This popcorn is not your average snack! With roasted garlic and rich Parmesan cheese, it’s bursting with flavor. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and a little bit garlicky—yum!
I love munching on this popcorn during movie nights. It’s super easy to make, and trust me, the smell alone will have everyone popping over for a bite! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn Kernels: Use high-quality popcorn kernels for the best results. You can also try popping corn in an air popper or microwave bag if that’s easier. Just avoid pre-packaged popcorn with additives!
Garlic: Roasting enhances the sweetness of garlic. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder for flavor, though it won’t have the same richness. Fresh garlic is my go-to for that beautiful aroma!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for the cheesy taste. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option works well, too. I love the nutty flavor of Pecorino!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor in control. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a plant-based butter also works great.
How Do I Roast Garlic for Maximum Flavor?
Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and gives a smoother flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil to keep the moisture in.
- Roast for about 30-35 minutes—look for a golden-brown color.
- Let it cool, then squeeze out the soft garlic into a bowl and mash it!
Taking your time with the roasting process rewards you with delicious, sweet garlic that enhances your popcorn perfectly!
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 whole head garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for roasting garlic)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 30-35 minutes for roasting the garlic, and 10 minutes for popping the popcorn and mixing everything together. So in about 50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your whole head of garlic and cut off the top to expose the cloves inside. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the garlic head, then wrap it in foil to keep it nice and cozy. Place it in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes. You want it to be soft and fragrant. Once it’s done, let it cool a bit, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash them until they’re smooth. This will add a sweet, deep flavor to your popcorn!
2. Pop the Popcorn:
While your garlic is roasting, it’s time to pop the popcorn! In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid. Remember to shake the pot gently every now and then to help the kernels pop evenly. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. It’s light and airy—so delightful!
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
Next, let’s create a delicious garlic butter sauce to drizzle over our popcorn! In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the mashed roasted garlic you made earlier. Give it a little time to mix well, then remove from heat. Your kitchen will smell amazing right now!
4. Combine and Season:
Now it’s time to combine everything! Drizzle your garlic butter mixture over the popcorn while tossing gently to coat it evenly. It’s all about that flavor! After that, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, smoked paprika, and parsley flakes if you’re using them over the popcorn. Toss again to ensure everything is mixed in nicely.
5. Serve:
Finally, give your popcorn a taste! You can adjust the salt or add some freshly ground black pepper if you like a little kick. Serve it warm in a big bowl and enjoy this flavorful, savory roasted garlic Parmesan popcorn—perfect for movie nights or just when you crave a tasty snack!
Enjoy your yummy popcorn adventure! 🎥🍿
Can I Use Pre-Packaged Popcorn for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you’re in a hurry, feel free to use pre-packaged popcorn. Just make sure to pick a plain or lightly salted variety, so you maintain control over the flavors you add, especially the garlic and Parmesan!
How to Store Leftover Popcorn?
Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that it may lose some crispiness over time, but you can always re-crisp it in the oven for a few minutes if desired!
Can I Customize the Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of cayenne for heat. You can also try different cheeses such as nutritional yeast for a vegan option or substitute with cheddar for a fun twist!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this popcorn vegan, use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter and skip the Parmesan, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!