pizza popcorn

How to Make the Ultimate Pizza Popcorn

All the flavor of your favorite pizza, none of the delivery wait. This pizza popcorn recipe is cheesy, herby, and the best thing you'll make for movie night.

Pizza Popcorn at a Glance

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Yield 4 servings
Difficulty Easy
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Pizza popcorn sounds like something a kid invented, but one bowl in and you'll stop questioning it entirely. It's loaded with parmesan, tomato, oregano, and garlic — all the flavors of your favorite slice, on a bowl of fresh stovetop popcorn. Perfect for movie night, game day, or any night when the pizza craving hits but you don't want to wait for delivery.

Now grab your Popper and follow along:

Pizza Popcorn Ingredients

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato powder (or finely crushed sun-dried tomatoes — see tips)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼  teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Pizza Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Prep Pizza Popcorn Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine parmesan cheese, tomato powder, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Mix well and set aside. 

Step 2: Heat

woman sets stove to medium heat

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

Step 3: Pour Oil

Pour olive oil into the Popper and let it heat up. 

Step 4: Add Kernels

kernels in a popcorn popper

Toss 3 kernels into the oil. Pour in the rest when the first kernel pops, then cover your Popper.

Step 5: Turn

turning the crank of a stovetop popper

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

Step 6: Remove

Take your Popper off the heat when popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops and transfer the popcorn to a big bowl.

Step 7: Season

Drizzle melted butter over the popcorn and toss well. Sprinkle the pizza seasoning blend over the top and toss again until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve

a bowl of pizza popcorn surrounded by parmesan, chili flakes, oregano, and basil leaves

Dig in while your pizza popcorn is still warm! 

More Pizza Popcorn Tips

  • No tomato powder? Finely crushed sun-dried tomatoes work just as well. A small amount of tomato paste mixed into the melted butter is another solid option.
  • Make it cheesier. Add a handful of finely grated mozzarella right after tossing with butter, before the dry seasoning goes on. It melts slightly and coats each piece.

  • Dial up the heat. Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne if you like your pizza on the spicier side.

  • Add toppings. Crumbled crispy pepperoni, bacon bits, or dried Italian sausage take this in a more loaded direction. For a lighter version, dehydrated bell peppers or dried onion flakes add texture without the meat.

  • Storage. Keep leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature and finish it within 3 days. The parmesan softens over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

A Pizza Goodness in Every Handful 

Real, fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza is tough to beat, but when the craving hits and you want something lighter, faster, and ready before the opening credits roll, pizza popcorn will do the job. Make it for your next movie night, game day spread, or girls' night.

Don't have a Popsmith yet? Grab your Popper now, then check out our popcorn recipes for more flavors to try next.

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