This is a variation of our microwave popcorn base recipe. Popcorn can be a delicious and healthy snack when you make your own. By making popcorn at home, you avoid unnecessary ingredients, unhealthy oils, and excessive salt found in ready-to-pop bags. All it takes is a brown bag or a large microwaveable bowl with a lid! Do you love cheesy popcorn? Give this Parmesan popcorn a try!
Must Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for How to Make Parmesan Popcorn
Wondering how to make popcorn in the microwave with a bag? Use a brown lunch sack and be sure to fold over the top twice so you don’t have a popcorn explosion in your microwave!
But what about how to make popcorn in the microwave without a bag? You just need a large bowl with a lid. There are some great collapsible silicone versions.
Regardless of bag or bowl, do not burn the popcorn! It can happen in an instant and ruin the whole batch. Use your ears, and stop the microwave when it sounds like there are longer than 2-3 seconds between pops. It’s better to pull the bag early than too late.
Let the bag or bowl rest for a few minutes before opening. There can be some delayed pops from kernels, and it will be super hot!
Mix the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning with the oil first to distribute the flavor better.
Involve your kids in this recipe. It’s super easy, fast, and fun!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Popcorn Kernels: use any variety. Didn’t know there was more than one kind? Try this fun variety pack.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: use plain, infused, or even truffle oil. Don’t have extra virgin olive oil on hand? Check out the oils from Enzo’s Table for great flavor and quality or substitute avocado or canola oil. If you can’t live without butter on your popcorn, that will work, too.
- Parmesan Cheese: substitute grated gran padano or pecorino.
- Italian Seasoning: substitute a combination of dried basil and oregano leaves. The Spice House carries great selection and quality.
- Sea Salt: use any variety. Sea salt is a good choice because of its texture. Its small granules coat the popcorn better than kosher, but kosher or iodized salt still work!
Parmesan Popcorn Recipe Variations
Add some granulated garlic to the oil for additional Italian popcorn flavor.
Want some popcorn inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide, or check out our cinnamon sugar variation!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:
- Brown lunch bag or large microwaveable bowl with a lid
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to prepare anything!
Is this Cheesy Popcorn Recipe Healthy?
You bet! Popcorn is a whole grain, and when you make it from scratch, you control the ingredients! No palm oil, artificial flavors, or excess salt here. The featured ingredients in this recipe are popcorn, extra virgin olive oil, and herbs.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain, which means it provides our bodies with vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and healthy fats. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Phytonutrients work as antioxidants to help fight off diseases and keep us healthy.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, which may reduce inflammation.
Herbs
Italian herbs add flavor and nutrition to this recipe. Using herbs decreases the need for more salt, which may help reduce hypertension risk and therefore promote heart health. Additionally, herbs contain powerful antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Learn more about the health benefits of different foods and ingredients in our book, To Your Taste!
Serving Suggestions
This homemade microwave popcorn is a great snack on its own, but you can also pair it with trail mix or nuts for additional fat and protein to help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Parmesan Popcorn Storage Tips
Popcorn is best eaten fresh from the microwave, but you can make it in advance. To ensure freshness, store it in an airtight bag or container for no more than 2 days.
Want more healthy snack recipes?
Try out these delicious base recipes!
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Parmesan Popcorn with Italian Seasoning
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add popcorn kernels to a brown paper lunch bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice to close shut. Alternatively, use a silicone popcorn bowl. Place in the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes or use the popcorn button and set the weight to 2 ounces. Microwave until there are about 2-3 seconds between pops.
- In a large bowl, whisk to combine the oil, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add popped popcorn, and stir with your hands or a spatula until evenly coated. Enjoy!
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
What type of Parmesan cheese works best for popcorn?
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Absolutely. Melted butter gives the popcorn a richer, movie-theater-style flavor. Clarified butter or ghee can help prevent sogginess while adding extra buttery taste.
Is parmesan popcorn healthy?
Homemade parmesan popcorn can be a healthier snack option because you control the ingredients and salt level. Popcorn is a whole grain that provides fiber, while olive oil contains heart-healthy fats.
