DIY Microwave Popcorn
Make DIY Microwave Popcorn with the kids! It’s delicious and far healthier than the store microwave popcorn bags!
There have been reports on the harmful effects of microwave popcorn. The the most harmful effects come from the packaging and the chemicals in the “butter” and seasoning.
We still LOVE popcorn in this house and love the convenience that the microwave gives, including in making a quick, healthy, tasty snack.
DIY Microwave Popcorn
This is a super simple and smart way to make microwave popcorn.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Popcorn Kernels
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 Paper Lunch Bag
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place ingredients in bag.
- Fold top over and place on side in microwave.
- Cook times vary by microwave, mine took 2 minutes.
Courses snack
This DIY Microwave Popcorn is a simple recipe that the entire family can make and enjoy together. Note that I recommend a WHITE paper bag instead of the brown one I have in the picture, based on FDA regulations. You can purchase white paper bags that are perfect for this cooking activity and loads of crafts on Amazon.
Be sure to PIN the photo below to your snack board so you’ll later remember how to make it!
USDA says brown paper bags are not safe to use in the microwave: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/appliances-and-thermometers/microwave-ovens-and-food-safety/ct_index
Correct. I advise using white paper bag instead. Those are “ok” per FDA.
“Most paper plates, towels, napkins and bags. For optimal safety use white, unprinted materials.” – FDA
True, but the photographs show brown paper bags. This would make me think it makes little difference. Thanks for posting the cautious comment, Pam!
Quick and easy. Does it leave a mess in the microwave? Just thinking of the butter in the bag.
I would recommend putting it on a microwave safe dish that you can easily place in the dishwasher or hand clean after!
Love this! We Stows LOVE popcorn! Pinning it!
This is great! Pinned it because I love popcorn but haven’t made it in forever because the store bought bags skeeve me out! Thanks!
Mmmm, I’d never thought about making our own microwave popcorn; it looks delicious! And it’s so simple, love that.
We make a lot of stovetop popcorn, but love that this would cut down on the clean up!
This is awesome. I had no idea you could DIY.
Where do you find white paper bags?
They are often found in craft stores or even Target, Wal-Mart…
I found them on Amazon, too. Here’s a link (affiliate) – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ESU6J1M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ESU6J1M&linkCode=as2&tag=caroline06&linkId=5V2S7OQE75ZVZHCI
Just made this with my kids and they love it
Have you done it without the butter – just salted popcorn?
I have done it with less butter (margarine) but not without any. I also recently did it with parchment paper. I made a sack of sorts and put the margarine and kernels in there and it worked out great. Will share a post on that soon!
I’ve been doing this for a while! Love this! I’ve tried different spices and cheeses as well! Yummy! !
I am going to try this. I eat popcorn every day.
I use a brown paper bag (had no idea the brown is not recommended for microwave use),
add the popcorn only, Use the popcorn setting. When the popcorn is finished, add spray butter or butter flavored spray and a sprinkle of salt. Easy, quick, healthy, and clean.
I make this in the microwave, without butter and then melt/add it later – works great!
Great! I prefer to cook it with the butter because it coats the kernels the best.
Isn’t there microwave safe bowls with a lid that you just lay on top that could be used, therefore saving money and less waste?
Absolutely! The novelty of the bag is fun for both the kids and adults!
Just tried it and it was delicious! Nice to have healthy popcorn withOUT the chemicals! Could not find white bags so got brown and it was fine!
So happy you enjoyed it! We love it too!
Sometimes I make it with parchment paper – I fold it to be like a bag of sorts. Doesn’t work as easy as the bag though.
Does anyone make popcorn on the stove anymore? No need to buy bags, no paper bag waste.
i do the same thing without any bag. Pit 1/4 cup kernels in bottom of pyrex bowl. And pop on high 6 to 10 mins depending on mic. Put corn in a different bow and add butter and salt. Its more cost effective for me than buying bags
hot air poppers work great, no clean up, put some butter or cheese on it if you like.
DIY popcorn is certainly much better than the one you can buy ready-made.
But what about the harmful effects of microwave at all?
And white paper bag? That is bleached, why is it better than brown paper?
Margarine? A highly processed oil with emulsifier, colorants and other artificial ingredients.
When I was recovering from cancer, my doctor told me 3 things NEVER to eat: microwaved food, margarine and artificial sweeteners.
Good, old stovetop popping, it’s terribly simple, fun to watch and doesn’t make any mess.
Yes, I agree stovetop popping is the best – over the fire, even better. The white paper is better than the brown paper bag because the USDA lists “brown paper bags and newspapers” under their “not safe to use in the microwave” section.