Stovetop Old Bay Popcorn

I’m kind of embarrassed to share this recipe. I mean, I’m telling you how to make popcorn and then toss it with melted butter and a (pre-blended) spice mix. Not exactly rocket science, I know. But gosh, this stuff is good. 

It is my new favorite snack. I’m not even that much of a popcorn fanatic, but give me all the Old Bay stove top popcorn.

It combines everything that is great about summer: corn, Old Bay, and snacks. 

Popcorn Kernels

Learning how to make stovetop popcorn was definitely an ‘ah-ha’ moment for me. Similar to that feeling that you get when you make homemade sourdough for the first time.

The “why haven’t I always been doing this?” moment.

If you’ve never popped popcorn on the stovetop, try it! It is incredibly easy, and after you do it you’ll never want to make popcorn in the microwave ever again.

Old Bay Popcorn

You can make as little or as much popcorn as you want anytime and it is very affordable. It would probably take me a year (maybe two) to go through an entire bag of popcorn kernels. They go a long way. 

The trick to popping popcorn kernels on the stove is to heat a little bit of oil (safflower, or practically any oil will work, even melted ghee) in a large pot on the stove.

Test a few kernels to check the temperature, add the kernels, reduce the heat, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and shake it back and forth. Word to the wise? Don’t peek or open the lid! 

Old Bay Seasoning

Once the popping slows down dramatically (similar to the microwave method), remove the pot from the heat and immediately throw the popcorn into a large bowl. Drizzle with melted (unsalted) butter, top with a generous amount of Old Bay, and toss to coat.

Since Old Bay seasoning contains salt already, the final result ends up being perfectly seasoned. It has just enough of a kick to have you coming back for more!

Stovetop Old Bay Popcorn

Old Bay Popcorn

Old Bay Popcorn

4.8 stars (12 ratings)
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Yield: 4 - 6 Servings
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Homemade Old Bay popcorn! This easy stovetop popcorn recipe is prepared from corn kernels on the stove, then tossed with melted butter and signature Old Bay seasoning for a delicious kick.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) safflower oil
  • ½ cup yellow corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Instructions 

  • Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, cover, and melt in the microwave. Set aside at room temperature.
  • Heat the oil in a large saucepot (5 quarts in size) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add 3 to 4 kernels of corn, cover the pot, and wait until they have popped. Immediately add the remaining popcorn kernels, and cover the pot tightly with a lid again.
  • Once the popping begins, immediately reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Holding the lid closed with one hand, and holding the handle of the pot with the other, shake the pan back and forth as the popcorn begins to pop. Continue to do this until the popping slows down significantly and remove the popcorn from the heat.
  • Dump the popcorn in a large bowl, drizzle with the melted butter and toss together until well distributed. Add the Old Bay seasoning, and continue to toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Serve immediately.

Storage: 

  • Popcorn can be stored in an air-tight container or large Ziploc bag for up to three days.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 154mg, Sugar: 1g
Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: American