Why settle for the artificial taste and additives in microwave popcorn when you can make a fresher, more flavorful version at home? All you need is an air popper, popcorn kernels, and good butter. Add a sprinkle of sea salt, and take it to the next level with a drizzle of truffle oil (it's almost too good) or other flavored finishing oil.
Homemade popcorn is simple and delicious, and you can make it just the way you like it — without the processed ingredients.
Popcorn kernels — one full tray of the air popper, about 1/2 cup
Unsalted butter — about 3 tablespoons
Sea salt to taste
Optional: Truffle oil or other finishing oil, about one tablespoon
Use an air popper to pop the kernels into a large bowl.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
After the butter is melted, add the optional finishing oil to taste and sea salt and stir together.
Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve for an apĂ©ritif. Often, I serve in small bowls so the kids don't eat too much — and I get some!Â
When adding a finishing oil like truffle oil, I typically use about 3 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of truffle oil for one tray of popcorn made with an air popper. To find your preferred amount, melt the butter, add the finishing oil, and dip a piece of popcorn to taste-test. Add more oil if desired. Drizzle the butter over the popcorn and taste-test again, adding more as needed
If you make too much truffle butter, use what's left over to make a dish like pasta al burro e tartufo. You might want ot make some extra on purpose for an effortless, elegant dinner.
You can find many exciting types of popcorn kernels — rainbow, mushroom, red, blue, purple, and butterfly. Some are small and slightly sweet or nutty; others are large and fluffy. Each type brings something unique to your table.Â
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You can find more serving ideas for truffle oil here.Â
Pasta al Burro e Tartufo — pasta with butter and truffle oil
You may also be interested in flavoring your popcorn butter with a herbed finishing oil, such as basil, thyme lemon, marjoram, or lavender!Â
