Pesto Popcorn at a Glance
Everything that makes pesto great — the fresh basil, the parmesan, the garlic — works just as well on popcorn as it does on pasta. Paired with grated parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a little garlic powder, it's a simple yet impressive upgrade to your usual movie night snack.
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 pour the popcorn into a big bowl.
Step 7: Season
Drizzle the pesto mixture over your popcorn and give the bowl a good shake to coat it evenly. Then sprinkle the fresh basil leaves and toss again.
Step 8: Serve
Pour your pesto popcorn into a huge bowl and enjoy your movie night!
More Pesto Popcorn Tips
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More pesto = more flavor. Don't be shy — if you want it more intensely herby, add another spoonful of pesto and toss again.
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Use good pesto. Store-bought works fine, but fresh pesto makes a noticeable difference here. If you have it, use it.
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Fresh basil is the finishing touch. It's listed as optional, but try not to skip it— it adds a brightness that ties the whole thing together.
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If the seasoning isn't sticking, a light spritz of butter or oil before adding the pesto mixture gives it something to grab onto.
- Eat it fresh. Pesto popcorn is best right out of the bowl. If you do have leftover popcorn, store it in an airtight container and finish it within 2 days.
Enjoy the Pesto Both Worlds
Got leftover pesto? This is exactly what to do with it. A quick drizzle over fresh popcorn and you've got an easy upgrade that's perfect for girls' night, date night, or when it's your turn to host your book club.
Get your Popper and browse our other popcorn recipes. There's a lot more where this came from.
