popcorn. The fresher the kernels the better so if all you have is an old bag in the cupboard, consider buying a new one for this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Corn is completely gluten-free, making the healthy snack a gluten-free alternative you can enjoy on movie night.

Is this recipe keto?

With only 5g net carbs per cup of popped corn, this healthy snack can be enjoyed on low carb or keto diets within reason.

Why does my popcorn burn?

If your popcorn is burning it may have been on the heat too long without shaking or the oil temperature is too high. Make sure the oil is just hot enough to pop the kernels. You can use a few test kernels beforehand and once they pop the oil is ready to use.

What to do with kernels of popcorn that don’t pop?

Any unpopped kernels can be discarded.

Do I need a popcorn maker for this recipe?

No need for a fancy popcorn machine for this recipe, just a heavy bottom pot and a stove will do.

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Movie Theater Popcorn

Prep Time: 4

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 10

Servings: cups

This homemade popcorn is delicious and easy to make! No more waiting for a night at the theater, you can make this copycat movie theater style popcorn right at home with just 4 simple ingredients!

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Ingredients

spoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
½ cup popcorn kernels yellow or white
Salt t

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Instructions

Add the butter to a microwave safe container with an easy pour spout like a pyrex measuring cup. Melt the butter on high at 30 second intervals until completely melted. Use a spoon to remove the foamy film that collects at the top. Set the butter aside until needed.
In a large heavy bottom pot or dutch oven heat the coconut oil over high heat. Add 2-3 test kernels to the oil, once they pop you know the oil is hot enough. Once hot, put on a pair of oven mitts to prevent burning, and carefully add the popcorn kernels, swirling them around in the oil until they are completely coated.
Once the kernels begin to pop, place the lid on the pot and continue swirling and shaking the pot until the popping slows down.
Remove the pot from the heat and set aside with the lid cracked for 1 minute to let any remaining kernels pop.
Remove the lid from the popcorn and pour the melted butter, Avoid pouring in any of the collected milk solids at the bottom of the container.
Toss the popcorn to coat evenly in the butter and sprinkle with a generous amount of salt before serving.