Nutritional yeast popcorn is not only the best popcorn ever, it's the healthiest!
My dad wasn't a cook. I don't have a single memory of him even working the grill. Mom and I joked that he could rebuild a toaster, but clueless on toasting his own bread. To this day, I can't remember a single thing he ever cooked.
Except popcorn.
He was a master at popcorn, and poured any interest he had in cooking into this simple snack. He started with Jiffy Pop. Do you remember this one from your childhood? It's still (shockingly) available.
Jiffy Pop Butter Popcorn, 4.5 oz (Pack of 3)
For those who don't, I have a link above. Jiffy Pop comes in a heavy foil pan suitable for stovetop cooking, filled with popcorn kernels, and covered with more heavy foil. As a child, it was fun to watch the foil balloon up as the popcorn popped on the stove.
But it often burned, and, sorry Jiffy Pop, it just wasn't very good.
So dad vigilantly researched popcorn makers in Consumer Reports, and a couple of times a year purchased a new one he was convinced would up his game. Unsurprisingly, he was the first in his circle of friends to have an air popper.
And he tested every popcorn kernel on the market, searching for the best kernel that would pop up into a fluffy morsel with just the right crunch. Orville Reddenbacher kernels were his personal favorite.
Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Original Yellow, 8 lb
Get the Right Equipment
So when my husband and I recently decided to cut back on sugar, I decided popcorn was a good solution to desserts and snacks. First, I purchased this nifty popcorn popper in an after Christmas sale. It's GREAT. And here's why:
- It's specially designed to circulate hot air in the container to help prevent burning and promote getting all those kernels to pop.
- It's healthy because it's air-popped.
- The silicone top is handy because it's not only a lid, but it has 2 other purposes. It's the measuring cup for the kernels, so you don't need to go scrounging for a measuring cup. And it's perforated. That means if you really must have butter on your popcorn, just put a knob of butter in it before scooting it into the microwave. The butter melts over the popcorn, just like in the movie theaters.
- It's all dishwasher safe.
In fact, we liked this popper so well, we bought two: one for our home outside San Francisco + one for our condo in the mountains.
And now the folks at Micro Popcorn have introduced another popcorn popper. Their first product has been hugely successful. This new one offers everything the first one did, but it's half the size.
Get the Right Popcorn
Next I researched all kinds of kernels. After trying several, I found that Bob's Red Mill kernels popped up to almost one and a half times the size of other kernels. Seriously. When popped, Bob's Red Mill kernels completely filled the container. The other kernels I tried, filled the container ⅔ - ¾ full.
If you can't find them, and I don't always either, just order them! They're worth it, IMHO.
Bob's Red Mill Whole Yellow Popcorn, 27 Oz (4 Pack)
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn
And lastly, I started to experiment with adding flavors. Enter, nutritional yeast, the real secret to making addictive popcorn. It gives popcorn a cheesy flavor similar to Doritos, but omg so much healthier. (Sorry Doritos!)
Nutritional yeast is loaded with healthy nutrients, and is considered one of those super foods we should all be eating. It has lots of uses. And for vegetarians, and especially vegans, it's a complete protein. I add it to soups, pasta dishes and vegetables. It's great sprinkled on zucchini and then sautéed. I also shower it over delicata squash slices and then bake them up. But my favorite way of using this fabulous ingredient is making nutritional yeast popcorn. It's completely addictive. So, consider yourself warned.
I find nutritional yeast in the bulk bins at my market, but you can also purchase it pre-packaged.
Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning Shaker Top, 4.5 ounce, 2 Pack
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn (Best Popcorn Ever!!)
Equipment
Instructions
- Air pop the corn kernels - I pop mine in the microwave oven with the pictured glass popcorn popper.
- Spill the popcorn into a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil enough to lightly coat. It's best to start with a couple tablespoons and add more as desired. Sprinkle with the seasoned salt to your own tastes - again it's best to start with a smaller amount as it's easy to add more if you want.
