Easy Cheese Popcorn
Make low-calorie cheddar popcorn with air-popped kernels and a light butter-flavor spray so cheese powder sticks. Fast, crunchy, and customizable.
I use the cheddar cheese powder on my air-popped popcorn to save on calories. Also, I've found the butter flavored pan sprays help it to stick to the popcorn--again less calories.
Submitted by: Evelyn from Crossville, TN
Yield: 1/4 cup popcorn makes large bowl
- Air-pop popcorn, mist lightly with butter-flavor spray as it pops, then sprinkle cheddar cheese powder so it adheres without extra calories.
- Use small, even sprays and apply powder while popcorn is hot for best coverage and less clumping.
- Swap sprays or seasonings to control calories, fat, and flavor. Store unseasoned popcorn for best crunch.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
As the popcorn comes out of popper, spray the pan spray on it in spurts. When the bowl is full, sprinkle cheddar cheese powder on top. It will fall through and stick to the spray. Great!
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheddar cheese powder should I use for 1/4 cup kernels?
Start with 1 tablespoon of cheddar powder and add more to taste. For a stronger flavor try 1.5 to 2 tablespoons, but add gradually so you do not over-salt.
Can I use regular melted butter instead of the butter-flavor spray?
Yes, but melted butter adds calories and can make the popcorn soggy if you use too much. If you want butter flavor with fewer calories, use a light oil spray or mist the popcorn sparingly.
How do I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy when I add the spray?
Use short, light sprays rather than one long blast. Spray as the popcorn is coming out so it is still hot, then immediately sprinkle the powder and toss gently to distribute.
What can I use if I do not have butter-flavor spray?
Light olive oil spray, avocado oil spray, or a quick toss with 1 teaspoon of neutral oil work well. Avoid using water because it will make the popcorn soggy.
Can I use this method with microwave or stove-top popcorn?
Yes. The method works with any freshly popped popcorn. If using microwave popcorn, skip the added butter packet to keep calories lower and spray lightly instead.
Is cheddar cheese powder a healthy choice?
Cheddar powder is lower in calories than melted butter and cheese but can be high in sodium and additives. Read labels and use moderate amounts or try nutritional yeast for a lower-sodium option.
How can I get the cheese coating to be even and not clump?
Sprinkle the powder while the popcorn is hot and tacky from the spray. Shake or toss the bowl in small lifts to let excess fall through. Using a fine powder helps reduce clumps.
Can I make the popcorn ahead of time and store it?
Store plain popped popcorn in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days for best crunch. If you coat it with spray and powder, it will soften faster, so season just before serving when possible.
How much cheddar cheese powder should I use for 1/4 cup kernels?
Start with 1 tablespoon of cheddar powder and add more to taste. For a stronger flavor try 1.5 to 2 tablespoons, but add gradually so you do not over-salt.
Can I use regular melted butter instead of the butter-flavor spray?
Yes, but melted butter adds calories and can make the popcorn soggy if you use too much. If you want butter flavor with fewer calories, use a light oil spray or mist the popcorn sparingly.
How do I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy when I add the spray?
Use short, light sprays rather than one long blast. Spray as the popcorn is coming out so it is still hot, then immediately sprinkle the powder and toss gently to distribute.
What can I use if I do not have butter-flavor spray?
Light olive oil spray, avocado oil spray, or a quick toss with 1 teaspoon of neutral oil work well. Avoid using water because it will make the popcorn soggy.
Can I use this method with microwave or stove-top popcorn?
Yes. The method works with any freshly popped popcorn. If using microwave popcorn, skip the added butter packet to keep calories lower and spray lightly instead.
Is cheddar cheese powder a healthy choice?
Cheddar powder is lower in calories than melted butter and cheese but can be high in sodium and additives. Read labels and use moderate amounts or try nutritional yeast for a lower-sodium option.
How can I get the cheese coating to be even and not clump?
Sprinkle the powder while the popcorn is hot and tacky from the spray. Shake or toss the bowl in small lifts to let excess fall through. Using a fine powder helps reduce clumps.
Can I make the popcorn ahead of time and store it?
Store plain popped popcorn in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days for best crunch. If you coat it with spray and powder, it will soften faster, so season just before serving when possible.
Comments