Homemade Cheesy Popcorn Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought Cheese Popcorn)

There are some snacks I simply can't resist.

Popcorn has always been one of them.

In fact, there are days when I'll skip lunch altogether and eat a big bowl of popcorn instead. (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)

My favorite has always been cheese popcorn. Unfortunately, buying it can be a gamble. Whether it's a name brand or the generic version from the grocery store, one bag might be delicious while the next hardly tastes like cheese at all.

Then there's the ingredient list.

The more I started reading labels, the more I realized many packaged cheese popcorns contain artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives, and ingredients I couldn't even pronounce.

So I decided to make my own.

And honestly...

I don't think I'll be buying bagged cheese popcorn anymore.

It Started With Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast for popcorn

A few years ago, I had never even heard of nutritional yeast.

Once I learned what it was—and the nutritional benefits—I started experimenting with it in different recipes. One of the first things I tried was popcorn.

It gives popcorn a mild, cheesy flavor while adding protein and several B vitamins, making it much more than just another seasoning.

(If you're wondering what nutritional yeast is, be sure to read my article: What Is Nutritional Yeast? The Healthy Pantry Staple I Wish I'd Discovered Years Ago.)

Chedder Cheese Powder

The Secret Ingredient

After trying several different cheese powders, I finally settled on Hoosier Hill Farm Buttery Cheddar Seasoning.

I like the flavor, the ingredient list is simple compared to many packaged cheese snacks, and it pairs perfectly with nutritional yeast.

For salt, I simply use my favorite Redmond Real Salt.

As for popcorn?

I'm not loyal to any particular brand.

I'll usually buy whatever kernels are on sale, although I often stock up on Orville Redenbacher popcorn from Sam's Club because it's economical and keeps well in the pantry.

Popcorn 

Homemade Cheesy Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon Hoosier Hill Farm Buttery Cheddar Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Bragg Nutritional Yeast
• Redmond Real Salt, to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat.

Add the popcorn kernels and cover.

Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat.

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl.

Drizzle with the melted butter, sprinkle on the cheddar seasoning, nutritional yeast, and salt, then toss until every kernel is coated.

That's it!

Love Extra Cheese?

If you're like me and enjoy an even richer cheese flavor, simply double the seasonings.

• 2 tablespoons Hoosier Hill Farm Buttery Cheddar Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Bragg Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

The popcorn becomes even cheesier while adding extra protein and B vitamins from the nutritional yeast.

Why I Like This Version Better

One of the things I appreciate most is knowing exactly what's going into my food.

Instead of opening a bag filled with artificial ingredients, I'm using popcorn, olive oil, butter, nutritional yeast, cheddar seasoning, and salt.

That's it.

It's simple, tastes incredible, and I can adjust the seasoning exactly the way I like it.

Best of all, I don't have to wonder what mystery ingredients were used to create that "cheese" flavor.

reading labels (click photo to enlarge)

The ingredient list is:

• Cheddar & blue cheese (pasteurized milk, salt, annatto, cheese cultures, enzymes)
• Whey
• Salt
• Nonfat dry milk
• Canola oil
• Natural flavors
• Citric acid
• Lactic acid
• Annatto (color)
• Paprika extract (color)

What I like 

• Real cheese is the first ingredient.
• No artificial colors like Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 (many cheese powders use them).
• Colors come from annatto and paprika, which are natural plant-derived colorings.
• No MSG listed.
• No maltodextrin or corn syrup solids in this particular buttery cheddar seasoning.
• A relatively short ingredient list for a flavored dairy seasoning. 

I purchase my cheddar powder on Amazon HOOSIER HILL FARM BUTTERY CHEDDAR

A Pantry-Friendly Snack

Another reason I love this recipe is that every ingredient stores well.

Popcorn kernels have an excellent shelf life when kept dry.

Nutritional yeast is another pantry staple I always keep on hand.

Even the cheddar seasoning lasts a long time when stored in a cool, dry place.