- Generously sprinkle with nutritional yeast - this is magic stuff that really makes this popcorn addictive.
- Toss with your hands to coat the popcorn and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
If you're looking for a great vegan recipe that includes nutritional yeast, check out these Sesame Crusted Sweet Potato Cakes. They're so healthy and delicious!
And this Cauliflower Scampi dish uses nutritional yeast as an alternative to Parmesan cheese.
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The Ninja Baker
Thank you for doing the inspired research, Susan. Interesting that a brand known for being healthy has the kernels to match your cheese-like nutritional yeast...Ps.For some reason popcorn is a popular snack in Japan right now =)
shelby
This is my FAVORITE way to eat popcorn! We did this all the time also. I even have Grumpy hooked on it - but for some strange reason he calls it "flux" lol
The Finer Cookie/Kim
Men can be so stubborn! Such a cute post. I had popcorn for dinner last night.
Nicole - Crazed Mom
Hey woman! I am dying to try this now! We have that same popcorn "maker". My son has it living next to the microwave, he makes popcorn so much! Definitely trying this!
Bestguidesforhealth
Thank you. I try make it.
TerriSue
Hi Susan, We discovered nutritional yeast 35 years ago when we became vegetarians. One of the first cookbooks I bought was THE FARM COOKBOOK. I can't even remember where we got the tip about putting nutritional yeast on popcorn but my husband has probably had it that way every Sunday night for the last 35 years with only a few missed weeks. An early present in our marriage for him from me was a shaker that could handle the size of the yeast and had a slide closure on it. It is sitting in our fridge right now. I never thought about using olive oil though. We cut out the butter long ago. Tonight I am going to bring out the EVOO and step up the flavor of a long standing Sunday dinner! It is so much better than Jiffy Pop. I never had that where it wasn't burn't and burn't popcorn has a horrible smell and taste. Entertainment wise, for a child anyways, was there ever anything better than Jiffy Pop?
Jennifer
Ooh! My family loves popcorn, and cheese popcorn...yes! I've heard a lot of good things about nutritional yeast, I'll have to try it!
Liz
I love popcorn and this sounds like a delicious way to get my fix. Thanks for the BRM recommendation, too!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Love nooch for it's cheesy qualities!! So perfect on popcorn!
Cindy Kerschner
Now I need to get these ingredients and start popping!
Carlee
How funny that he'd rather suffer the headaches than make the coffee! I can appreciate a good stubborn streak! We also love popcorn and I have been interested in trying nutritional yeast. I think I need to just go for it!
Stacy
I've been waiting for this one since I saw your title in the forum, Susan! I bought a bag of nutritional yeast that I have only used to make one thing, a lovely chickpea veggie soup from Kathy Heston's Easy Vegan Cookbook - which I highly recommend, by the way. I'll be putting it on popcorn now too. Thank you!
monica
Your dad sounds so much like my husband. We have movie night with the kids and he has the big carnival popper on wheels - it's wayyyy to much popcorn but the Grandchildren love it. I've never tried Bob's red Mill for some reason though I love their products.
Wendy Klik
I have never tried nutritional yeast. I am going to rectify that with this popcorn recipe. Thanks
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba)
How awesome! Lucky dad
Constance Smith
What a great idea!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks
I've never heard of adding nutritional yeast to popcorn, but after your wonderful post, I'm definitely going to try it!
Oui, Chef
I've heard of seasoning popcorn with nutritional yeast, but haven't gotten around to trying it yet. Now, with your rave review, I MUST!
best kitchen gadgets
You're dad's cool! At least, the whole family can count on him during movie night at home.
Jake
I'm totally agree with you : pop corn made with nutritional yeast is the best ever !
Jenni
Nutritional yeast on popcorn is the best! I pop mine in ghee/coconut oil and then go crazy with the nooch and some other toppings. Popcorn for dinner is my favorite!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Oh yes!!!! I love popcorn for dinner!!!