This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn is a fun twist on your regular snack! It’s fluffy popcorn sprinkled with zesty garlic and cheesy Parmesan. Yum!
The smell alone will have everyone running to grab a bowl! I could easily eat this during a movie marathon and still want more. It’s just that good! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn Kernels: A 1/2 cup of kernels yields about 12 cups of popped popcorn. If you’re in a pinch, pre-popped popcorn works too, but you’ll miss the freshness and crunch.
Garlic: Roasting the garlic adds sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) instead, but it won’t be as rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky touch, but feel free to skip it or use regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do I Roast Garlic for Maximum Flavor?
Roasting garlic is simple and brings out its sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the garlic cloves in foil or place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
- Once cooled, mash the garlic into a paste to use in your recipe.
This technique elevates your popcorn’s flavor, making every bite delicious! Take your time with it for the best results.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or about 12 cups popped popcorn)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for popping)
For the Flavoring:
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and roasted
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 30 minutes in total. This includes 20 minutes roasting the garlic in the oven and another 10 minutes preparing the popcorn and mixing the delicious seasonings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the peeled garlic cloves on a small baking sheet or wrap them in foil. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes until they become soft and golden. Once done, let them cool for a bit, then mash the roasted garlic into a smooth paste. It should smell amazing!
2. Pop the Corn:
In a large pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels to test if the oil is hot enough; when those pop, you’re ready to add the rest of the kernels. Cover the pot so they can pop away. Remember to shake the pot occasionally to avoid burning them!
3. Mix the Flavorings:
While the popcorn is popping, mix the melted butter and your roasted garlic paste in a small bowl until well blended. This buttery garlic mixture will add incredible flavor to your popcorn!
4. Combine Everything:
When the popping slows down, take the pot off the heat. Pour the freshly popped popcorn into a large bowl, and drizzle your garlic butter evenly over it. Toss it gently to coat all the popcorn.
5. Add Seasoning:
Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper over your popcorn. Toss again to make sure everything is evenly distributed. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your delicious Garlic Parmesan Popcorn immediately while it’s fresh and crunchy. Enjoy this delightful snack while watching your favorite movies or just whenever you want something tasty!
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn for This Recipe?
Sure! You can use microwave popcorn, but it won’t have the same flavor profile. If you go this route, skip the popping step and follow the instructions for mixing the garlic butter and seasonings directly onto the microwave popcorn!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can either leave it out or substitute it with regular paprika or chili powder for a little heat. The flavors will still be delicious without it!
How Do I Store Leftover Popcorn?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain its crispiness, avoid refrigerating it, as that can make it stale. Just remember, this popcorn is best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Popcorn Vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It will give a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
