Got leftover popcorn? Whether it went stale overnight or you simply made too much for movie night, don't let those kernels go to waste. Trust us, that day-old popcorn is about to become your new favorite ingredient.
Leftover popcorn isn’t usually an issue for us — our pre-measured Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn kits allow us to make just the right amount every time with the Popper, and we tend to wolf down an entire bowl before the opening credits end.
But hey, sometimes you might overestimate your appetite. And when that happens, here's exactly what to do with leftover popcorn:
Reheat Leftover Popcorn in the Oven
If your leftover popcorn has gone stale, baking it will turn it crunchy again. The dry heat evaporates the moisture that makes stale popcorn chewy.
Simply preheat your oven to 250°F, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet, and let it bake for around 5 minutes (or until it gets its crisp texture back). Give it a quick toss mid-bake for even heating.
STORAGE TIP: Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. Only reheat what you'll eat immediately — reheated popcorn stays crispy for about an hour before absorbing moisture again.
Use Leftover Popcorn as Croutons
You know how we just told you how baking leftover popcorn in the oven helps it regain its crunch? Well, you can eat it like normal, but if you’re more daring, try using your excess savory popcorn as croutons for a salad. You can also take it a step further and combine the popcorn with herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Turn Leftover Popcorn Into Popcorn Balls
Make a Leftover Popcorn Snack Mix
What do you get when you combine leftover popcorn with some nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, candy, and chocolate? A popcorn snack mix that tastes amazing and is full of satisfying textures. You can munch on this during game night, let it fuel you on a road trip, or take it to work for a mid-day treat.
Related: How to Create the Ultimate Popcorn Snack Mix
Steep It in Milk
Fill a bowl with warm milk, add your leftover popcorn, then let the kernels steep for at least 30 minutes. After steeping, strain the milk using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to separate it from the kernels.
You’ll be left with milk that has a subtle popcorn flavor, which you could use to make milkshakes, lattes, or ice cream that tastes like your favorite snack.
PRO TIP: The longer the popcorn steeps, the more intense the flavor. Wait a couple of hours if you prefer a stronger popcorn taste.
Turn Leftover Popcorn Into Breadcrumbs
Popcorn as breadcrumbs? Don’t knock it till you try it! You can use these as breading for fried chicken or as a topping for mac and cheese — you can really do a lot with them.
You just need to pulse your leftover popcorn in a food processor or blender until it reaches a breadcrumb-like consistency.
Create Popcorn Brittle
If you love popcorn and you love dessert, get your tastebuds ready for popcorn brittle! It’s sweet, crunchy, and so easy to prepare.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Spread your leftover popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and wait till it turns into a light amber sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the popcorn, using a spatula to coat it evenly.
- Wait for the coated popcorn to completely cool.
- Break the popcorn brittle into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
String Leftover Popcorn Into a Garland
Feeling crafty during the holiday season? Making a popcorn garland will keep you busy! All you need is your leftover popcorn, a needle, scissors, a strong piece of thread, and embellishments like cranberries or nuts.
This is one of the rare cases where stale popcorn is better than fresh, as it’s chewier and therefore harder to break.
Read more: How to Make a DIY Popcorn Garland for an Extra Festive Holiday
When Life Gives You Leftover Popcorn
From simple reheating to creative transformations, you now have 8 solid examples that solve what to do with leftover popcorn. Whether you're reviving stale kernels for tonight's snack, upgrading your salad game with popcorn croutons, or crafting holiday decorations with the kids, leftover popcorn has way more potential than the trash can.
These ideas work with any popcorn, but when you make fresh batches with your Popper, the flavor is so good that leftovers rarely stick around long.
Looking for other ways to enjoy popcorn? Explore our sweet popcorn recipes, spicy popcorn ideas, and more inspiration on the blog!
Leftover Popcorn FAQs
Can you eat leftover popcorn the next day?
Absolutely! It's safe to eat leftover popcorn the next day. Just store it in an airtight container away from sunlight to keep it from losing its crunch.
What is the best way to reheat popcorn?
The oven is the best way to revive stale popcorn. Preheat to 250°F, spread leftover popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 5 minutes (tossing halfway through).
What can I do with extra popcorn?
You can make popcorn balls, use it as salad croutons, or create a leftover popcorn snack mix with nuts, dried fruit, and candy. Leftover popcorn is more versatile than you think!
