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When I first heard about microwaving popcorn in a brown paper lunch bag I could not imagine that something so simple would really work. A blog reader actually shared this suggestion with me, and it took me a while to work up enough courage to try it out.
I am so glad I finally did because approximately 3 minutes and 15 seconds later I had fresh, fluffy, whole-grain popcorn that hadn’t been touched by a drop of oil, salt, sugar, or any other additives (like diacetyl - an artificial butter flavoring!). And after lightly seasoning it myself with a tad of oil and salt it was delicious!
I will never waste my money on those store-bought microwave bags ever again after giving this popcorn recipe a try.
The Popcorn Trick
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels (preferably organic)
- butter (optional)
- salt (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the kernels into the brown paper bag.
- Tightly fold over the top three or four times. No tape or staples are necessary.
- Put it in the microwave and start it on high heat for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Listen for the popping to slow down to 3 or 4 seconds apart at which point you will take it out of the microwave. This usually happens for me around the 3 minute and 15 second mark.
- Pour popcorn into a bowl and drizzle with melted butter or spritz with olive oil (or coconut oil) and then sprinkle with salt. If you don’t use oil or butter the salt won’t stick.Other topping ideas: cinnamon, cayenne pepper, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kelley H says
The best way to make popcorn that we use too (I've been meaning to blog this, I should get around to that) is in coconut oil on the stove. It tastes like movie theater butter popcorn but it's healthy, easy, delicious, and NO microwaving! :D
ryba says
THIS IS SUCH AN AMAZING WAY TO MAKE POPCORN!
ann says
This is a great idea and works every time, with or without oil. Note of caution -- After popping in the bag, I poured my snack into a Tupperware bowl to eat. When finished, there were lots of un-popped kernels so I put the bowl in the microwave with a vented plate cover for a minute or two. The kernels popped great, but the heat of the kernels melted little pock marks in the bottom of my Tupperware bowl which is now ruined and not covered by the warranty. So, use the bag or glass bowl as indicated in the comments above and don't use any plastic, even normally safe and strong Tupperware.
Kelley says
So excited that this worked. It only took about 2 minutes in my microwave, though, so definitely listen for the pops and not the time in the recipe.
Alison says
Try using coconut oil and a Pyrex type bowl and a vented lid. Nothing to throw away and the flavor of the coconut oil is incredible! You can tell that movie theatre popcorn uses some sort of processed version of coconut oil when you taste this-has a natural buttery flavor and not heavy like olive oil. I melt the oil-about 1-2tbs to liquid (I use organic), cover bottom of bowl with white kernels stirring to make sure they're all oiled (love the bob's red mill), and salt liberally. Cover and microwave! I have boys so we make a large batch so takes about 4.5/5 mins. Love that my kids are getting a %100 whole grain organic snack cooked in organic oil that has major health benefits, adds awesome flavor and nothing to throw away! No more store bought for us, ever!!
Amanda says
With the pyrex bowl, do you just use the lid that came with it? I think it would work, as long as it was loose instead of sealed. I love the idea of waste-free popcorn!
Christa says
I was intrigued by this idea with the coconut oil, so I tried it out. It was awesome tasty! I'm going to make some to take for a snack this week at work, and for the kids to eat this too. Yum. Thanks for sharing!!
Andrea says
Popcorn is a wonderful healthy snack but I worry about the nutritional impact of food after microwaving. I prefer to do it in a saucepan as a consequence. Have you read http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/health-hazards-to-know-about/microwave-ovens-the-proven-dangers
Lori B. says
used to do this all the time, but just got away from eating popcorn. Just used a paper bag bigger than a lunch bag, but not a full sized grocery bag. Put 1/2 cup kernals, on high for 2min 10seconds. Sprayed with EVOO and salt. yummy!!!
Tiffany says
Where is the best place to get organic popcorn?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Tiffany. Pretty much any large grocery store and certainly any "whole food" type store will have organic popcorn. ~Amy
Debbie says
I'm hungry for popcorn now! I do like the lighter-colored seeds because they have a nutty flavor. The more orange-colored seeds have a fluffier texture.
Michelle says
We use an air popper but I would imagine that the fires come from placing it on the metal grate and not on the glass rotator? It's certainly worked for us at a hotel!
Robin says
I make it with a tablespoon if coconut oil-- so much healthier than butter and tastes great!
