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Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn

Craving a flavorful snack? Try this Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn recipe for a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Yum!

A white serving bowl filled with popcorn.

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I love popcorn. It’s almost always the snack I reach for first. And for just about any time of day. Afternoons, evenings, while watching television, or while playing a game with the grandkids. More often than not, it’s just a good old bowl of popcorn with butter and salt. But every once in a while, I like to fancy it up a little bit like I did with this Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn.

I read somewhere that homemade popcorn is the new cupcakes. In other words, the up-and-coming hot new trend in the food world. I think that’s funny. I’d call it a good old staple that’s enjoying a revival.

I’ve seen all kinds of spiced, sweetened, caramelized, candied popcorn on the internet recently. Those all sound good, but this Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn is my favorite. It’s coated with garlic-infused butter and sprinkled with a blend of dried herbs, celery seed, and salt. Besides being a tasty snack, it’s also an interesting and slightly quirky item to offer guests with a cocktail.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe


  • The garlic and butter create a mouthwatering aroma that’ll have everyone craving this treat from the moment they walk through the door.
  • Each bite combines rich buttery goodness with a tasty blend of dried herbs and celery seed, elevating this popcorn to a whole new level.
  • Great for any occasion, from watching your favorite show to hosting a party or simply sneaking a late night snack.

🛒 Ingredient Notes


All ingredients required for the recipe.

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  • Butter – The traditional topping for popcorn. We’re just bumping it up a notch here.
  • Canola Oil – Used together with the butter for popping the corn. 
  • Garlic Cloves – They’ll infuse the butter with their delicious garlicky essence.
  • Popcorn Kernels – Make sure you have fresh, high-quality popcorn kernels for the best results.
  • Herbes de Provence or Dried HerbsHerbes de Provence add a delightful French twist, but you can also use dried Italian seasoning if you prefer. 
  • Celery Seed – Combined with the herbs, celery seed adds an interesting earthy flavor.
  • Salt – What’s popcorn without salt! It enhances and balances all the other flavors.

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🥄 How to Make Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn


  1. Start out with a large pan that has a tightly fitting lid. Over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic cloves. Allow the garlic to infuse into the butter for 3-4 minutes or longer, being careful not to let the garlic start to burn.
  2. Remove the garlic from the pan and discard it.
  3. Add the oil and increase to medium-high heat.
  4. Add the popcorn and cover the pan. As the popcorn pops, shake the pan occasionally to distribute the butter throughout the kernels and to prevent the corn from scorching.
  1. When most of the kernels have popped, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle over the herbs, celery seed, and salt.
  2. Put the lid back on and shake the pan vigorously to distribute the herbs throughout the popcorn.
A white serving bowl filled with popped corn.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Tips


  • If the garlic starts to get too brown, remove it immediately to prevent a bitter taste.
  • Make sure the lid is tightly closed while popping so the kernels don’t shoot all over the kitchen.
  • Shake the pan often to distribute the butter and stop the popcorn from burning.

🔀 Recipe Variations


  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Turn the recipe into garlic Parmesan popcorn by tossing in a couple of tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Toss in a few toasted nuts for added crunch. Pecans, peanuts, and pistachios are great mix-ins.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions 


I often serve this along with pre-dinner drinks, as a snack option on a casual buffet, at a football tailgate, or for family movie night. 

A white serving bowl filled with popcorn.

🍚 How I Store Leftovers


Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s great at room temperature or reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.

❓ Questions About Garlic Butter Popcorn


Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

While you could possibly use microwave popcorn as a shortcut, I do recommend using loose popcorn for the best results. However, if convenience is your priority, you can use plain microwave popcorn and then season it with melted butter, garlic powder, and herb mixture for a similar, though slightly different, effect.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to butter for this popcorn?

Sure! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. There are some excellent options available that mimic the taste and texture of real butter.

What herbs work best for seasoning this popcorn?

My choice is herbes de Provence or mixed, dried Italian seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste buds. Just remember to use dried herbs rather than fresh ones, as they adhere better to the popcorn.

Lana Stuart.

More Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

📖 Recipe

A white serving bowl filled with popcorn.

Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn

Try this Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn recipe for a delicious twist on a classic favorite snack.
5 from 3 votes
Print It Rate It Save Text It
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 217kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed and peeled
  • 1 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence or dried herbs of your choice
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seed
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  • Choose a large pan with a tight fitting lid. Over medium heat, melt the butter with the garlic cloves. Allow the garlic to cook slowly with the butter for 3-4 minutes until the butter is infused with the garlic.
  • Remove the garlic cloves and discard.
  • Add the oil and increase the heat to medium high.
  • Add the popcorn and cover the pan. As the popcorn pops, shake the pan occasionally to distribute the butter and to prevent the popcorn from burning.
  • When most of the kernels have popped, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with herbs, celery seed, and salt.
  • Replace the top and shake vigorously to distribute the herbs, celery seed, and salt throughout the popped corn.

Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • I highly recommend using loose kernels for the best results. However, if convenience is your priority, try using plain microwave popcorn and then season it with melted butter, garlic powder, and herb mixture for a similar, though slightly different, effect.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 217kcal | Carbohydrates 21g | Protein 3g | Fat 14g | Saturated Fat 5g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 846mg | Potassium 93mg | Fiber 4g | Sugar 1g | Vitamin A 287IU | Vitamin C 1mg | Calcium 33mg | Iron 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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Offer your guests a bowl of Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn. It's popcorn coated with garlic infused butter and tossed with herbs and celery seed. https://www.lanascooking.com/garlic-butter-and-herb-popcorn/

— This post was originally published on August 28, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

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10 Comments

  1. This looks really good – but i never eat popcorn, i am not sure why :) Maybe i have just heard that it is really bad to eat them from the microwave bags and i am too lazy to make them from scratch in an hot oil pot :)

  2. I could eat the whole bowl full… yum!

  3. Barbara | Creative Culinary says:

    The next new thing? Really? Says who? I mean why wasn’t it the next new thing when I added sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Now all of those ‘next new thingers’ will RUIN a favorite treat. Please…no kale popcorn!! :)

    1. I linked to your Sugar and Spice Popcorn recipe, too, Barb. It’s delicious! I was just as incredulous when pimiento cheese became a hot new thing. Who’d have thought it? I posted my recipe for it years ago but everyone is just now “discovering” it. Ha…I’ve been eating it for 57 years.

  4. Looks and sounds wonderful. Remind folks that if they are not completely attentive during this process, a perfectly good pan can be ruined forever. Voice of experience here.

    Miss P

    1. Oh, yes! Be sure to use a really heavy bottomed pan and keep it moving around!

  5. I agree: popcorn is my go-to food all the time when I need a nosh or want something to nibble on when I read or watch a movie. I usually toss it with finely grated parmesan (okay, I use the powdery parmesan that comes in sacks already grated) but I’m loving your garlicky recipe! I am also dumb-founded with the idea that it is “the new cupcake”??? First, the cupcake should not have been a fad but popcorn is indeed that old-fashioned simple homey treat of our childhood. No trend needed!

    1. Just amazing how food trends come and go, isn’t it? Who’d have ever thought that popcorn would be “trendy?”

  6. So crazy that popcorn is the new cupcakes! I’m totally in though. This one sounds pretty awesome and perfect for Friday night movie watching :)

    1. I know – isn’t that crazy? You never know what the next trend is going to be!