7 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings To Spice Up Movie Nights

Forget boring buttered popcorn! Take your movie nights up a notch with homemade popcorn seasonings that’ll make your mouth sing. These easy recipes are for savory, sweet, and spicy mixes using simple pantry ingredients.

Popcorn is the classic snack that never fails to satisfy, but it becomes even better when mixed with flavorful seasonings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, you can elevate your popcorn game like never before.

Not only are these fun ways to dress up your own popcorn snacks, they also make great gifts! I’ll share exactly how I’ve made these into gifts in the past down below with the recipes.

Here are some ideas for homemade popcorn seasonings:

1. Garlic and Cheese
2. Spicy BBQ 
3. Herb Blend
4. Sour Cream and Onion
5. Cinnamon and Sugar
6. Salted Caramel
7. Honey and Butter

From savory to sweet, these recipes promise to turn your popcorn into a treat right in the comfort of your own home. Keep on reading for more details on how to make each seasoning.

How to Make Homemade Popcorn Seasonings?

Creating homemade popcorn seasonings using readily available ingredients at home opens up so many possibilities beyond the classic butter and salt. 

You can easily whip up homemade popcorn seasonings that cater to your unique taste preferences by using herbs, spices, and pantry staples. 

These homemade popcorn seasoning recipes can be used on microwave popcorn or stovetop popcorn.

Let’s take a look at some homemade popcorn seasoning ideas to try out!

7 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings to Try Out

1. Garlic and Cheese Popcorn Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. Make sure it’s freshly popped and warm.
• In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Adjust the salt to your taste preference.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the warm popcorn.
• Sprinkle the garlic and cheese seasoning mix over the popcorn, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.
• Transfer the seasoned popcorn to a serving bowl and enjoy the delightful combination of garlic and cheese flavors.

2. Spicy BBQ Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and set it aside in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the warm popcorn.
• Sprinkle the Spicy BBQ seasoning mix over the popcorn, tossing gently to coat evenly.
• Transfer the seasoned popcorn to a bowl and savor the smoky, spicy goodness of this BBQ-inspired treat.

3. Herb Blend Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and place it in a bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the warm popcorn.
• Sprinkle the Herb Blend seasoning over the popcorn, tossing gently to ensure an even distribution.
• Transfer the seasoned popcorn to a serving bowl and relish the aromatic herb-infused flavors.

4. Sour Cream and Onion Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons powdered sour cream
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine powdered sour cream, onion powder, dried chives, and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the warm popcorn.
• Sprinkle the Sour Cream and Onion seasoning mix over the popcorn, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.
• Transfer the seasoned popcorn to a serving bowl and relish the tangy and savory flavors of sour cream and onion chips.

5. Cinnamon and Sugar Popcorn Topping:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and place it in a large bowl.
• In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle melted butter or use a cooking spray on the warm popcorn.
• Sprinkle the Cinnamon and Sugar seasoning mix over the popcorn, tossing gently to coat evenly.
• Transfer the sweet and fragrant popcorn to a bowl and savor the delightful combination of cinnamon and sugar.

6. Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and set it aside.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and honey.
• Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
• Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and sea salt, and stir well.
• Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the popcorn, tossing gently to ensure every kernel is coated.
• Allow the caramel to cool and harden slightly before serving, creating a sweet and salty indulgence.

7. Honey and Butter Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Pop your popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine honey, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle the honey and butter mixture over the warm popcorn, tossing gently to coat evenly.
• Enjoy the sweet and buttery goodness of Honey and Butter popcorn.

More Seasonings That Can Be Used on Popcorn

Here are even more seasoning recipes that I already have on the blog that you can use to make popcorn seasoning recipes.

• Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
• Easy and Frugal Recipe for Taco Seasoning
• How to Make Seasoning Salt From Scratch
• Homemade Seasoning Mixes

How to Make Sure the Popcorn Seasoning Flavor Sticks?

Making popcorn seasoning flavors stick is crucial to ensure an even distribution of taste and prevent the seasoning from settling at the bottom of the bowl. 

Here are some tips to help the popcorn seasoning stick effectively:

1. Use Melted Butter or Oil: Drizzle melted butter or a flavorful oil over the freshly popped popcorn. This provides a moist surface for the seasoning to adhere to.
2. Use Cooking Spray: An even mist of cooking spray can help the seasoning stick uniformly to the popcorn. Consider using an oil-based spray for added flavor.
3. Toss While Warm: Immediately toss the popcorn with the seasoning while it’s still warm. This allows the seasoning to adhere to the popcorn better as it cools.
4. Layering Approach: If making large batches, layer the popcorn and seasoning in increments, tossing each layer thoroughly. This helps distribute the flavor more evenly.
5. Caramelization for Sweet Flavors: For sweet popcorn flavors like caramel or chocolate, drizzle a warm syrup over the popcorn. As it cools, it will harden and adhere to the popcorn.
6. Grinding or Powdering: Ensure that your seasoning mix is ground or powdered finely. This allows it to cling better to the popcorn surface.
7. Shake in a Sealed Bag: Place the popcorn and seasoning in a large sealed bag and shake it vigorously. This ensures an even distribution as you shake the bag from various angles.
8. Season While Popping: If using stovetop popping methods, consider adding some of the seasoning directly to the oil or butter as the popcorn pops. 
9. Wait Before Serving: After seasoning, let the popcorn sit for a minute or two before serving. This gives the flavors time to set.
10. Add a Final Sprinkle: After tossing with the initial seasoning, add a final sprinkle before serving to enhance the flavor.

Are Homemade Popcorn Seasonings Better than Store-Bought Ones?

The preference between homemade popcorn seasonings and store-bought ones ultimately depends on personal taste, dietary considerations, and the convenience factor.

Homemade options provide a personalized touch, allowing you to create unique and healthier blends, while store-bought seasonings offer convenience and a wider range of flavors with ingredients that may not be readily available in your pantry. 

I enjoy a mix of both, using store-bought options for convenience and experimenting with homemade creations for special occasions or when seeking a specific flavor.

Our Favorite Store-Bought Seasonings

These are the popcorn seasonings that we’ve bought and enjoy as well when time is short.

Nacho Popcorn Seasoning
White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning

How to Make a Popcorn Seasoning Gift Basket

For several years, I’ve made a popcorn seasoning gift basket to give to friends and family. It’s so unique and fun to give, and almost everyone loves popcorn, so it’s an instant hit! Here’s how I did it.

I made a variety of popcorn seasonings (at least 3 or 4) in bulk and then separated them into spice jars that I purchased. You might be able to find those locally or at a dollar store, but I bought these from Amazon.

Then I found some yummy popcorn. We love Mushroom Popcorn, but any kind of popcorn will do. Finding a multicolor or specialty popcorn can really add a lot to the gift.

Place all the items together in a pretty gift basket. I always look for these at the thrift store when I go because they always have them, and I can always use them for homemade gift baskets!

And that’s all it takes to put together a popcorn gift basket. So easy and frugal but very thoughtful and well-received at the same time!

Are you ready to say goodbye to plain, ordinary popcorn and welcome a burst of creativity into your snacking routine? With these recipes, you can enjoy your homemade popcorn seasoned to perfection! 

Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your popcorn seasonings!

More Popcorn Recipes

• Caramel Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
• Caramel Popcorn in a Jar
• Easy Homemade Kettle Corn Made With Coconut Oil

Which popcorn seasonings will you make first?

This post with recipes for Homemade Popcorn Seasonings was originally posted on Little House Living in December 2023.