Why spend money on microwave popcorn at the grocery store when you can make it for pennies? All you need is popcorn kernels and a brown paper bag. This Paper Bag Popcorn recipe has totally changed my life! It’s a healthy, crunchy snack that everyone in the family loves.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- No Clean-Up: As much as I adore stovetop popcorn, some days I just can’t deal with another pot to scrub. With this hack, you get to enjoy delicious, fresh popcorn right out of the paper bag—zero dishes required.
- Affordable Snack: Growing up, my mother would always have a big bowl of popcorn waiting for my brother and I after school. Which is partly why it’s my favorite snack still to this day. Now, I do the same for my kids! It’s an easy, healthy snack for kids to munch on while they do their homework.
- Customizable: Shake in your favorite toppings and create your own flavor masterpiece. Our go-tos are nutritional yeast, butter with a sprinkle of salt, or a cozy honey and cinnamon combo. Looking for more popcorn recipes? Try Cheesy Popcorn, Caramel Popcorn or these Popcorn Balls.
The Ingredients
- Popcorn Kernels: Use your favorite popcorn kernels from the grocery store.
- Brown Paper Bag: Make sure to check that the brown paper bags you use are food-safe and microwave-safe.
- Add-Ins: Melted butter, salt, nutritional yeast, cinnamon or a touch of honey. There’s really no wrong way to customize your popcorn.
How to Make Popcorn in a Brown Paper Bag
Step 1: Place the popcorn kernels in the paper bag. Fold down just the top of the brown bag and place in the microwave. Cook for 2 to 2 ½ minutes.
Step 2: When the popping slows down remove from the microwave and pour into a bowl. Sprinkle with a little salt, a drizzle of butter or whatever you like on your popcorn.
Tips and Tricks
- Fold Securely: Fold the top of the bag down twice—no staples or tape! Metal in the microwave is a big no-no. Folding securely traps steam for better, more even popping.
- Listen for Pops: Microwave times vary, but a good rule is to heat on high for 1.5-2 minutes and keep an eye on it. The key is to listen carefully: when the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, it’s time to stop the microwave to avoid burnt popcorn.
- Measure the Right Amount of Kernels: Stick to about ¼ cup of popcorn kernels per standard lunch-size paper bag. Overfilling can cause burning or uneven popping. If you’re feeding a crowd, make multiple batches instead of cramming too much into one bag.
FAQs
Nope! Popcorn pops fine in a brown paper bag without oil. But if you love buttery goodness, drizzle melted butter afterward.
I wouldn’t. It’s best to use a fresh bag for each batch.
Yes! As long as you use a plain, uncoated paper bag that’s food-safe and microwave-safe you’re totally fine. Also, make sure there are no metal or plastic components of the bag.
More Healthy Snacks
If you’ve long wondered if you can microwave popcorn in a paper bag, now you know—it’s one of the easiest, mess-free ways to enjoy freshly popped popcorn. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite flavors! Try it out and let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
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Paper Bag Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic popcorn kernels
- 1 brown paper lunch bag
Instructions
- Place the popcorn kernels in the paper bag. Fold down just the top of the brown bag and place in the microwave.
- Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, keeping an eye on it the whole time.
- When the popping slows down (2-3 seconds between each pop), remove from the microwave and pour into a bowl.
- Sprinkle with a little salt, a drizzle of butter or whatever you like on your popcorn.
Video
Notes
- Fold Securely: Fold the top of the bag down twice—no staples or tape! Metal in the microwave is a big no-no. Folding securely traps steam for better, more even popping.
- Listen for Pops: Microwave times vary, but a good rule is to heat on high for 1.5-2 minutes and keep an eye on it. The key is to listen carefully: when the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, it’s time to stop the microwave to avoid burnt popcorn.
- Measure the Right Amount of Kernels: Stick to about ¼ cup of popcorn kernels per standard lunch-size paper bag. Overfilling can cause burning or uneven popping. If you’re feeding a crowd, make multiple batches instead of cramming too much into one bag.
Thanks for taking the time to help us be healthy! Bless you!
I enjoy Vermont Cabot powdered cheese on my popcorn. There is a website for Amish country popcorn that has every imaginable type of popcorn. I really like the smaller kernels. Think they are the best. They have a deal that you can fill a box of various types of popcorn. So thrilled to find out you can pop your own in the microwave in a bag or bowl.
Munchy, crunchy popcorn. Yum!
Score! So glad this is a help to you!
This recipe has changed my life, also!! My youngest daughter loves popcorn, but we don’t do microwave popcorn, so we always have to get out the Whirley Pop to make it on the stove. No more!!! Now she can have it whenever she wants! Great for after school snack!! Thank you!!!!
I haven’t tried that, but I bet it would work! Let me know if you try!
Can you make multiple bags at once?
Hmm not sure. It works great for me!
Why is the Paper Bag Popcorn page blanked out?
Molly, I’ve seen that warning about paper bags in microwave too! See this link, last paragraph. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/appliances-and-thermometers/cooking-safely-in-the-microwave/cooking-safely-in-the-microwave-oven
You could skip the bag and make popcorn in glass bowl, and cover with a small, microwave- safe glass plate? It’s exhausting keeping up with all the latest safety recommendations.
I use standard brown paper lunch bags that come 100 for $3. The brown paper should be totally food safe too!
Hi! I’ve used this idea tons of time, for exactly the reasons you mentioned, then came across some article somewhere that standard lunch bags (what I’ve used) are not food safe and/or the glue isn’t. I felt defeated. What kinds of paper sacks do you use? Thanks!