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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

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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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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!