That means I can enjoy homemade cheese popcorn whenever the craving hits without making a special trip to the store.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones you make over and over again.

This homemade cheesy popcorn has become one of my favorites.

It's quick, tastes better than most store-bought cheese popcorn I've tried, adds a little extra nutrition thanks to the nutritional yeast, and satisfies that salty snack craving every single time.

Now if you'll excuse me...

There's another bowl calling my name.

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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Nutritional Yeast: The Healthy Pantry Staple I Wish I'd Discovered Years Ago

 There are some foods I discover and immediately wonder, "Where has this been all my life?"

Nutritional yeast is one of them.

Until just a few years ago, I had never even heard of nutritional yeast. When I saw the word yeast, my mind immediately went to bread making. I assumed it was something that contained gluten, was used for baking, or simply wasn't for me. So I walked right past it every time I saw it on the grocery shelf.

As it turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

What Is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that's grown on a food source such as molasses, then harvested, heated, and dried. Because it has been deactivated, it will not make bread rise like active baking yeast.

It's also naturally gluten-free, although anyone with celiac disease should choose a product that is specifically labeled gluten-free to avoid possible cross-contamination during manufacturing.

The flakes are light, golden in color, and have a surprisingly pleasant flavor that many people describe as cheesy, nutty, or similar to Parmesan cheese.

That was the biggest surprise for me.

Instead of tasting like bread yeast, it adds a rich, savory flavor to foods without overpowering them.

Nutritional Yeast

Why I Finally Decided to Try It

One of my goals lately has been finding simple ways to add more nutrition to everyday meals.

I kept running across people talking about nutritional yeast, especially those interested in healthy cooking, homesteading, and emergency preparedness. After reading more about it, I realized it wasn't just another health food fad.

Many brands are fortified with several important B vitamins, including:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Vitamin B12 (in fortified varieties)

These vitamins help the body convert food into energy, support the nervous system, aid red blood cell production, and contribute to overall health.

Nutritional yeast also contains protein and fiber, making it an easy way to add a little extra nutrition without changing the taste of a meal very much.

My First Taste

I'll admit, I was skeptical.

I sprinkled a little on some popcorn.

That was all it took.

The flavor reminded me of a light cheese seasoning, but without the artificial taste found in many packaged popcorn toppings.

Since then, I've started experimenting with it in several recipes.

So far, I've enjoyed adding it to:

• Popcorn
• Scrambled eggs
• Soups
• Goulash
• Vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta dishes
• Casseroles

It blends in easily and gives foods a richer, savory flavor.

A Great Addition to the Prepper Pantry

As someone who enjoys keeping a well-stocked pantry, nutritional yeast makes a lot of sense.

If you're storing staples like rice, beans, pasta, potatoes, and dehydrated vegetables, it's nice to have ingredients that can add both nutrition and flavor.

In a long-term emergency, comfort foods can become repetitive very quickly. Nutritional yeast helps break up that monotony by adding a mild cheesy flavor to foods that might otherwise taste bland.

It's a simple pantry item that serves two purposes:

• It boosts flavor.
• It adds nutritional value to everyday meals.

Those are exactly the kinds of foods I like keeping on hand.

How Long Does Nutritional Yeast Last?

One thing I immediately wondered was whether it was shelf stable.

The good news is that it is.

An unopened container typically keeps for about two years, sometimes longer if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, most manufacturers recommend using it within several months for the best flavor and vitamin quality.

For long-term storage, I would keep it the same way I store many other pantry staples:

• Keep it in an airtight container or glass jar.
• Store it in a cool, dry, dark location.
• Protect it from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping it out.

Vacuum sealing unopened packages or storing them in a food-grade bucket or tote with other dry goods can provide additional protection from moisture and pests if you're building a long-term food storage pantry.

Bragg Nutritional Yeast

The Brand I'm Using

The nutritional yeast I've been using is Bragg Nutritional Yeast.

One reason I chose it is because it contains simple ingredients without unnecessary fillers. It's easy to find in many grocery stores and online, and it has become a pantry staple that I'll continue keeping stocked.

