The Best After School Cheesy Popcorn Ever
This savory popcorn is a go-to in my house whenever we head to the movies. No way are the kiddos eating theater popcorn when this cheesy, salty, and buttery version exists. No one complains—it’s that good. Everyone gets their own little bag, which makes it extra fun.
I also make it at home for a healthier snack during playdates. It’s quick, easy, and can even be made vegan. Nutritional yeast adds that cheesy flavor without dairy, and it’s just as delicious. Plus, who doesn’t love standing at the stove, shaking a lidded pot, and hearing that snap, crackle, and pop? It always brings me back to childhood.
You can personalize it too—try truffle salt, herb salt, fennel pollen, or even a splash of Tabasco. However you make it, this popcorn is the ultimate afterschool treat.
Makes about 10-12 servings/Preparation Time 15 minutes
Gather
1 cup / 8 grams popcorn
1 cup / 140 grams pecorino or parmesan grated (or substitute for 1 cup of yeast flakes plus the below amount)
½ cup / 30 grams yeast flakes
2 teaspoon salt
1 stick vegan butter
Make
Place a large stock pot onto a medium/high burner, add the olive oil and 4-5 kernels of popcorn and cover with the lid. After a few kernels have popped at the rest of the pop corn kernels to the pot and cover. Hold onto the lid and side handles of pot with pot holders and begin shaking. You will here the bike up up of the popping kernels begging to pop rapidly.
Continue shaking until the popping sound has died down. Do not stop moving the pot until the sound dies down as you could burn the popped corn.
Then remove from the heat and keep lid on. Melt the butter. The alternately add the butter, yeast flakes, salt and grated cheese if using. Using your hands mix in all the ingredients.
Transfer to a large bowl or individual snacking g bags. Serve immediately or save till ready to serve, after school.
Enjoy the salty, buttery and crispy yumminess.
