Description

This Spicy Parmesan Party Popcorn is a flavorful and easy-to-make snack perfect for gatherings or movie nights. The popcorn is popped either on the stove or with a popcorn maker, then coated with a vibrant mix of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. The olive oil spray helps the spices and cheese stick evenly, delivering a crunchy, cheesy, and spicy treat that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn

¼ cup vegetable oil (not required if air popping with a popcorn maker)
½ cup popping corn

Seasoning

Olive oil spray
½ to ⅔ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
¾ tsp fine salt (table salt is fine, not flakes)
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or chili, adjust to taste)
½ tsp paprika (optional for extra color)

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Instructions

Pop the popcorn: Pop the popcorn using a popcorn maker or on the stove as outlined in the following steps. Choose your preferred method for popping.
Heat oil on stove: Heat ¼ cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few pieces of popcorn to the oil; when they slowly spin, the oil is hot enough.
Pop remaining corn: Add the remaining ½ cup popping corn to the pot and cover with a lid. Once popping begins, gently shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
Remove from heat: When popping slows and you can count to three between pops, remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
Prepare spice mix: In a small bowl, mix together ¾ tsp fine salt, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and ½ tsp paprika to create the spice mix.
Season the popcorn: Place one-third of the popcorn into a large serving bowl. Spray generously with olive oil, then sprinkle over one-third of the Parmesan cheese and one-third of the spice mix. Repeat this layering and seasoning two more times without tossing, so the flavors mingle naturally as you serve.
Serve immediately: Enjoy the spicy, cheesy popcorn fresh for best flavor and crunch.

Notes

Use finely grated Parmesan cheese for the best coating and texture.
Table salt is preferred to fine salt flakes because flakes won’t stick well to the popcorn.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
Spraying olive oil helps the cheese and spices stick but avoid drenching to keep popcorn crispy.
This recipe can be adapted to use an air popper if preferred; simply omit the vegetable oil step for popping.