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Six Homemade Popcorn Recipes To Sneak into the Movies

Six Homemade Popcorn Recipes To Sneak into the Movies

Dec 23, 20143 min read

Holiday season is typically a popular time to catch a flick. For many moviegoers, popcorn is as paramount to the theater-going experience as the film. The only problem is it’s expensive. Instead of dropping almost seven bucks on a bucket, try this: sneaking in homemade popcorn.

As daring foodies, we shouldn’t be content with microwaving a bag at home and trying not to burn ourselves by sneaking it into the theater under our shirts. No, we can do much better than that. We’ve compiled six homemade popcorn recipes for that next movie theater outing.

Each recipe starts with a base of prepared popcorn that can be easily crafted in mere minutes utilizing only three ingredients: bulk popcorn kernels, a brown paper bag, and a microwave. (This video from The Kitchn demonstrates how simple it can be to make.) But, if you’re a purist, don’t let us keep you from your preferred method.

Garam Masala Popcorn

Source: Popsugar
Garam Masala Popcorn (Credit: Popsugar)
Garam Masala Popcorn (Credit: Popsugar)

This is the healthiest (and easiest) of all the exotic recipes as it only requires garam masala, salt, and cayenne pepper. While you’re likely to have salt and cayenne pepper already on hand, garam masala is not exactly a pantry-staple for those that aren’t used to cooking Indian cuisine. Thankfully, grocery stores such as Whole Foods or Sprouts will have this spice in bulk, which means you can get only the amount necessary for this recipe.

View full recipe on Popsugar

Pad Thai Popcorn

Source: Honest Cooking
Pad Thai Popcorn (Credit: Honest Cooking)
Pad Thai Popcorn (Credit: Honest Cooking)

Sticking with the same continent is this elaborate but well-worth-the-time Pad Thai Popcorn recipe. This one requires a bit more preparation and ingredients to create one of the most unique flavor profiles associated with simple popcorn. Be warned that this one is pretty messy, however, so be sure to snag a few napkins from the concession stand before heading into the theater to eat this far-east treat.

View full recipe on Honest Cooking

Buffalo Popcorn

Source: Sweet Treats & More
Buffalo Popcorn (Credit: Sweet Treats & More)
Buffalo Popcorn (Credit: Sweet Treats & More)

For those that want a little kick, this Buffalo Popcorn adds the right amount of heat to plain popcorn. While the recipe calls for Franks Hot Sauce, any wing sauce can be substituted to temper the heat (or increase it if you’re daring). Just don’t forget to sneak a bottle of water, too.

View full recipe on Sweet Treats & More

Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn

Source: Brooklyn Farm Girl
Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn (Credit: Brooklyn Farm Girl)
Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn (Credit: Brooklyn Farm Girl)

Continuing with the heat trend, this Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn offers full-flavor with a strong amount of heat. Be as liberal or conservative with the combination of wasabi powder and red pepper flakes as you can handle, but the addition of soy sauce and sea salt should balance out excessive heat. You may need an extra bottle of water, however.

View full recipe on Brooklyn Farm Girl

White Truffle Rosemary Popcorn

Source: A Bachelor and His Grill
White Truffle Rosemary Popcorn (Credit: A Bachelor And His Grill)
White Truffle Rosemary Popcorn (Credit: A Bachelor And His Grill)

Making this popcorn takes only five minutes, but that doesn’t mean it skimps out on being flavorful. The mix of Mediterranean basil, white truffle oil, and dried rosemary offers an elevated flavor profile over the traditional “movie theater-style” buttered popcorn (which isn’t even butter, it’s butter-flavored oil). Not to mention it will sound fancy to all your friends when sharing during the film.

View full recipe on A Bachelor and His Grill

Kahlua and Espresso Bean Caramel Corn

Source: Rachel Cooks
Kahlua and Espresso Bean Caramel Corn (Credit: Rachel Cooks)
Kahlua and Espresso Bean Caramel Corn (Credit: Rachel Cooks)

You might get a toothache just looking at the ingredients for this most indulgent blend of chocolate, sugar, and Kahula; fortunately the taste is worth the future dentist visit. A rich blend of coffee can easily be substituted for the Kahula for an extra dose of caffeine that can be helpful if you’re heading to a late-night flick. This recipe takes a little longer to get that caramel corn consistency, though, so be mindful of that when preparing it before heading out to the theater.

View full recipe on Rachel Cooks

Article written by:

John Dubrawa

John Dubrawa

More about John
John Dubrawa is a mild-mannered nerd by day and a thrill-seeking foodie adventurer by night.

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Desert Magic is happening NOW🌵🫶✨

TONIGHT | NOW-10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🎟️ in bio

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizonaDesert Magic is happening NOW🌵🫶✨ TONIGHT | NOW-10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🎟️ in bio 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona
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Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

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🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

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#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalNEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 September 5th from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @cutsandslabs.charcuterie @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz Wrapido Food Truck @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @churrosinzunza @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵

Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨

TONIGHT | 5–10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizona🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵 Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨ TONIGHT | 5–10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents