This quick cheesy vegan popcorn is the perfect movie or game day snack. Made with nutritional yeast and smoked paprika, it takes less than 10 minutes to make and is so creamy!
If you've newly gone vegan, you'll know how frustrating it is not being able to eat all the same snacks you used to love.
For me, although I love sweet treats (like dates with pb & chocolate or easy granola bars), I'm a savory girl at heart and I found it tough giving up those cheesy, buttery snacks - particularly movie theater popcorn!
So I started making this stovetop popcorn as a substitute. And pretty soon it was one of my favorite snacks.
It's delicious: cheesy, buttery and perfectly savory. And flavorful without being overpowering. The perfect balance!
I make this vegan popcorn seasoning as a game day or movie night snack, or to go with my vegan charcuterie board when we have friends over. Try it yourself!
Why you'll love it
Super low effort - This homemade popcorn recipe requires minimal steps: simply mix the seasoning from a handful of ingredients and pop the corn!
Healthier option than store-bought - Simple, natural ingredients and no weird fillers etc. A lot cheaper too!
Low salt - I always find store-bought too salty - and with this recipe you can control that yourself.
Really quick - Less than 10 minutes will give you the best vegan popcorn I know!
Main ingredients
Popcorn kernels - Cheap and easy to find in most supermarkets and stores.
Nutritional yeast - If you're vegan you probably know this ingredient well! This inactive yeast has a savoury, cheesy taste and is used in popcorn seasonings and vegan snacks. Find it in health food stores and many supermarkets. Use vegan parmesan cheese if you can't find it.
Smoked paprika - Gives this vegan popcorn recipe a nice smoky taste. Regular paprika works but won't provide smokiness. Chili powder could also be used.
Turmeric - Adds a golden colour to the popcorn! Optional.
Coconut oil or vegan butter - I use coconut oil as I like simple ingredients and think it gives the best flavor, but vegan butter works well and provides extra creaminess. If using other oils, one with a high smoke point is ideal.
How to make cheesy vegan popcorn
In a small bowl, mix together nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, turmeric, sea salt and garlic powder (if using) until well combined. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat oil/butter on medium-high heat for 1 minute until melted.
Add three corn kernels to pot and cover with lid. Holding it in place, shake pot occasionally. When you hear kernels pop, oil is hot enough. Remove corn from pot.
Add remaining kernels and replace lid. Shake every 5-8 seconds while popping to avoid corn burning on the bottom of the pan. Once there's a 6-second break between pops, remove from heat.
(You won't pop every single piece - it's like a law of the universe that there are always some kernels left unpopped!)
Sprinkle seasoning over popcorn while still in pot, replace lid and give it a good shake to mix. Serve in a large bowl.
See my step-by-step guide to making this cheesy popcorn!
Expert Tip
3-kernel popping test - As the recipe instructs, before putting ALL corn into the pot, first place 3 kernels in there. Once they pop the oil is hot enough, meaning the rest of the corn will pop more quickly and you won't risk burning it!
Storage
For best results, eat this popcorn immediately as it tends to soften over time.
However you can store any uneaten corn for up to 3 days in an airtight container (to minimize softening).
Is popcorn vegan?
A lot of popcorn in grocery stores and movie theaters isn't vegan because real butter and other dairy products are used to flavor it. That said, these days there are many vegan popcorn brands available!
When it comes to making popcorn, as long as you don't use animal products in your seasoning, popcorn is suitable for a vegan diet. This recipe is 100% vegan.
More vegan snack recipes
Easy Cheesy Vegan Popcorn
Special Equipment
- Large pot with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
- ½-1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2-3 tablespoon coconut oil or vegan butter
- â…“ cup popping corn kernels
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder (if using) and salt. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat for 1 minute until melted.
- Add three corn kernels to pot, cover with lid and holding it in place, shake pot occasionally. When you hear kernels pop, oil is hot enough. Remove corn from pot.
- Add remaining kernels to pot and replace lid. Shake every 5-8 seconds while popping to avoid burnt popcorn. Once there's a 6-second break between pops, remove from heat as (almost!) all corn should be popped.
- Sprinkle seasoning over popcorn while still in pot, replace lid and shake to mix. Serve in a large bowl.
Notes
Nutritional information per serving
If you’ve tried this vegan popcorn seasoning recipe, please leave a comment or tip for others below!
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