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Snacks

The Popcorn Secret That No One Is Telling You

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The Popcorn Secret That No One Is Telling You…until now! Make your homemade popcorn perfect. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and tastes so much better.

A secret ingredient no one is telling you about for perfect popcorn revealed. Make your popcorn 10 times more delicious with just one ingredient!

The Popcorn Secret That No One is Telling You

If you knew this secret already, shame on you for not sharing it sooner. Everyone should have access to wonderful popcorn at home.

My love for popcorn began at the movies. My sister’s and I love to go to the movies. As you know, we don’t live close to each other. When we do get together, we almost always go to the movies at least one time, if not more.

Once, we decided to see how many movies we could see in one day. We got out the newspaper (that is how people used to find movie times before the Internet. Anybody remember the TV Guide?), and mapped out showtimes and locations.

We calculated which movie to see first, how long the movie was, and how long it would take to travel to the next location. We quickly realized in order to meet our goal of six movies, we were going to have to see one or two movies we weren’t really interested in, and we needed to see two movies at one location, then go to another location and watch two movies and back to the original location.

It took something like one tank of gas and 3 or 4 movie theaters to make it work. But we did it, starting at 10 a.m.

We were a little bleary eyed, and after eating movie popcorn all day in lieu of anything that resembled a meal (like we had time for that), we became movie popcorn connoisseurs. I don’t know if it is just nostalgia, but it seems like movie popcorn used to taste more fresh and natural.

I have been on the hunt to make popcorn that tasted as good as what I remembered as a kid for years. I finally happened on it when I found Farrell Family Living Journal’s article about movie theater popcorn.

After reading about tons of methods and tons of ingredients, I found they were using one I wasn’t aware of. And it made all the difference! Simple, fresh tasting popcorn that was just like I remembered it.  So what’s the Popcorn Secret That No One is Telling You?

The real secret to perfect homemade popcorn that no one is telling you...until now.

Morton Popcorn Salt. One local grocery store used to sell it, but I haven’t been able to find it there for over a year. Now I can only find it at Walmart, Target, or online.

Stock up and be prepared, because once you use this to make popcorn for your family, you will be making it all the time. My family likes this way better than movie popcorn.

What is so different? Salt is salt, right? Wrong. This salt is super fine. It sticks to the popcorn so instead of all the big granules of salt sinking to the bottom of the bowl, this salt sticks like more of a powder to the popcorn.

And that my friends is the Popcorn Secret That No One is Telling You. Simple right?

So instead of going out, rent a flick, stay home and enjoy. Not only will you save money skipping the theater, but the popcorn is way less expensive too. And you can see way more movies in one day at home. Go ahead and beat our record. I dare you. Just make sure you have enough popcorn on hand, or it won’t be an authentic movie experience!

The Popcorn Secret That No One is Telling You

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Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup popcorn - Orville Redenbacher Original is our favorite
  • 2 Tablespoons oil - peanut vegetable, coconut, canola - whatever your preference
  • 2 Tablespoons butter - the real stuff
  • Morton's Popcorn Salt

Instructions
 

  • Put oil and butter in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat until oil is heated and butter is melted.
  • Add popcorn and cover with a lid, leaving an opening for steam. I use an oversized lid so the steam can escape, but the pot is covered.
  • As the kernels begin to pop shake the pan slightly. When the popping slows down, remove from heat. I let mine sit for a bit in case there are any kernels that are still popping.
  • I pour a third of the popcorn into the bowl, salt to taste, and then repeat with the remaining popcorn.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How about a sweet treat to go with your salty popcorn? Try these!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheerio Chunks

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheerios Chunks. Super easy to make and your kids will love them!Ritz Rolo Sandwich Cookies Ritz Rolo Sandwich Cookies. Two ingredients. Five minutes!Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie TrufflesChocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Truffles. My newest favorite addiction!

