Curling up on the couch for movie night has never been tastier. This Italian pesto popcorn recipe is the perfect salty snack, combining herbs and cheese over freshly popped corn kernels. It’s a light but ultra-satisfying weekend (or anytime) savory treat!
Key ingredients
Pesto popcorn uses familiar ingredients! Here are some notes:
- Oil: Vegetable oils will work such as canola or sunflower but coconut, avocado oil, and even ghee (clarified butter) work well, too. Avoid using butter for cooking because it will burn at high heat.
- Parmesan : While we love parmesan for its salty and nutty flavor, you can also use grana padano or pecorino. They each will have a slightly different flavor but work equally well for this recipe.
How to make pesto popcorn
This pesto popcorn recipe is so flavorful and easy to make. Using the stovetop method, start by warming the oil and testing it by dropping in one or two kernels. If they sizzle, you’re ready to go! You’ll know the popcorn is done when the popping slows down and you hear 2-3 seconds between pops.
Use your favorite homemade or store-bought pesto, or try our easy everyday pesto . If you’re shopping for a store-bought pesto, check out the deli for a fresh version, or you can always find a glass jar of it beside the pasta sauces.
You could also try a sun-dried tomato pesto or add a touch of grated lemon zest for a different yet flavorful spin. Wondering if you can use an air popper or microwave: An air popper is a wonderful alternative to the stovetop method. If you’re using microwave popcorn, avoid the buttered variety. The butter will add too much moisture, and the recipe uses pesto and other seasonings to add flavor.
Make it a gift
Pesto popcorn makes a fun gift with a delicious Italian twist. Since this recipe is best eaten right away, try making a ‘popcorn package’ by wrapping some un-popped corn kernels along with a small jar of pesto and grated parmesan on the side. Write out the instructions on a card and surprise a friend you think would love the delicious combo of pesto on popcorn!
Pesto Popcorn Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- ▢ ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ▢ 2 tablespoons pesto
- ▢ 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese
- ▢ Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels and cover the pot. 2 tablespoons cooking oil, ½ cup popcorn kernels
- When you hear the first popcorn kernel pop, add the rest of the kernels and put the lid back onto the pot. Once the popcorn starts popping, gently shake the pot back and forth on the element – this helps prevent the popcorn from burning. When the popcorn stops popping, immediately remove the pot from the heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
- Drizzle the pesto over the popcorn, add the parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of salt, and toss to coat. 2 tablespoons pesto, 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese, Sea salt
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Pesto Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese
- Sea salt , to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels and cover the pot. 2 tablespoons cooking oil, ½ cup popcorn kernels
- When you hear the first popcorn kernel pop, add the rest of the kernels and put the lid back onto the pot. Once the popcorn starts popping, gently shake the pot back and forth on the element - this helps prevent the popcorn from burning. When the popcorn stops popping, immediately remove the pot from the heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
- Drizzle the pesto over the popcorn, add the parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of salt, and toss to coat. 2 tablespoons pesto, 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese, Sea salt
