These flavored popcorn recipes go beyond butter with pantry-friendly sweet glazes and savory seasonings—like maple crunch, cheesy blends and gourmet snack mixes.
20 Homemade Flavored Popcorn Recipes for Sweet and Savory Snacks
1/20
Nacho Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 98 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
2/20
Frosty Peppermint Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this peppermint twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/20
Spicy Popcorn
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to indulge in a snack, I make this spicy popcorn. One batch doesn't last long at our house. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your family's tastes. —Kay Young, Flushing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
4/20
Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/20
Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/20
Striped Chocolate Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
17 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 177 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
7/20
Tex-Mex Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy Southwest seasoning makes this snackin'-good popcorn ideal for any fiesta. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 44 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/20
Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
9/20
Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/20
Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/20
Vegan Popcorn Seasoning
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan popcorn seasoning will have everyone wanting more! It is a perfect base for experimenting with your favorite flavorings. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/20
White Chocolate Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 163 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
13/20
Barbecue Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With this quick-fix barbecue popcorn, you can experience a summer barbecue any time of the year! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 114 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/20
Three-Herb Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 6 qts
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this seasoned treat for a tasty twist on plain popcorn. Mixed nuts add crunch and flavor, but are optional. The next time you have cream soup or chili, sprinkle a small handful over individual servings. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 106 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/20
Maple Crunch Popcorn
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
For a snack that's sure to bring smiles, try this medley of popcorn and pecans covered in a sweet and buttery coating.—Elmira Trombetti, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 270 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/20
Chocolate-Mint Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 145 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/20
Buffalo Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This zippy blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school treat. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/20
Marshmallow-Peanut Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 183 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/20
Sugar N Spice Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family can't get enough of this light, cinnamon-sweet popcorn. The baked kernels are wonderfully crunchy and coated just right. Try mixing some to have on hand as an anytime nibble.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 62 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
20/20
St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone's eyes will be smilin' when they see this green popcorn. The emerald color gives this snack instant St. Patrick's Day appeal. —Karen Weber, Salem, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Flavored Popcorn Recipes FAQ
What are the best flavors to add to popcorn?
Some of the best popcorn flavors are all about the contrast. Salty-sweet combinations like caramel with sea salt or maple with cinnamon work well. On the savory side, cheese powders, ranch seasoning and herb oils cling easily to kernels, adding depth. Spice-forward toppings like taco seasoning, smoked paprika or curry blends are also popular, especially if you’re making them for crowd-sized snack bowls. If you’re adding homemade seasoning mixes, aim for a fine texture so they distribute evenly and don’t sink to the bottom.
How do you make coated popcorn stay crispy?
The key to crisp, coated popcorn is moisture control. You have to start with fully popped, dry kernels, then add just enough toppings to cling without soaking through. Toss the popcorn while it’s still warm so the coating spreads evenly. Then let it cool completely in a single layer. You must wait until the popcorn is completely cool before transferring it to airtight containers, as steam from the stovetop popcorn is what makes it soft, even with the best glaze.
How long does homemade flavored popcorn stay fresh?
Homemade flavored popcorn typically remains fresh for three to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Coated varieties like caramel or chocolate hold up better than butter-based paper bag popcorn, which can become stale or greasy quickly. If you’re gifting, use food-safe cellophane or tins with tight-fitting lids and store them in a cool, dry place.