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We’re sharing this post with:
Fluster Buster, Nap Time Creations, Sugar Bee Crafts,
Just a Girl and Her Blog, Living Well Spending Less,
The Answer is Chocolate, This Silly Girl’s Life,
Home Stories A to Z, Inside BruCrew Life, The NY Melrose Family

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53 Comments

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Comments

  1. Holly @ Coconutheadsurvivalguide says

    May 26, 2014 at 4:41 am

    Hi Sherri – As a cancer survivor, we boycott microwave popcorn as it has way too many chemicals in it. We make homemade popcorn on the stove all of the time as it is much healthier. I had no idea about the secret ingredient salt. Like you said… salt is salt right? I will have to look for the special Morton’s popcorn salt next time I am at the store. Thank you for letting me in on your secret! Hugs, Holly

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      Congrats on your good health, Holly. Especially if you like homemade popcorn, you will enjoy the difference the salt makes. Glad to have you in on the secret.

      Reply
    • Joyce says

      June 23, 2014 at 6:40 am

      What about Skinny Pop ? I love it, it is all natural, no artificial anything. I would like the recipe. I get it at Costco.

      Reply
      • Sherri says

        July 2, 2014 at 5:32 am

        I would try using sunflower oil to replace the butter and oil in this recipe. I have not tried Skinny Pop before because we make our own popcorn now. So much healthier that way. I would love to hear from you if you try sunflower oil and see if it tastes the same as Skinny Pop. Good luck!

        Reply
    • Pam says

      January 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm

      It doesn’t have to be Morten, but popcorn salt for sure. I worked at a theater in the early 70s. Theaters made their own popcorn back then. not too long later companies started making the popcorn and selling to the theaters.

      I have always used popcorn salt. the brand I have is Flav-or-nol or something like that. but yes. Popcorn is my favorite snack.

      Reply
      • Sherri says

        January 26, 2015 at 6:43 am

        Thanks, Pam. Morton has been the easiest for me to find. Good to know there are other brands!

        Reply
  2. Shawn says

    May 26, 2014 at 6:27 am

    I’ll be 40 in a week…this is the ONLY way we had popcorn until I was about 13 or 14. I don’t think this is a secret this was a necessity back in the day. Everyone has just gotten lazy or purchased gadgets instead.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:34 pm

      No one taught me about popcorn salt, that’s for sure! When I have people over and make it for them, we have had several say things like, “I make homemade popcorn, but it doesn’t taste like this!”. No one I have told about it has been familiar with this little gem of info that used common knowledge. I hope others will find it useful. I sure have!

      Reply
  3. Chris says

    June 21, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    if you can’t find popcorn salt, just put regular salt in your food processor and whirl until fine

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      June 21, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks for a great tip, Chris. I find mine at Walmart.

      Reply
  4. Joyce says

    June 23, 2014 at 6:27 am

    great idea, just wondering do you have the recipe for Skinny Pop ??? I just love it & it’s low fat, guilt free, zero trans fat cholesterol free & only 39 calories per cup.

    Reply
  5. Liz says

    July 31, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    If you can’t find popcorn salt in your area, it’s simple to make it at home by pulsing kosher salt in a food processor until it is fine. We like to put a little in the oil as it heats. The salt melts right in and gets started on seasoning the popcorn right away. Yum!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      August 1, 2014 at 5:44 am

      I just tried it and liked it. I like the convenience of and consistency of Morton’s a smidge better, but this is so great when I have run out! Thanks.

      Reply
  6. Liz says

    July 31, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Ah, didn’t notice your comment there, Chris. I guess great minds think alike!

    Reply
  7. Tori says

    August 15, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    I didn’t read all of the omments, so, I might repeat what someone else has already commented on….sorry! Here goes! ALWAYS use REAL butter! NEVER EVER use container fake butter!! There’s too much water in it and it will make your popcorn shrink up and get soggy. Yech! Also, I have run out of the popcorn salt, and in a pinch blended some salt in my processor to make it fine =) Happy movie night ya’ll!!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:29 pm

      I am a real fan of butter, but I did not know that Tori. Good to know. I had heard about grinding the salt, and it is a good alternative. I don’t like it quite as well as Morton’s, but it is great when you are run out. I need to order more Morton’s right now! Thanks for commenting. I hope we will see you here again!

