Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
Cheese Popcorn
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Want to know the easiest way to make cheesy popcorn? This is your recipe! Simply coat freshly popped popcorn with the cheese powder from a box of mac and cheese. Snacking made simple.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
2 reviews
ingredients
5 quarts freshly popped popcorn (still warm)
1 packet cheese sauce mix from a box of macaroni and cheese (dry mix)
directions
Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl. While stirring, sprinkle with the cheese powder until coated completely.
Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
If desired, you can toss the popcorn with melted butter first.
recipe tips
Try using a popcorn oil or spray to help the cheese powder stick better if you're omitting butter.
Experiment with different kinds of cheese powders available in the market for varied flavors.
Add mix-ins like nuts or pretzels for crunch and to create a trail mix-style snack.
Make a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the cheese powder.
Use flavored popcorn seasoning blends to create varieties of cheesy popcorn.
Serve immediately for the best flavor, as the cheese flavor diminishes over time.
Try using a shaker for the cheese powder to give you an even distribution.
Making popcorn over the stove or in an air popper generally produces fluffier kernels compared to microwave options.
Add some finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley after tossing for a fresh twist.
Keep the cheese popcorn away from moisture and humidity to prevent it from becoming stale or chewy.
common recipe questions
What type of popcorn should I use for cheesy popcorn?
Any type of popcorn works, but using freshly popped popcorn, ideally from kernels rather than microwave bags, yields the best texture and flavor.
What if I don't have cheese sauce mix?
You can create a similar flavor with purchased powdered cheese (try Amazon) or try mixing finely grated parmesan with garlic powder and nutritional yeast.
Is it necessary to use warm popcorn?
Warm popcorn helps the cheese powder stick better.
What if I want to use different flavors?
You can experiment with different flavors of cheese mixes or add spices like chili powder, ranch seasoning, or garlic powder.
How should I store leftover cheesy popcorn?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two days.
Can cheesy popcorn be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze cheesy popcorn, as the texture can become stale or rubbery once thawed.
Can I make it without butter?
Yes, the recipe can be made without butter if you prefer a lighter snack, but butter does help with flavor and coating.
How do you improve the cheesy flavor?
For a sharper cheese flavor, try using a blend of cheddar cheese powder and Parmesan cheese.
What if my popcorn isn't evenly coated?
Try tossing the popcorn in a large bowl using a gentle folding motion or consider using a large brown paper bag to shake the popcorn with the cheese powder for even coating.
nutrition data
128 calories, 3 grams fat, 23 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in fat.
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reviews & comments
November 24, 2009
I have been using a recipe similar to this for years. I buy mac and cheese on sale 5 for a 1$ I save all the powder for popcorn and use the noodles for chili. I do use a little melted margarine or butter to coat the popcorn first so maybe that's why mine sticks better but it's one of my favorite ways to make popcorn. I'm glad to see someone else has tried it. Don't go over board on the cheese (sprinkle lightly) and don't add extra salt to your popcorn. You can put the popcorn in a baggie and shake it well as you lightly coat it with the cheese. I have even done this with Parmesan pizza sprinkle cheese, YUM. If you don't want to add butter to yours make sure you add the powder cheese while your popcorn is steaming to make the cheese powder sticks. Use some common sense here.
May 17, 2007
Did it according to recipe, dry cheese did not coat popcorn,even though it was sprinkled on immediatly after popping.