Erin says
Do any brands of popcorn kernels or coconut oil taste better than others? I'm ordering a whirly pop today. I keep hearing how great they are. Can't wait to try it! We're just starting our Real Food journey...baby steps for now and getting rid of microwave popcorn is a pretty easy switch :-)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Erin. I think those come down to personal preference. Goodluck on your journey! ~Amy
Laura says
It takes the same amount of time to pop it on the stove without the treat of putting microwaves into your organic gmo free kernels. A tbsp of good EVOO or coconut oil which both are good for us in moderation and so is salt. We use Pink Himalayan Salt. Plus you are wasting bags.
Marissa - Hip & Healthy Kids says
Make organic popping corn on the stove with a little oil in the bottom of the pan. It's quick, easy, kids love hearing the sound of it starting to pop + don't get any of the radiation from the microwave.
Miriana says
I never knew people would attempt popping popcorn in the microwave until I came to the US 15 years ago...I have a "mental" block against nuking things, and I was raised with my grandma always popping it on the stove for us, and for oil, and especially a good treat she would use home rendered lard- to this day I do the same and besides bringing great memories back it truly gives popcorn the most amazing taste ever!
Lisa R. says
I've been making brown bag popcorn in the microwave for about 10 years. It's a nice treat for me, but more importantly, it's a lot of fun for my parrot LOL. I add cinnamon or ginger or tumeric or.. all kinds of seasons. And recently started adding a little bit of coconut oil. YUM!
I've never started a fire in the microwave. You can't leave the microwave unattended. As soon as it significantly slows down popping, stop the microwave. Once the popcorn starts burning, so does the bag. That's when the fire happens.
Erin says
what about the old fashioned poppers, that dont use oil or anything to pop it? is it different some how? we have one of the the orville redinbockers poppers, the one you jus put in a few kernals, it gets hot, and out pops popcorn into your bowl (and some to the sides where your dog is eagerly awaiting the stray bites).
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Erin. Old fashion poppers work just fine! Do look for organic popcorn to put in it. ~Amy
Barb says
On our movie date at home I do this and instead of using any oils I spray litley with that oil and sprinkle on a seasoning.......we are popcorn people. I know the canned spray oil is not good. I need to get an oil mister.
Ximena says
Oh, I think the best way to pop is stove top ;-)
Ximena says
I agree with all the coconut comments, delicious! And I sometimes sprinkle nutritional yeast (idea from Whole Foods) and it makes it even better!!
Crystal Waligory says
We don't own a microwave (I just don't know what all those micro-waves do to the food), so I use a whirly pop (best pan ever) and cook popcorn on the stove in coconut oil!
Rick says
Saweet!!! This sounds awesome. Can't wait to customize my popping corn.
Tabitha says
You can also microwave popcorn just in a glass bowl with a lid set on top (not sealed). That way you don't even have to waste a paper bag and I would assume the risk of fire is far lower :)
Ciara says
Wow! I just had to comment, saw it, tried it and IT WORKS! Amazing, so easy and healthy!!
Becky says
Has anyone else ever tried a Whirly-Pop popcorn maker? It has an "arm" that stirs the kernels so that you can use MUCH less oil (I use coconut oil), almost all the kernels pop, and they won't burn. For 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels you can use as little as 1 tsp of oil, although I use a bit more. I LOVE this popper!
Sam says
I use the Whirly Pop, also with coconut oil and highly recommend it. I also melt a little butter to pour over the top with salt.. way better than movie theater!
Kristin says
I have a similar hand crank stove top popcorn popper and have used it for years. It makes the BEST popcorn when popped in expeller pressed coconut oil and topped with unsalted butter and popcorn salt. My kids all clamor to turn the crank first. I also use a variety of hull-less popcorn kernels I get from my local farmers market.
Lindsay says
It just started a fire in my microwave too - totally freaked me out. Be careful!
Faith says
Are you supposed to put the bag in standing up or laying on it's side?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Faith. I place mine on it's side. Jill
Kim says
with this "popcorn trick" or using an air popper, you can spritz it with "I cant believe its not butter" spray. Its delicious and only takes about 5 or 6 sprays. and if you want a salty taste but not the salt, try one of the seasoning mixes from Mrs. Dash.
Debbie says
I cant believe its not butter is totally processed junk. I thought the whole idea of this site was to eliminate processed 'food' YUCK!!
dena says
be very careful with "the popcorn trick"! started a fire in my microwave after about 2 min. Be very careful. I am glad it has worked for many of you, but as for me....never again. I use an air popper
Hanna says
^so true! I miss having a real kitchen... microwaves just don't cut it for me. Watch out for toaster ovens too, I totally melted one making a s'mores!