      Reply
  8. Sandy says

    August 26, 2014 at 11:09 pm

    i have 2 coffee grinders…one for coffee beans and one for dried herbs, spices and salt (gets wiped out between each). the salt is very fine like espresso powder after about 25 seconds. My food processor just didn’t get it fine enough.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      August 27, 2014 at 6:41 am

      Hmmm…maybe that is why I like Morton’s best. It is really fine and I don’t have to grind or clean up. I do have a coffee grinder, so this will be great back up info for when I run out! Thanks, Sandy!

      Reply
  9. Christina says

    August 29, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    As a kid (15+yrs ago), we had an air popper and ALWAYS used Mortons Popcorn salt. Ah… those were the days! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I totally forgot about having it on hand. thanks for reminding me!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      August 30, 2014 at 5:50 am

      You are welcome, Christina. Sometimes those forgotten oldies but goodies are the best!

      Reply
  10. Chloe Crabtree says

    September 19, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Fascinating! I would never have thought of the salt, and yet, it makes so much sense! I will try your recipe and instructions, but I will pass on trying to see how many movies I can see in one day, although it sounds like you and your sisters made a day to remember, though.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      September 20, 2014 at 7:16 am

      Ha! It’s a little crazy seeing that many movies in one day. We were young then! Enjoy your popcorn.

      Reply
  11. Ronya Ervin says

    September 22, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks Sherri! Popcorn is my all-time favorite snack. My mom always made it just as you describe except that we always have melted the butter afterwards. I never thought of melting it at the same time as heating the oil. I’m looking forward to trying it soon! Thanks for sharing!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  12. Anne from Pintesting says

    November 2, 2014 at 4:26 am

    I don’t know where I heard the trick about super fine salt for popcorn, but we just zip sea salt through the coffee grinder and use that since my HH makes the popcorn on told school on thestove top. It works great! Just keep it in a separate shaker.

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      November 2, 2014 at 9:17 am

      What a GREAT tip! Thanks Anne! P.S. I love your middle name. My middle name is Anne with an “E” just like Anne of Green Gables!

      Reply
  13. Elizabeth says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    I found Morton Popcorn salt at Smart and Final today, $1.39!!! Whhoo hoo, it was in next to the regal salt, which I thought was dumb. I would put it next to the POPCORN!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      November 14, 2014 at 7:14 am

      At my grocery store it is near the popcorn. What are they thinkin! Too funny. Enjoy the best homemade popcorn you have ever had!

      Reply
  14. Melanee says

    December 18, 2014 at 11:29 am

    Orville Redenbacher — GMO popcorn folks. Jolly time is GMO free!!!!! Just thought you might want to know, as I have friends who get migraines linked to corn that is GMO loaded.
    Otherwise, yummers!!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      December 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      Thanks Melanee!

      Reply
  15. Amy says

    December 27, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    I would also recommend using coconut oil (as is on your list). I find the popcorn is bigger and fluffier, and has a good “movie” flavor to it, as well as the special salt. Unsurprisingly, this is because the movie theaters use coconut oil (colored yellow)to pop their corn.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      January 7, 2015 at 6:53 am

      Sounds tasty. I like using coconut oil!

      Reply
  16. Amy says

    December 31, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Thanks for the salt tip. I’ll share my guilty pleasure with you…between steps 1 & 2 add sugar. Allow the sugar to heat before adding the popcorn. Your popcorn will taste like kettle corn from the fair!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      December 31, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Sounds delicious! Thanks, Amy.

      Reply
  17. Vicki says

    January 2, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    I think there are 2 more secrets to great popcorn like we had way back in the day. Movie theaters used coconut oil and it was the real unrefined kind and it does not make your popcorn taste like coconut but it does make a huge difference. The other thing I have learned after trying all kinds of poppers is that the StirCrazy ones make the best tasting popcorn and can also make kettle corn. It also pops all but maybe 3 or 4 duds. Jolly Time is way bigger and fluffier and no GMOS.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      January 3, 2015 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Vicki! I keep hearing about coconut oil. I am going to give that a try. Thanks for some great tips! I love hearing from readers.

