'Homemade' Microwave Popcorn

Popcorn is great snack food. It's healthy, inexpensive, and can be flavored in myriad of ways. This is a great way to make popcorn. It's certainly cheaper and healthier than the store-bought microwave popcorns, and once it's popped, you can doctor it up any way you like. The traditionalists out there will opt for melted butter and salt. Grated Parmesan cheese makes a nice addition, or chili powder, or whatever else floats your boat. I prefer mine with a spritz of cooking oil spray and a sprinkle of salt.

I have based this on an Alton Brown episode I saw once upon a time. Do not be alarmed by the staples in the bag. It really isn't a problem. I promise. I have been making popcorn this way for years. So pop up a bagful or three for your Superbowl party!


'Homemade' Microwave Popcorn

1/4 Cup Popcorn Kernels
1 Brown Paper Lunch Bag
2 Staples

Okay, so the bag and the staples are not really ingredients, but here's what you do. (And yes, I have had that stapler since the '70's.)

Put the popcorn in the bag.

Fold the bag over twice and secure with two staples.


Put in the microwave and cook however you normally cook microwave popcorn. My microwave has a 'popcorn' button which is what I use. I timed it today, and it took 1 minute 58 seconds to pop a batch. If you your microwave doesn't have a popcorn button, I would imagine setting it on high for about 3 minutes would do the trick. DO NOT walk away. There is nothing worse than the smell of burnt popcorn in your house or office. Once the popping has slowed to one pop every 2 seconds or so, it's time to turn off the microwave.


Tear open the bag carefully, and pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Season as desired and enjoy.