Save The first time I made hot honey butter popcorn, it was completely by accident during a particularly intense movie marathon with friends. Id run out of regular butter and decided to experiment with honey and hot sauce from the back of my pantry. The result was so unexpectedly delicious that my friends demanded I make it again immediately.
Now this popcorn has become our groups official movie night snack. Theres something magical about gathering around a bowl of steaming, sticky, spicy popcorn that makes even the worst movies watchable. My friends actually start texting me days in advance asking if the special popcorn will be making an appearance.
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels: Fresh kernels make all the difference in achieving that perfectly crisp texture. I buy in bulk and store them in airtight containers.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil lets the flavors shine without competing. Canola or sunflower work beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Control your salt intake by starting unsalted. The quality of butter really comes through in this simple recipe.
- Honey: The star that brings everything together. A lighter honey works best for even coating.
- Hot sauce: Sriracha adds garlicky depth while Franks brings classic vinegary heat. Choose your adventure.
- Chili flakes: These little red flakes add visual appeal and extra heat spots throughout the bowl.
- Fine sea salt: Crucial for balancing all that sweet. The fine texture distributes evenly so every piece is perfectly seasoned.
Instructions
- Pop the corn:
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Test with a couple kernels first when they pop, add the rest in an even layer.
- Listen and shake:
- Cover with lid slightly ajar to release steam. Shake occasionally until popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between bursts.
- Make the magic coating:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in honey, hot sauce and chili flakes until warm and combined.
- Coat it all:
- Pour the hot honey butter over popped corn in a large bowl. Toss vigorously with wooden spoons until every piece glistens.
- Season and serve:
- Sprinkle sea salt while tossing to ensure even distribution. Serve immediately while still warm and irresistibly sticky.
Save Last winter during a snowed-in weekend, my neighbor texted asking what smelled so amazing. Ten minutes later, there was a knock at my door and three apartments ended up sharing this popcorn in the hallway while watching the snow fall together. Sometimes the best dinner parties happen completely by accident.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever mood youre in. Sometimes I go heavy on the honey when my sweet tooth is calling, other times I double the hot sauce for a real kick.
Serving Ideas
This popcorn transforms any gathering into something special. Pack it in cute paper bags for party favors or serve in individual bowls for easy sharing during game night.
Storage And Timing
Best eaten immediately but lets be real, there are rarely leftovers. If you somehow have extra, store in an airtight container and refresh in a warm oven for a few minutes.
- Pop the corn just before coating for maximum crispness
- Keep the glaze warm while the popcorn pops
- Have your large bowl ready before you start
Save This popcorn has become my go-to for everything from solo Netflix binges to impromptu gatherings. Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy to the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy popcorn?
Use a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil, heat evenly, and shake frequently while popping to avoid burning.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, modify hot sauce and chili flakes amounts to suit your preferred heat intensity.
- → What alternatives can replace butter for dietary needs?
Vegan butter works well, and swapping honey for maple syrup creates a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to 2 days.
- → What drinks pair well with this snack?
Try crisp lagers or sparkling lemonade to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.