Get the recipe for this delicious, quick, and easy to make stovetop popcorn with just four simple ingredients.

Nothing gets me like homemade, stovetop popcorn gets me. Its the perfect, crunchy, salty, healthy snack. Yes, I consider this homemade popcorn healthy… because its homemade! Just simple, wholesome ingredients.
Although if you have a tendency to go overboard with the butter (no shame, this is definitely me!) it can turn into a decadent, buttery treat. But who really cares?!
I first learned how to make stovetop popcorn when I was dating my husband. His family would make a big bowl of popcorn most nights and we would all snack on it while talking and playing cards. Some of my favorite memories!
This homemade, stovetop popcorn is one of my favorite recipes to make in the fall and winter when we’re cozied up inside more.
What I love about this recipe is it whips up in maybe ten minutes?! Talk about a quick snack! And there are FOUR ingredients. So simple and cheap!
If you love microwave popcorn, I’m telling you, after making this homemade popcorn you will never go back. Its just on a whole different level.
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How to Make Homemade, Stovetop Popcorn
To make this recipe, you’ll need a good quality saucepan, oil (I’ll talk more about the best kinds to use), popcorn kernels, butter, and salt.
What Kind of Oil is Best for Homemade Popcorn?
The oil that you use for you homemade popcorn is totally up to you, but I’ll tell you some of my favorites.
My number one, go-to oil for homemade popcorn is unrefined, coconut oil. It gives the popcorn a great flavor!
Some other options you can use include extra virgin olive oil (as long as you don’t let it get too hot, stick with medium heat) canola oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.
What Kind of Kernels are Best for Homemade Popcorn?
When you’re making popcorn at home, its best that you use good quality kernels. It really makes a difference!
THESE are the popcorn kernels I buy most often… they’re available at most stores.
I also really love THIS kind too. They have a lot of different, fun varieties to choose from and have a little fanicer feel.
You know what would be so cute?! Once you’ve mastered your homemade, stovetop popcorn recipe, gift a bag of the Amish Country Kernels to a friend with a little ribbon and a recipe card. With a big popcorn bowl!

How to Season Homemade Stovetop Popcorn
The fun thing about making homemade popcorn, is you get to customize the toppings to your liking.
This particular recipe calls for lots of butter and salt to taste. You can of course use less butter, more butter, or no butter at all!
There are also other options for seasoning your homemade popcorn, like pepper, cinnamon and honey, parmesan cheese, etc. Get creative with it and find a combo you love!
I suggest mastering the good, old-fashioned butter recipe, and then going from there.

Homemade Stovetop Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp oil (see notes on oil above)
- 1/2 cup good quality popcorn kernels
- 4-8 Tbsp butter (start with 4 and add more if you want it more buttery!)
- sea salt
Directions:
Have a large bowl ready and nearby. Heat oil up in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add 2-3 popcorn kernels and put a lid on it. Once the 2-3 kernels have popped your oil is hot enough! Add the rest of your kernels.
Give the pot a good shake every so often. The kernels should start to pop quickly. If it starts to overflow and push the lid off the pot, shake some into your bowl and put the lid back on.
Once the kernels have come to an almost complete stop, remove the pot from the heat. Wait a few seconds to see if any more pop, then dump the rest of the popcorn into your bowl.
While the pot is still hot, add your butter (1/2 to 1 stick of butter) and stir it around until it melts.
VERY slowly pour it on your popcorn, moving around in circles, and stopping 3-4 times to stir the popcorn. Use a large wooden spoon to stir it.
Once the butter is on and its as buttery as you’d like it, start to sprinkle it with salt. Go slow and taste test often. And don’t forget to stir! Use your big wooden spoon to stir it up good!
Taste the popcorn and add more butter or salt until its to your liking. Enjoy with a good movie, and lots of bowls to share;) get the printable recipe below!

Stovetop Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 4-8 tbsp butter
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Get out a large bowl to pour your popcorn in and have it nearby.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels and put the lid on.
- Once the kernels have popped add the rest of your kernels and put the lid back on again. Give it a good shake every so often.
- Popcorn will pop quickly. If it starts to overflow and push the lid off the pot, carefully shake some of the popped popcorn into your bowl and put the lid back on quickly.
- Once the popping has almost stopped completely remove the pot from the heat. Wait a few seconds to see if any more kernels pop. Pour the popped popcorn into your bowl.
- Add the butter into your hot pot and stir it around until it melts. Start off with 4 tablespoons and add more as you need it.
- Once the butter is melted, VERY slowly pour it over your popcorn, moving around in circles and stopping to stir and shake the popcorn 3-4 times.
- Add salt to taste, stirring and shaking throughout. Be sure to taste test often as you're adding your butter and salt until it tastes just how you like it. Enjoy!
Notes
Do you make homemade popcorn on the stove? What are your favorite toppings? Let me know if you like this recipe in the comments below. I hope you enjoy!

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