      Reply
  18. Andrea K. says

    January 6, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    I have never heard of popcorn salt before, and have never seen it sold anywhere. But after reading this post, I just used a small coffee grinder (never used for coffee, I use it for grains occasionally) and buzzed a spoonful of sea salt until it was fine and powdery. Easy, and same effect! The fine, powdery salt stuck to the popcorn much better! By the way, we make popcorn without oil by using a brown paper lunch bag, and 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels from the bulk store. 2 minutes in the microwave, and you have a nice fresh bag of popcorn, no oil, and no chemical flavourings!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      January 7, 2015 at 6:52 am

      Awesome! So glad it worked for you. Thanks for taking the time to tell me.

      Reply
  19. Brandy says

    January 6, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    Using a hot air popper or a microwave popcorn bowl (no prebagged chemicals tyvm) is a great oil-free way to pop, then butter can be added with abandon! Since I use Half Salt, grinding it down to a powder is a great idea for next time. Thanks for the tip! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      January 7, 2015 at 6:50 am

      You bet, Brandy! Thanks for coming by.

      Reply
  20. JoDi says

    January 22, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I grew up making popcorn on the stove top. Introduced my in-law’s and now husband to this method, can’t believe they hadn’t had it. We love the Morton’s salt but we also use season salt (Lawry’s or other ‘off’ brands). this gives a little more flavor with the Morton’s salt! The only way to eat popcorn is in the Whirly popcorn pan on the stove top!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      January 23, 2015 at 8:47 am

      Season Salt sounds good! We will have to give it a try next family movie night! Maybe for the Super Bowl.

      Reply
  21. Laura says

    April 11, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    If the only diff between reg salt and popcorn salt is that it’s finer, throw regular salt in the blender! I’ve made powdered sugar from regular sugar many times this way.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      April 13, 2015 at 10:25 am

      Thanks, Laura! I prefer the popcorn salt, but this has been a popular alternative. I will have to try out the powdered sugar. Very cool.

      Reply
  22. Sue says

    May 13, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    You can get Morton popcorn salt on Amazon.com.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      May 14, 2015 at 7:47 am

      You sure can Sue. There is a link in the post so you can order it. Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Connie says

    July 22, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I just put regular salt or sea salt in a mortar pecil grind it to a powder.

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      July 23, 2015 at 4:37 am

      Sea salt will add another layer of flavor. Thanks for coming by Connie.

      Reply
  24. JONI FLOREY says

    October 22, 2015 at 4:51 am

    I make my popcorn in a deep soup pan. I add the oil and drop in 2 or 3 kernals of popcorn in the pan. No lid yet. When those kernals pop, you can add the rest of the popcorn (1 Cup) and cover with the lid. After it’s popped up enough that it won’t pop out of the pan, I take the lid off completely. If you like sweet/salty popcorn, I remove the lid after it’s popped halfway and sprinkle on your sugar (1/4 Cup) and your salt. Shake the pan a little bit and then let it finish popping. NUMMY!

    Reply
    • Sherri says

      October 24, 2015 at 10:01 am

      You are making me hungry right now.

      Reply
  25. charlene says

    October 7, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    But anne, how do you prepare this popcorn in a popcorn machine?

    Reply
  26. Ellen D says

    November 18, 2016 at 1:25 am

    I add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the oil and let it dissolve so every kernel gets salt. 1/2 teaspoon is perfect for 1/2 cup of kernels. Sometimes I use bacon grease to pop my corn. My favorite popcorn is sprinkled with garlic powder and parmesan after adding butter.

    Reply
    • Michelle Hurlbut says

      September 23, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      Great idea Ellen for adding salt to the oil before popping! I wanted to recommend another popping secret…… I have used a “WHIRLY POP” popper for yrs! We bought our first one at Bed Bath and Beyond and I have since found a couple more at garage sales. Uses little oil and leaves hardly ANY old maids! Check out ebay or google it to find one. I think we paid almost $30 for the first one, but have found them at garage sales for less than $5!

      Reply

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