This Jalapeno Popcorn Is the Star of Your Next Game Night

Imagine all the things you love about jalapeno poppers — the crunch, the heat, the tanginess — packed into your favorite snack. That’s exactly what the combination of popcorn and jalapenos brings to the table. 

The only difference? Jalapeno popcorn is much faster to prepare, especially when you have a stainless steel popcorn popper to help you. It’s gonna be a sure hit at game night (or any gathering, really)!

Jalapeno Cheddar Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup kernels
• 2 tablespoons oil 
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to your desired level of heat)
• ¼ cup finely grated cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted ghee

How to Make Jalapeno Popcorn

Step 1: Make the Seasoning

Mix the grated cheese, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. 

Step 2: Heat

Put your stove on medium heat. Let the Popper preheat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Oil

Pour the oil and let it sizzle. 

Step 4: Drop Kernels

Toss 2-3 kernels into the pot. Add in the rest when the first one pops, then cover your Popper with its lid.

Step 5: Pop

Turn the crank clockwise while the kernels pop to evenly distribute the oil and keep them from staying in one place. 

Step 6: Remove

When popping slows, remove the Popper from the heat and take the lid off. 

Step 7: Combine

Drizzle the melted ghee over the popcorn and toss gently to coat the popcorn in it. Then, sprinkle the cheese and jalapeno popcorn seasoning. You can put the lid back on and crank it a few more times to distribute the toppings or give it a good shake. 

DID YOU KNOW? The melted ghee acts as a glue, keeping the dry ingredients from falling to the bottom of the bowl. 

Step 8: Serve

Pour your jalapeno popcorn into a bowl and enjoy! 

More Jalapeno Popcorn Tips

• Mix things up by swapping the cheddar for different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. Or use nutritional yeast instead to make the popcorn vegan.  

• You can use oil or butter as an alternative to the ghee, but you’ll need to eat the cheddar jalapeno popcorn ASAP if it’s the latter since butter will make the kernels soggy.

• Want a more spicy popcorn? Leave the jalapeno seeds in (or add even more peppers and red chili flakes to the mix). You can also try charring the jalapenos before chopping them — this adds a nice smokiness. 

• To make the jalapeno popcorn more refreshing, sprinkle parsley or lime zest over it. 

Keep Popping Off

Wasn’t that easy? With yet another way to turn popcorn into a culinary masterpiece, we’re sure you won’t have any issue figuring out what to serve at your next get-together.  Until then, make yourself a bowl of this jalapeno cheddar popcorn, put on a good movie, and enjoy.

For more spicy popcorn recipes and inspiration, be sure to explore the rest of our blog!