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Home » Recipes

The Popcorn Trick for the Best Microwave Popcorn

31 Reviews / 3.9 Average
Skip the store-bought bags of popcorn that are filled with artificial butter and sugar and make your own whole-grain popcorn in the microwave using this trick. All you'll need is a brown paper bag and kernels, and that's it!
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Popcorn in a red and white striped tub.

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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.

Popcorn from 100 Days of Real Food

The Popcorn Trick

Skip the store-bought bags of popcorn that are filled with artificial butter and sugar and make your own whole-grain popcorn in the microwave using this trick. All you'll need is a brown paper bag and kernels, and that's it!
31 Reviews / 3.9 Average
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 3 minutes mins
Total Time: 8 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Method: Too Easy
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free, Vegetarian
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Servings: 4 people
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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

Notes

IMPORTANT - Microwave ovens vary so you must be attentive and stop immediately when the popping slows down. Overcooking can cause a fire. Some readers have suggested using a Pyrex bowl with a plate on top as an alternative to using a bag to avoid this risk.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
The Popcorn Trick
Amount Per Serving
Calories 38 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 28mg1%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

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