Take your popcorn to the next level with this Spicy Popcorn Recipe. It is spicy, sweet, savory, and perfect for casual entertaining. Liven up your next movie night or football party with just about 10 minutes of effort with this palette-pleasing crunchy snack.
What to Expect
In this post, you'll discover the fiery world of Spicy Popcorn, a snack that combines the familiar crunch of popcorn with a tantalizing twist of spice. I
'll guide you through each step of making this addictive treat at home, complete with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your spicy popcorn turns out just right.
If you can take the heat, you are going to love this fun way to make popcorn!
Ingredients
- Butter - It's there to be used as a base for the sauce. If you're keeping things plant-based, no worries! A good quality vegan butter will work just as well.
- Maple Syrup - Now, this is where the magic happens. The sweet, earthy notes of maple syrup are the perfect counterpoint to our spicy elements, creating a flavor balance that's just right. If maple syrup isn't in your pantry, honey or agave nectar are great substitutes.
- Cayenne Pepper Sauce - Here's the fire of our Spicy Popcorn! I used Frank's Cayenne Pepper Sauce, but feel free to use whatever hot sauce your family loves. Remember, you're in control of the heat level here.
- Smoked Paprika - This spice adds a hint of smokiness that makes this popcorn recipe stand out from the crowd. If you're fresh out of smoked paprika, regular paprika, or even a pinch of chili powder can step in.
- Popcorn Kernels - The main event! Any brand of popcorn kernels will do the trick.
- Coconut Oil - We're using this to pop our kernels into popcorn. If coconut oil isn't your cup of tea, any mild cooking oil will work.
- Salt - Salt: The humble flavor enhancer. Sprinkle according to your taste. Sea salt, kosher salt, or even pink Himalayan salt would all do a splendid job.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Start by heating the butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan until the butter melts.
- Next, stir in the hot sauce and smoked paprika into the saucepan, whisking them together to combine.
- Once combined, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Heat the oil in your popcorn maker or a heavy-bottomed pan, then add the popcorn kernels. Keep things moving by shaking occasionally, until you hear the popping stop.
- After all the popping is done, transfer your freshly popped popcorn to a large bowl.
- Toss the popcorn with the hot sauce mixture, ensuring each kernel is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the popcorn with salt to bring out all the flavors, and enjoy. Add as much or as little salt as you prefer.
Variations for Sweet & Spicy Popcorn
- Make BBQ popcorn by substituting Bar-B-Q Sauce for the hot sauce.
- Add in 1 cup of broken pretzel sticks before tossing with the spicy butter.
- Substitute honey for the maple syrup.
- Make it vegan and dairy-free by using vegan butter.
Tools for Making this Spicy Popcorn Recipe
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- Popcorn Maker or Heavy Bottomed Pan with a Lid
- Small Skillet or Saucepan
- Large Bowl
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Popcorn
- Start with Quality Popcorn: Always choose high-quality popcorn kernels for the best results. Brands like Orville Redenbacher's, Arrowhead Mills, 365Organic, or Jolly Time have consistently good quality.
- Choose Your Spice: Experiment with different spices to find your perfect heat level. Cayenne pepper for intense heat, paprika for a milder kick, or even a dash of exotic chipotle powder for a smoky twist.
- Personal Anecdote: I once accidentally added too much cayenne and ended up with a popcorn that could rival the spiciest dishes I've ever tasted! So remember, it's always easier to add more spice later than to try to tone it down.
- Storing Your Popcorn: Store any leftover spicy popcorn in an airtight container. It should stay fresh and crispy for about three days.
- Mastering the Popcorn Toss: When it's time to mix the popcorn with the sauce, you may want to toss them with forks or spoons.
10-Minute Spicy Popcorn
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce more or less to taste (Such as Franks)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil more or less according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Stir in RedHot sauce and smoked paprika and whisk to combine. Remove from heat.
- Heat the oil in a popcorn maker or heavy bottomed pan. Add the popcorn kernels and cook, shaking occasionally, until the popping stops.
- Transfer popcorn to a large bowl and toss with the hot sauce mixture. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy.
Notes
Variations for Sweet & Spicy Popcorn
- Make BBQ popcorn by substituting Bar-B-Q Sauce for the hot sauce.
- Add in 1 cup of broken pretzel sticks before tossing with the spicy butter.
- Substitute honey for the maple syrup.
- Make it vegan and dairy-free by using vegan butter.
Shahla
Totally saving this to try! We love popcorn and this sounds delicious!
Jennifer L
Oh yummy! I love spicy snacks/foods so this is up my alley. Have a ton of kernels I've been wanting to make pop so im giving this a taste.
Kelli A
I am a huge fan of Frank's Red Hot, It is the only "Hot Sauce" I will use. I have never thought of using it on popcorn though! Can;t wait to try this out!
Sara Welch
That is such a great recipe. I love spicy popcorn and now I can make my own!
Kita Bryant
I cannot wait to try this! This looks like my kind of snack.
Jessica Hughes
Ok, I would never have though to use Frank's Red Hot sauce in popcorn but it sure does look delicious! Definitely perfect for a cozy fall weekend game.
Blair villanueva
Omg this is exciting! I could imagine the sounds while enjoying this spicy popcorn. Now am thinking which movie should we pair for this.