Jon says
The same thing happened to me. It caught fire as well. I stick with the air popper now.
Melissa L. says
I tried this too, thinking it sounded like a great idea ... But my bag, also, started on fire in the microwave. I thought maybe I did something, but tried it again a few days later and it stated on fire that time too!
gretchen says
You just have to use less time. For 1/4 cup of kernels, about a minute and a half is plenty.
Cassie says
Mine didn't start fire, thank goodness, but it turned the power off on the microwave. I guess all microwaves are different.
Happy says
We always pop on the stove top with coconut oil. Adds a nutty flavor that is delicious!
carolinagurlz says
We do also...and the coconut oil adds nutritional value. Every once in a while we love it as a meal with a smoothie on the side!
Krista says
Jill, I love your blog and absolutely love the idea of cutting out chemicals and eating for health; rather than just eating to get full.
Popcorn is such a great snack. It's a shame that it's been turned into something so unhealthy by the movie theaters as well as the mass producers. I do not use microwaves and live on a tight budget so my air popper was a great problem solver :)
Thanks for promoting good health!!
Amy says
We just tried this and our bag caught on fire. I wonder what we did wrong? Has anyone ever had this happen?
Stephanie says
If you're gonna use the microwave don waste your money on organic. Save that for the stove top or air popper. It is a fact that microwaves kill the nutrients in your food (I've heard as quickly as 20 seconds). We use an air popper which is just as easy. Before that we used a pot on the stove, or you can use a wok. We flavor with melted butter or coconut oil, salt and nutritional yeast. Sometimes shredded cheese as well. Super good.
Heather says
Love this idea. I am assuming that using my air popper would be the same thing as no oil is used. I already have the kernels to pop, just need to do it. I came here to see how you seasoned it. Thanks.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Heather. Yes, an air popper is a great option. You can also do it on the stove with a little bit of oil. Jill
Ronda says
I am so going to try this. It sounds to easy to be true.
Alicia says
Just read this in my monring paper..."... the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service ( http://www.fsis.usda.gov) says never use brown paper bags in the microwave.
Kathy Bernard, technical information specialist for the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline, says it's because they "don't know what (the bags) are made of, what can cook out of them and many are made from recycling."
The Popcorn Board supports the USDA stance. The board suggests that folks use a pan with a lid on the stovetop." - Detroit Free Press
Personally, I think it's worth a few minutes on the stove and a pan to clean because it's tastier that way as well. I pop mine in coconut oil and it's delicious.
Kelli says
We've been cooking our popcorn this way for a while - I believe it was Alton Brown from whom we first learned this technique. I send it with my kids in their lunches almost daily. Because I don't want the popcorn to get soggy from any butter or oils, I simply use a salt grinder to add the salt and (I guess the smaller "grains" of salt get into the crevices so well that) they don't seem to miss the oily flavoring. Their popcorn containers come home empty every time. When eating it immediately at home, however, they go for the butter for certain!
Michelle says
Love your blog too! But I'm also curious about the safety of using the brown paper bags? We tried this and LOVED the idea, however I noticed when I did more than one bag in a row my microwave would overheat. I wasn't convinced it was because of doing the popcorn, so I tried it again and the same thing happened. In fact we had to end up replacing the microwave because it completely stopped working. The microwave was a little older, so I'm not 100% sure that it was the popcorn that caused it, but we weren't having issues before that. Just curious if anyone else has had similar issues? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Michelle. I have not heard of that happening to anyone else. I hope it's working out better in the new microwave. Jill
Katie says
Mine overheats too! I can only do one bag then have to wait for my microwave to cool down to do anymore - so annoying!
Molly says
I have recently switched to stove top popcorn, but frankly miss the simplicity of the microwave bags. I just tried this trick a few weeks ago. It was really good and simple! I didn't know you could cook it without oil though. I will have to try it that way. I did read that brown bags are on the USDA list of things to not microwave. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/microwave_ovens_and_food_safety/index.asp#11
Any thoughts on this??
Ps - LOVE your blog! Your information and tips have been so helpful during my learning about food production, ingredients, etc. Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Molly. We're glad you are enjoying the blog. Thanks for passing along the link to the article...I always love learning from our readers. Jill
Tammy says
I get nutritional yeast from the health food store. I spray a little olive oil on my popcorn and sprinkle with the yeast. Makes for VERY yummy popcorn! Note: Nutritional yeast is also called brewers yeast, but definitely ask for nutritional yeast. I made the mistake of asking for brewer's yeast and it was a very different product.