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.

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

WACKY Popcorn: Why I Still Prefer Homemade Stovetop Popcorn

FREEZE DRIED COLBY CHEESE - Is it any good? Augason Farms REVIEW

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