Jalapeno popcorn

Meet the most enchanting way of enjoying the spicy popcorn-Jalapeno popcorn. This is mildly spicy, flavorful, soft, and crunchy.  It's better than the regular popcorn that we have been eating so far.

This jalapeno popcorn is perfectly spiced to make the family movie time or your game day more delightful. The refreshing combo of flavors and taste meets here at the right spot.

Furthermore, super easy to make for a crowd. Also turns out as an excellent holiday gift to surprise your friends or relatives like this jalapeno peanut brittle.

Jump to:

• About this recipe
• Ingredients for jalapeno popcorn
• How to make Jalapeno popcorn?
• Storing idea
• Make ahead tips
• Variations
• Can I make this spicy popcorn in microwave?
• Printable recipe card

About this recipe

With a few simple ingredients, and with few minutes of your time create a bountiful bowl of deliciousness that everyone falls in love with.

Same like you, I too loved creamy buttery popcorn until I discovered this jalapeno popcorn. Tastes creamy, buttery, plus bundled with a hint of heat that tingles your sensation in a pleasing way.

Jalapeno popcorn turns out as an excellent treat for family movie nights or a gameday gathering, same as our jalapeno poppers without cream cheese, or jalapeno pinwheel.

Ingredients for jalapeno popcorn

Butter. Butter makes the popcorn creamy and tastes rich. Personally, I find butter and popcorn are inseparable and make an ultimate combo. But you may substitute with coconut oil that can turn out as a good vegan option as well. 

Corn kernels. These are extremely handy and pantry stable. Good to store at room temperature. Plus it's economical when comparing them with the store-bought readymade popcorn pouches. You may find them in the whole food aisle.

Jalapeno. Fresh jalapenos are great, however, if you have roasted jalapenos or frozen jalapenos, feel free to use them as well. On the other hand, pickled jalapenos are also a really good option and vary in taste slightly, but a true entertainer and a pantry staple variation.

When you use pickled jalapenos remove the moisture content with the kitchen towels before sauteing. we will see how to do it briefly in the following.

How to make Jalapeno popcorn?

Slice jalapeno. Slice the jalapenos evenly to a quarter-inch of thickness. Leave some seeds to choose your personal heat preference.  I have removed 90% of the seeds and left 10%, this way I can retain most flavors but with minimal heat.

If you are using jalapeno pickles place them in the kitchen towel to add remove the excess moisture. And keep them ready.

Place the pan over medium heat. Place a heavy bottom pan over the stovetop. I prefer using my cast iron Dutch oven. When the corn kernels pop, each kernel puffs up and needs a large space to occupy. For 2 servings of popcorn, I would prefer 4 quarts size of cast iron deep pan.

A heavy bottom pan ensures the spreading of even heat throughout the bottom and thereby helps to achieve soft jalapeno popcorns. The uneven heat flow may end up in burnt or hard popcorn.

Seasoning. Add butter and allow it to melt. Toss sliced jalapenos and sauté until the jalapeno turns dry.

Add corn and salt. And corn kernels, salt. Use a spoon to combine them well. Close it with a lid. 

Start popping. Turn stove to medium to low heat. Within 2-3 minutes the corn will start popping. Lift the pan and shakeup in regular intervals sideways for even distribution of heat. 

Wear gloves as a precaution as the steam may escape on the sides. The process may sound cumbersome while reading, but it's like a breeze when making.

Remove from the heat until the popping sound stops. It would take a maximum of 3-4 minutes to completely pop the corn kernels.

Serve.  Transfer jalapeno popcorn to serving bowls and serve warm. Drizzle melted butter if necessary. The jalapeno flavors are mild and may not need any other seasonings.

Storing idea

To store.  Unlike the classic buttery popcorns, this does not store well at room temperature. I would strongly recommend consuming the jalapeno popcorn within 3-4 hours of making it. 

To warm. You may gently warm up in the microwave before serving.

Make ahead tips

If you're planning to make ahead of time, prepare the jalapeno butter sauce and pop the corn kernels whenever needed. Believe me, this will not take huge time of yours, make your guests stand near by and have a chit chat. Boom!! delightful delicious jalapeno spiced popcorn is ready in a blink of an eye.

Variations

For more heat. Double up or increase the quantity of the jalapeno for the rich heat in this spiced popcorn.

Green bell pepper. If you want to make the heat subtle and still want to retain all the beautiful peppery flavors,  substitute jalapeno with green pepper. 

Habanero. Substitute Jalapeno with habanero for more heat. 

Both habanero and green bell pepper variations are my delights and I keep switch in between depends on the outdoor weather and family’s request.

Ranch seasoning Mix. Try making another popular jalapeno ranch popcorn. Making this so very simple, add 1 teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning mix while adding corn kernels to the pan.

Cheddar. Pour melted cheddar cheese as creamy topping.

Cajun spice. Jalapeno tastes incredible with Cajun spice. Try infuse these two flavors and treat yourself luxuriously.

Hot and sweet. Melt three tablespoons of light brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of butter. And toss it over jalapeno popcorn. This hot and sweet combo can bring up lots of appreciation all over.

Can I make this spicy popcorn in microwave?

Yes, this is a reliable recipe for microwaves as well. Use a microwave-safe bowl, and follow the same recipe. And microwave for up to 3 minutes until the popping sound stops.

Printable recipe card