How to Pop Popcorn: The Ultimate Guide to Popping Popcorn

 

While at first glance, this might seem like a simple question, in fact it is not. We take a lot of pride in growing our popcorn to make the best gourmet kernels, and we want everyone to feel confident in how to prepare a batch of popcorn.

And there is also not just one answer to this question, because popcorn can be popped in a variety of ways. The method we use most often in our own home is the stove top version, but there are tons of other popping options - including air popping and microwave popping.

Let's get popping!

STOVE TOP POPCORN

Our base recipe is 3 tablespoons of oil to about 1/3 cup of kernels. That should give you the maximum pop with few or no unpopped kernels.

We recommend a pot with handles on either side because there is going to be some shaking involved. Our favorite pot has heat-proof handles, but you can also use oven mitts. It must have a tight-fitting top. Ours has a glass top because we like to see the kernels popping, but it’s not required - you’ll hear them.

Oil Options:

It may be tempting to use butter instead of oil because we all love that buttery popcorn flavor. However, butter has a very low smoke point and will burn at the high temperatures required to pop popcorn. The exception to this is clarified butter, also known as ghee, which has had the milk solids and water removed. What’s left is the butterfat and that creates a higher smoke point.

We also advise against using olive oil, again because it has a low smoke point and will burn too easily. A neutral flavored, high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, is the best option. 

Directions:

Start by adding the oil to the pot on high heat. How will you know when the oil is hot enough? Easy. Add a couple of kernels to the oil before covering the pot. When they pop, your oil is hot enough. Now go ahead and add the 1/3 cup of kernels, cover, lower the heat just a touch to medium high and give the pot a good shake to make sure all the kernels are coated in the oil.

Don’t go anywhere because popcorn pops quickly. Every half minute or so give your pot a good shake and listen to the exploding sounds of the kernels. When they stop popping, or there’s a 1 second lag time between popping, then you’re done.

Turn off the heat and carefully pour the hot popcorn into a large bowl. This method perfectly coats each kernel with the oil and allows popcorn seasoning or salt to adhere well. So, season to your heart’s content, go find a movie to watch and enjoy your freshly popped popcorn.

PERFECT MICROWAVE POPCORN

First, the easiest way to do this is to use a microwave popper. There are a ton of brands out there, but we particularly like the W&P silicone popper, which is the conveniently collapsible one that we sell in our store (link here).

Silicone microwave popcorn poppers allow you to pop the kernels without oil (although you can still use it if you want). They are quick and easy to use and, of course, allow you the option to reduce the calorie count of your snack.

Once popped, you can transfer the popcorn to a different bowl or just eat straight out of the popper. Season as desired and enjoy.

Want specific directions to how to use our silicone popcorn popper? A step by step tutorial with photos is coming soon.

MICROWAVE POPCORN USING A PAPER BAG

No microwave popper, no problem! Just reach for a good old fashioned brown paper sandwich bag.

Add about 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels to the bag, no oil needed. Seal the bag by folding the open end closed securely. We've found that if you fold the top down three times, so it's securely closed, it stays shut during popping.

Place the bag with fold facing down into the microwave. Then microwave on high for 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes or until you hear a 1 to 2 second lag between popping sounds. Carefully open the bag, pour into a large bowl and season as desired.

PERFECT AIR POPPED POPCORN

Stand alone air poppers are countertop appliances that allow you to avoid the microwave altogether, although they do take up room on your counter or in your cupboard. They use only hot air, not oil, to circulate the kernels and get them to pop. Once popped, you can add butter and/or seasonings.

To make the best air-popped popcorn, you need to use a "hull-less" kernel, or a popcorn with a super thin hull, like Dell Cove® Baby White popcorn kernels. The hull is the outside coating of the kernel, and it can be those annoying pieces of popcorn that sometimes get stuck in your teeth. Not great, right? And given that some air poppers don’t get super hot, that thin hull will mean that more kernels should pop in your machine.

Now that we have that covered, let's get popping.

First, measure out 1/2 cup of kernels and set that aside. Machines can vary depending on manufacturers, so double-check the instructions on the maximum volume of kernels your popper can handle. Plug in the popper, which will turn on the fan and the heating element inside. Let the popper heat up for 1 minute, and be sure to take off the plastic chute before doing so, as it can get hot and burn you.

Once the popper is heated, place a bowl under the chute and let the machine do the work. The hot air will circulate, popping the kernels and blowing them out of the chute into the bowl. Once all the kernels are popped, unplug the popper to turn it off.

Finally, drizzle on some butter and add as much Dell Cove seasoning as you like. Now you’re ready to enjoy your perfectly air-popped popcorn.