Ingredients in Nutritional Yeast

Where I purchased mine on Amazon - BRAGG NUTRITIONAL YEAST  -  As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Nutritional Yeast packed with essential vitamins

Final Thoughts

It's funny how one little word kept me from trying this product for years.

If someone had simply called it a "savory seasoning," I probably would have picked it up long ago.

Now that I've discovered what nutritional yeast really is, I can honestly say it's one of those pantry staples I'll continue buying. It adds flavor, provides important nutrients, stores well, and fits perfectly into both everyday cooking and a well-prepared homestead pantry.

Sometimes the foods we overlook turn out to be the most useful ones of all.

Best flavor enhancer - nutritional yeast

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How I Kept Goldfish Alive for 15 Years Without a Filter, Pump, or Electricity

 

Goldfish Pond

A Fish Pond That Runs Completely on Nature

One of my favorite projects around our Texas home has been one of the simplest.

For over 15 years, I've maintained a 3-foot galvanized stock tank fish pond with no electricity, no filter, no pump, and no aerator. It has quietly become its own little ecosystem, requiring surprisingly little maintenance while providing water for wildlife, mosquito control, and endless enjoyment.

In today's world, we're often told that a pond needs expensive filters, circulating pumps, UV lights, and constant maintenance. My experience has been quite different.

Nature has done almost all the work.

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Small Goldfish at PetSmart are now currently .49 cents each in 2026 

Starting with Ten-Cent Goldfish

When I first filled the stock tank, I purchased several tiny feeder goldfish for about 10 cents each.

I fed them koi pellets during their first years, but over time I discovered something remarkable.

As the pond matured, the fish became less dependent on me.

Algae developed naturally.

Mosquito larvae appeared.

Tiny aquatic insects and microorganisms established themselves.

Leaves occasionally drifted into the water and broke down, creating nutrients for microscopic life.

The pond slowly became a balanced ecosystem.

Eventually, I rarely fed the fish at all.

One of those tiny feeder fish grew so large we named him Goliath.

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Pond frozen solid - couldn't break ice for the fish

Surviving the Historic Texas Freeze

The biggest surprise came during the historic Texas freeze of February 2021.

Our pond froze solid across the top.

Everything was iced over during the Texas Freeze

The ice became so thick that I couldn't even break it open.

I assumed every fish had died.

When the weather warmed, I walked outside expecting the worst.

Instead...

Several goldfish—including Goliath—were still swimming.

That experience completely changed how I viewed goldfish. These inexpensive little fish turned out to be incredibly hardy.

Goldfish thriving off organic matter

Why the Pond Works Without Electricity

The secret isn't complicated.

It's balance.

Instead of trying to sterilize the pond, I allowed it to become a living ecosystem.

The fish helped control mosquito larvae.

Algae provided oxygen during daylight and served as food for countless microscopic organisms.

Beneficial bacteria naturally broke down waste.

Rain refreshed the pond.

During extreme summer heat, I simply topped off the water occasionally.

That's about it.

---

Trees and fallen leaves provide shade and shelter for the fish

Partial Shade Made All the Difference

One lesson I learned early was that location matters.

The stock tank sits where it receives partial shade.

Even during long stretches of Texas triple-digit temperatures, the water stayed surprisingly moderate.

I also kept another barrel in full sun.

That water became dramatically hotter.

Although I installed a small solar fountain in that barrel—which created a beautiful spray and attracted bees and dragonflies—the water itself became much warmer than my shaded fish pond.

The shaded stock tank remained the healthier environment for fish.

---

Nature's Mosquito Control

One of the greatest benefits of keeping goldfish is their appetite.

Goldfish eagerly consume:

• Mosquito larvae
• Small insects
• Aquatic worms
• Algae
• Organic matter

Instead of becoming a mosquito breeding ground, the pond actually helped reduce mosquitoes around our yard.

For anyone interested in preparedness or simple living, that's a welcome bonus that requires no chemicals.

