This roasted garlic parmesan popcorn is a tasty snack that packs a punch! The buttery goodness mixed with crispy garlic and cheesy parmesan makes it hard to stop munching!
Honestly, I love making this for movie nights. Let’s face it, popcorn is the real star, and with this flavor combo, you’ll want a big bowl all to yourself! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn Kernels: The star of this recipe! Use high-quality kernels for fluffier popcorn. You can substitute with microwave popcorn if you’re short on time, just skip the popping step.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. You can replace it with olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier option or to make it dairy-free.
Roasted Garlic: The roasted garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder, but fresh gives the best taste! You could even try shallots for a milder flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano is my favorite, but any good-quality grated Parmesan will work. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder: This is optional but definitely adds a nice kick and smokiness. You can swap it with garlic powder for extra garlic flavor, or skip entirely for a milder taste.
How Do You Roast Garlic Perfectly?
Roasting garlic might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple and adds amazing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a whole bulb of garlic, slice off the top to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then wrap tightly in foil.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes until soft. Cool slightly, then squeeze out the garlic from the skins.
- Mash the roasted cloves before adding to your popcorn!
Roasted garlic adds sweetness and depth; once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to use it in more recipes!
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or about 12 cups popped popcorn)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, finely minced or mashed
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional for a smoky kick)
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and another 30-40 minutes for roasting the garlic and popping the popcorn. So, plan for around 40-50 minutes total. It’s mostly hands-on for just a few moments, while the rest is waiting for the garlic to roast and the popcorn to pop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic:
First, we need to roast our garlic to get that lovely sweet flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle it lightly with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until it’s nice and soft. Once it cools down, you can squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and mash them into a fine paste.
2. Pop the Popcorn:
Next, let’s get our popcorn popping! You can use a popcorn maker or pop it on the stovetop in a big pot with a little oil. Once it’s nice and fluffy, transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels (no one wants to bite into a hard kernel!).
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Now, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the roasted garlic and allow it to infuse for about a minute—trust me, the aroma is delicious!
4. Flavor the Popcorn:
Time to combine! Drizzle that fragrant garlic butter evenly over the popcorn while tossing gently. Ensure all the popcorn gets a nice coating of that garlic goodness!
5. Add Seasoning and Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan, smoked paprika or chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the popcorn. Toss it again gently until everything is well mixed, so every bite is bursting with flavor!
6. Serve Immediately:
Your warm, savory roasted garlic Parmesan popcorn is ready to enjoy! Serve it up in a big bowl for a movie night or any time you have a craving for a tasty snack. It’s so good you might not want to share!
This recipe yields about 8 cups of seasoned popcorn and can be easily doubled for a larger crowd. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ready-Popped Popcorn for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought popcorn. Just make sure to taste it before adding any salt since pre-popped popcorn can often be salty already.
How to Store Leftover Popcorn?
Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just give it a little shake before serving again to regain that crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this popcorn vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Roasted Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder or fresh minced garlic sautéed in the butter for a quicker version. If using fresh garlic, add it to the butter just until fragrant to avoid burning the garlic.