For more detailed directions with photos, find our air-popping popcorn guide here.

MAKE POPCORN USING A WHIRLEY-POP

Let me guess, you're here because you just got a Whirley Pop, were gifted one, or it magically appeared in your kitchen, and you have no idea how to use it.

No worries, that’s why we're here - we've got you covered. First things first, let’s go over some general rules and tips to ensure you get the best popcorn experience.

Make sure to wash your and dry completely your Whirley Pop before using it for the first time. Never add ingredients while the popper is on a heat source. Use the correct amount of oil and popcorn. For the Whirley Pop, this means about 1/2 cup (113 grams) of popcorn kernels, such as Dell Cove® Movie Night popcorn kernels, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of a neutral oil.

What is a neutral oil? Neutral oils are made from nuts, grains, seeds or fruits. The most common varieties are corn, canola (made from rapeseed), vegetable (usually a blend), avocado, sunflower, coconut or peanut. For popping popcorn, we really recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like peanut, coconut or vegetable.

One key thing to remember: do not preheat the popper or the oil. Now that we’ve got the basics down, let's get to popping!

Place the Whirley Pop on your burner and turn the burner to medium heat. If using an electric range, set it to medium or medium-high. Now, do a few stretches and get ready to stir for about 3 minutes. Stir continuously throughout the entire process until there is only an occasional pop, or the handle becomes hard to turn. Do not force the handle! If the handle becomes difficult to turn, this means your popcorn is done.

Once popping is complete, remove the Whirley Pop from the burner, pour the popcorn into a bowl and add any flavorings or seasonings you like. As tempting as it is to dive right in, give your popcorn a minute or two to let the last of the steam escape. This helps avoid chewy popcorn, giving you that perfect, crisp bite.

Now you’re ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a whole bowl of delicious popcorn while you binge your latest Netflix obsession.

MAKE CAMPFIRE POPCORN

Making popcorn over an open fire is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic snack while embracing the great outdoors. With a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly popped popcorn over a campfire or fire pit.

There are tons of campfire popcorn poppers on the market, like the one pictured above. While they are fun to use, they're not necessary. (Trust me.)

First, gather your supplies. You’ll need popcorn kernels (we recommend Dell Cove® Rainbow popcorn kernels, for their excellent popping quality and fun mix of colors), a neutral oil that has a high smoke-point, aluminum foil, and a sturdy stick or long-handled popcorn popper.

If you’re using aluminum foil, tear off a large square and place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of popcorn kernels in the center. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, and then fold the foil into a loose pouch, making sure to leave enough room for the popcorn to expand as it pops.

Now, it’s time to get your campfire ready. Build a fire and let it burn down until you have a good bed of hot coals. You don’t want to pop the popcorn over direct flames, as this can cause the kernels to burn before they pop. Place your popcorn pouch or popper over the hot coals. If you’re using a foil pouch, use a stick to hold it over the fire, shaking it gently to keep the kernels moving.

Listen carefully for the popping sound. It should start within a couple of minutes. Continue shaking the pouch or popper to ensure even popping. Once the popping slows to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the popcorn from the fire.

Carefully open the foil pouch or popper, being mindful of the hot steam. Transfer the popcorn to a bowl, drizzle on some melted butter, and sprinkle with your favorite Dell Cove® popcorn seasonings for added flavor.

Enjoy your campfire popcorn as you relax by the fire, sharing stories and making memories!

POP POPCORN ON THE COB

Welcome to a whole new way of popping popcorn! Popping popcorn on the cob is both a novelty experience and a bit of farming fun that kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy. And trust me, it's really simple to do.

Start by unwrapping the cob from its packaging and placing it snugly into the provided popping bag. Seal the bag by folding the open end closed securely, typically folding it over three times to ensure it stays shut during popping. Place the bag in the microwave and set it for a few minutes, allowing the kernels to heat until you hear the popping slow to 2-3 seconds between pops - then stop your microwave. Don't over-pop!

Once done, carefully remove the bag—it will be hot—and open it to reveal your freshly popped, fluffy popcorn right off the cob!

One suggestion: Do NOT use the "popcorn" setting on your microwave. Why? Because the setting typically runs too long, and you can burn your popcorn.

While most kernels will pop off the cob, some may remain attached or partially popped. No worries! Simply remove any remaining kernels by hand; they can be easily separated from the cob and popped separately in oil on the stove top for an extra treat. This natural variation adds to the charm of our popcorn on the cob, showcasing its authenticity and fresh-from-the-farm appeal.