---

Using a barrel for extra water using solar powered fountain

Providing Water During Texas Drought

During dry summers, our nearby creek has occasionally stopped flowing altogether.

Knowing that always bothered me.

The pond became more than just a place for fish.

It became a dependable water source for local wildlife.

Almost daily we would see:

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Squirrels
• Frogs
• Dragonflies
• Opossums
• Bees
• Butterflies

Even stray animals found their way to the pond.

In fact, we suspect one stray cat survived partly because she had access to water there before eventually finding her way into our family.

For that reason alone, I don't think we'll ever be without a backyard pond again.

Using solar powered fountains to provide more water for wildlife

For water features without fish, I place in direct sunlight. Mosquitoes won't lay in hot water, and I'll run solar fountains. 

These are some of the solar fountains I've purchased and would buy again. 

COLOR CHANGING SOLAR FOUNTAIN 

SOLAR PANEL FOR FOUNTAINS

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Rosy Red Minnows .29 cents each at PetSmart 2026

Discovering Rosy Red Minnows

Recently we decided to try something different.

We purchased about 10 rosy red minnows.

Like many feeder fish, a few didn't survive the initial adjustment, which is fairly common after transport.

But after three months, only one has died.

The rest continue swimming happily—and here's the surprising part:

They've never been fed.

Just like the goldfish eventually did, they've been living entirely on what the pond naturally produces.

So far they've proven to be remarkably hardy little fish.

---

Goldfish

Goldfish vs. Rosy Red Minnows

Both species make excellent choices for outdoor ponds, but they have different strengths.

Goldfish

Goldfish are descendants of the Prussian carp, a freshwater fish native to eastern Asia. Over hundreds of years, people selectively bred them into the many colors and varieties we know today.

Goldfish:

• Can live 15–30 years under good conditions.
• Continue growing throughout much of their lives.
• Eat mosquito larvae, algae, insects, aquatic plants, and organic matter.
• Tolerate both hot summers and surprisingly cold winters.
• Help keep ponds biologically balanced.

Their adaptability explains why inexpensive feeder goldfish can become large, beautiful pond fish with very little care.

Rosy Red Minnows

Rosy Red Minnows

Rosy red minnows are a pink-orange color variety of the fathead minnow, a native North American fish found naturally in slow-moving streams, ponds, wetlands, and prairie waters.

Compared to goldfish, rosy reds:

• Stay much smaller.
• Reproduce readily in outdoor ponds.
• Eat mosquito larvae and tiny insects.
• Thrive in shallow water.
• Tolerate low oxygen better than many aquarium fish.
• Handle wide temperature swings.

Because they're naturally adapted to North American ponds, they are exceptionally hardy and make excellent companions—or even alternatives—to goldfish in simple wildlife ponds.

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A Pond That's Ready Even When the Power Isn't

As someone interested in preparedness and self-reliance, I appreciate systems that continue working when the power goes out.

This pond doesn't depend on electricity.

No pump.

No filter.

No extension cords.

No monthly electric bill.

Even during outages, the pond continues providing:

• Water for wildlife
• Mosquito control
• Habitat for frogs and dragonflies
• Beauty in the backyard
• A healthy environment for fish

Sometimes the simplest systems prove to be the most dependable.

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Final Thoughts

Looking back over the past 15 years, I never imagined that a simple galvanized stock tank would become one of my favorite backyard projects.

It has taught me an important lesson:

Nature is incredibly capable of finding balance if we simply allow it to.

Our little pond has survived droughts, record heat, freezing temperatures, and years with almost no maintenance.

The fish have thrived.

The wildlife has benefited.

And every summer evening, watching dragonflies skim across the water reminds me that sometimes the best homesteading projects aren't the complicated ones—they're the ones that let nature do what it has always done best.

My first blog post about the fish tank - 9 years ago: 

NO MAINTENANCE GOLDFISH POND - feeding optional

Backyard - Certifying for Wildlife Habitat

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