These last few weeks we decided to start a weekly movie night with our family. Basically, it means a way to kill time after dinner until Judah's bedtime. Since I have zero energy in the evenings lately, relaxing nights like this are perfect! So far we've watched Wreck It Ralph, the old classic Robin Hood, Ice Age 3 or 4 or 10 (how many of those movies are there?) and a few more fun kid movies where the adult humor still shines. 🙂
Judah's favorite part of movie night is the popcorn. Last fall, I bookmarked a recipe from my fellow very pregnant gal, Lauren, where she showed us how to pop popcorn in the microwave, without resorting to the store-bought bags. I decided to use this method for our movie nights, and couldn't believe how simple it was!
It took me a few tries before figuring out my microwave temperature and times to make this work. For me, it takes exactly 2 minutes for a perfect bag of popcorn. To figure out when yours is done, listen for the popping to cease to 1-2 seconds between pops. Any longer than that and you'll end up with a burnt batch, and that awful lingering burnt popcorn smell for hours. Trust me, I know by experience.
Get this, all you need is a paper bag and popcorn kernels... and a microwave, of course!
DIY Microwavable Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 small (lunch size) brown paper bag
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- Salt (optional)
- Melted butter (optional)
- Popcorn seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Pour popcorn kernels into the paper bag. Crimp the bag shut by rolling the top down and pinching to seal. Place the bag face down in the microwave. Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows to 1 to 2 second intervals.
- Transfer the popcorn to a bowl and sprinkle with salt, then drizzle with optional melted butter and/or popcorn seasonings. Gently shake bowl to evenly coat.
- Source: Lauren's Latest
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I still haven't tried this but must ASAP. I adore popcorn!
Becky says
I love this trick!
We do movie night on Sunday nights. Remember when there was a family movie on every Sunday night for the wonderful world of Disney...Herbie, Swiss Family Robinson, The Gnome Mobile, etc? They really knew what they were doing with that 🙂
Nikki says
Becky, I totally remember those Sunday night Disney movies! And, Walt Disney sitting in his big red chair. 🙂 Love those memories!!
Anna says
I love this method - so much easier, cheaper and way healthier (no popcorn lung issues!) I usually spray mine with olive oil spray/misto and then sprinkle popcorn salt or seasoning salt over it. I have used nutritional yeast too and it's very good on popcorn!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
So fun! I neeeeed to try this!
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker says
Awesome idea! We eat a lot of popcorn, and are sometimes just plain lazy so we pop a bag in the microwave. I've been wanting to do away with it, this is so easy! Quick question - how large is the brown bag? Is it a regular lunch-size brown bag that you'd throw a sandwich in, or something larger?
Nikki says
Hey Michelle! It's just a regular lunch-size paper bag. 🙂
Sheila says
That's it??!! OMG! My Cece loves microwave popcorn and I honestly hate her eating it I feel like it's weird and oily but she loves it. We are going to try this right after school today!
Robyn says
This method really lets the flavour of the kernel come through! Way better tasting than popping it in oil over the stove or opening up a bag of microwave popcorn. Also, super economical!
Kristen says
I keep meaning to try this recipe! Looks so good and easy!
Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says
This is one of those things that is so easy you're almost embarrassed that you've been fooled by the store bought boxes for so long!
I think it's awesome that you are doing movie nights with Judah, those are the sorts of things I remember from the childhood!
Megan says
I am so over pre-bagged, crazy ingredient and chemically popcorns! This is great!!
Krystal R {Mrs. Regueiro's Plate} says
EEEKS! I totally want to watch Wreck it Ralph!!! Eric and I might have to review the movie ourselves or let Elena watch a little bit of it, too. Popcorn is pregnant food done right!!! Thank goodness for DIY'ing it yourself versus buying the storebought version...I like to season mine generously with butter and cheese! YUM!
Jesseca says
We did this today for our snack. It was such a fun activity! My four year old was beyond excited to help with the whole process! Thanks for sharing.
Nikki says
That's so great, Jesseca! Judah also loves to help with this. Such an easy way for them to get involved! 🙂 Glad you had fun with it!
Nutmeg Nanny says
So simple! I love using alternatives like this 🙂
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
This is so cool, I'm always running out of popcorn and my kids don't like me when that happens 🙂 This is way easier..
Nisha says
It's so simple right. My mom did the same method.
If only we could carry these to the theatres too...the over-priced, over-salted popcorn there...sigh.
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
Love any kind of popcorn! Found your blog today from Rachel Cook's! Love the blog!
Nikki says
Thank you, Meagan! And, welcome! 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Yummy! I've always thought about making popcorn in a bag without resorting to store-bought!
So glad to stumble on your blog via Liz's The Lemon Bowl 🙂
Ricardo says
Thank you so much for this! i just did it a minute ago! you made me and my mom so happy!
Kelly says
I found this recipe via Brown Eyed Baker (thanks, Michelle!) and I think this is a fabulous way to make popcorn...no hydrogenated anything or funky chemicals. And really yummy with a little browned butter, garlic salt, and shredded parmesan cheese. :d
Ian says
Super simple and super cool idea! nice one