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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.
