Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Seasoning Recipe
Quick cheddar popcorn seasoning with cheddar powder, mustard and cayenne. Makes 5–6 cups. Easy, buttery, and bold.
This cheddar cheese popcorn seasoning recipe is courtesy of our customer Gale Gand, a very talented and famous pastry chef, here in Chicago.
Yield: 2 to 3
- Mix cheddar cheese powder with mustard and cayenne, then drizzle melted butter over 5 to 6 cups of popcorn and toss to coat.
- Distribute butter and dry mix slowly while stirring so the coating stays even and the popcorn stays crisp.
- Use more or less popcorn for a stronger or milder flavor; swap oils or vegan options as needed.
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Preparation Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings and mix together thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, carefully drizzle butter over the popcorn while stirring or tossing constantly so it is distributed evenly. Gently do the same with the dry ingredients, sprinkling slowly while stirring so the popcorn is evenly coated.
- For a stronger flavor, use less popcorn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scale this recipe for more popcorn?
Multiply each ingredient to match the amount of popcorn you pop. The recipe coats about 5 to 6 cups. For 12 cups double everything. A simple ratio is roughly 3 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup cheddar powder per 5 to 6 cups.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of a neutral oil or a light cooking spray. Oil will help the powder stick but gives less of a buttery taste. Melted butter gives richer flavor.
What is cheddar cheese powder and where can I buy it?
Cheddar cheese powder is dehydrated, powdered cheese used for snacks and seasonings. You can buy it online, at specialty grocery stores, bulk spice shops, or in some supermarket snack sections.
How can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Swap melted butter for vegan butter or oil and replace cheese powder with nutritional yeast plus a vegan cheddar-flavored powder or seasonings like smoked paprika and salt. Taste and adjust spices to get a savory cheddar-like flavor.
How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Drizzle the butter slowly while constantly tossing so it spreads thin. Use small amounts so it dries fast. Let popcorn cool before sealing and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make my own cheddar powder at home?
You can try by dehydrating grated cheddar in a low oven or dehydrator, then grinding it fine. Because cheese contains fat, homemade powder may clump and be less shelf-stable than commercial powder.
How long does seasoned popcorn stay fresh?
Seasoned popcorn is best the same day. Stored in an airtight container it stays decent for 2 to 3 days. After that it loses crunch and flavor.
Can I use fresh grated cheddar instead of powder?
Fresh grated cheddar will melt and can make the popcorn greasy and clumpy. If you use fresh cheese, add it sparingly and serve right away. Powdered cheese gives the light, even coating this recipe aims for.
How do I scale this recipe for more popcorn?
Multiply each ingredient to match the amount of popcorn you pop. The recipe coats about 5 to 6 cups. For 12 cups double everything. A simple ratio is roughly 3 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup cheddar powder per 5 to 6 cups.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of a neutral oil or a light cooking spray. Oil will help the powder stick but gives less of a buttery taste. Melted butter gives richer flavor.
What is cheddar cheese powder and where can I buy it?
Cheddar cheese powder is dehydrated, powdered cheese used for snacks and seasonings. You can buy it online, at specialty grocery stores, bulk spice shops, or in some supermarket snack sections.
How can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Swap melted butter for vegan butter or oil and replace cheese powder with nutritional yeast plus a vegan cheddar-flavored powder or seasonings like smoked paprika and salt. Taste and adjust spices to get a savory cheddar-like flavor.
How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Drizzle the butter slowly while constantly tossing so it spreads thin. Use small amounts so it dries fast. Let popcorn cool before sealing and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make my own cheddar powder at home?
You can try by dehydrating grated cheddar in a low oven or dehydrator, then grinding it fine. Because cheese contains fat, homemade powder may clump and be less shelf-stable than commercial powder.
How long does seasoned popcorn stay fresh?
Seasoned popcorn is best the same day. Stored in an airtight container it stays decent for 2 to 3 days. After that it loses crunch and flavor.
Can I use fresh grated cheddar instead of powder?
Fresh grated cheddar will melt and can make the popcorn greasy and clumpy. If you use fresh cheese, add it sparingly and serve right away. Powdered cheese gives the light, even coating this recipe aims for.
This stuff is pretty good. Permanent place in the cabinet- until I get a freeze dryer and do it myself. Followed the popcorn recipe, it was fantastic. I like it better with just the cheese, hot mustard powder, msg and Ukrainian seasonings. Wow this is good. I use oil when out of butter.