How to Make Savory, Lip-Smacking Good Pesto Popcorn

Pesto popcorn tastes exactly like what you’d imagine — herb-y, cheesy, and ridiculously addicting. This Italian-inspired snack may seem more sophisticated than your usual buttery popcorn or kettle corn, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare with your Popsmith Popper and will impress anyone who tries it.

Let’s get right into it: 

Pesto Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
• ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Pesto Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Prepare Pesto Mixture

Mix pesto sauce, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt together in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Oil

Pour oil into the Popper. 

Step 4: Add Kernels

Drop 2 to 3 kernels into the pot. When the first one pops, add the remaining kernels and cover the Popper.

Step 5: Turn

Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise as the kernels pop to keep them from sticking to one place and burning. 

Step 6: Remove

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

Step 7: Season

Drizzle the pesto mixture over your popcorn and give the Popper a good shake to coat it evenly. Then sprinkle the fresh basil leaves and toss the pot again. 

You can also cover the Popper and give it a few more cranks to distribute the seasoning.

Step 8: Serve

Pour your pesto popcorn into a huge bowl and enjoy your movie night! 

More Pesto Popcorn Tips

• Feel free to add more pesto sauce if you want to pack on the flavor. 

• You shouldn’t have a problem getting the seasoning to stick to your popcorn, but in case you do, spraying a light layer of butter or oil before adding the pesto mixture should help.  

• Your pesto popcorn tastes best when fresh! But if you choose to set some aside for later, just be sure to finish it within 2 days. Store it in an airtight container away from sunlight.

Enjoy the Pesto Both Worlds

Crunchy, salty popcorn with cheesy, herbaceous pesto is an excellent combination of textures and flavors. Try making this Italian popcorn the next time you watch movies like Roman Holiday or The Godfather or when it’s your turn to host your book club. 

Want more popcorn recipes? Check out our dill pickle popcorn or ranch popcorn recipes! We’ve also got other snacking inspiration you should take a look at.