Posted on Monday, December 16, 2019
Popcorn is the perfect snackable, giftable food with a million possible variations. Kids adore it, and it’s a fun a memorable food to make together during the holidays. When my kids spot the popcorn maker, they always get excited to watch the kernels pop, and they always sneak a few kernels from the bowl before there are even any toppings. Butter and salt and of course our easy default choices, but I’ve been known to put a few fancy spins on popcorn that can make it into a dessert or an awesome savory snack. My kids never even suspect that I’m happy for them to dig into some popcorn, since it’s a great source of fiber. Even better, popcorn can be packed up into cute little airtight containers or bags, and it makes a wonderful holiday gift that’s easy to make in a big batch. You can even add a few festive holiday-colored sprinkles to sweet versions to make it look like a million bucks too.
Ready for all things popcorn this season? Try a few of our family favorite recipes that are easy for kids and so delicious you’ll be fighting over the popcorn bowl.
Savory Cajun-Spiced Popcorn
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popcorn (about 2/3 cup kernels unpopped)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves)
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Spread popcorn on a large sheet pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl and sprinkle over popcorn.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Toss to combine and serve.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popcorn (about 2/3 cup kernels unpopped)
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or other neutral tasting cooking oil
- 2/3 cup no-stir peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, as desired)
Directions
- Spread popped popcorn out on a large sheet pan.
- Warm chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on 50% power.
- Stir and then warm for an additional 15-30 seconds at a time at 50% power, stirring after each time, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
- Drizzle chocolate over popcorn with a spoon.
- Warm peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl until warm enough to drizzle, about 30-60 seconds. Drizzle peanut butter over popcorn.
- Allow chocolate and peanut butter to cool enough to harden (can be done in the refrigerator), and enjoy!
Cookie Butter Popcorn
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popcorn (about 2/3 cup kernels unpopped)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup Biscoff cookie butter
- Optional: Sprinkles for decoration
Directions
- Spread popped popcorn out on a large sheet pan.
- Warm white chocolate chips and cookie butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on 50% power.
- Stir and then warm for an additional 15-30 seconds at a time at 50% power, stirring after each time, until mixture is fully melted.
- Drizzle mixture over popcorn with a spoon.
- Add sprinkles as desired.
- Allow topping to cool enough to harden (can be done in the refrigerator), and enjoy!
Visit your local Brookshire Brothers for all your real fresh, real delicious ingredients!
Angela Larson is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who works with Brookshire Brothers promoting real fresh, real delicious foods. Delicious food is her passion, so she loves trying new recipes and exploring the more holistic side of health and nutrition. When Angela isn't working with Brookshire Brothers, she's a mostly stay-at-home mom who loves to cook, garden, and spend time outdoors with her husband, Austin, and their two daughters.