How to Pop Popcorn on the Grill

How to Pop Popcorn on the Grill

Now that the warm weather is here, it’s time to start using the grill! We already know that the grill can cook up a delicious steak or hamburger, but did you know that you could also use it to pop popcorn? In fact, all popcorn kernels really need is an adequate source of heat for them to pop into a delicious snack! There are two methods here. Try both to see which one you like the best!

Popping the Popcorn

Ingredients

Popcorn
Vegetable oil
Salt

Instructions

Popcorn on the Grill – Method 1

Sprinkle popcorn kernels on the bottom of a disposable aluminum baking pan. You can choose any sized pan you want! By adding kernels in a single layer to the bottom of the pan, you’ll always pop a perfect amount.

Add enough vegetable oil to coat the kernels. Sprinkle with salt, to taste. Cover the pan loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Set the grill on medium heat, close the lid, and wait until the popcorn starts to pop.

Using a pair of grill tongs, shake the pan gently from side to side as it pops. Turn off the heat after the kernels have been popping for about a minute. Let it rest on the heat until the popping slows down. Transfer immediately to a serving bowl so that bottom kernels don’t burn. Season as desired.

Popcorn on the Grill – Method 2

Add popcorn kernels to the bottom of a deep pan or skillet that’s still small enough to allow the grill to close. Add oil to the pan until each kernel has some oil on it. Cover the pan loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil or the lid that goes with the pan. Close the lid to the grill, set the grill to medium heat, and let stand until kernels begin to pop. After they begin popping, lift the lid. Grasp the handle of the pan with a pair of grill tongs. Shake the pan back and forth until the last kernel has popped. Transfer popcorn immediately to a serving bowl so the kernels don’t burn. Season as desired.

Seasoning the Popcorn on the Grill

Popping the popcorn on the grill gives your snack a distinct smoky flavor that is interesting enough to enjoy on its own. However, it can be fun to try various seasonings! These combinations help enhance the natural smokiness infused in the kernels from the grill.

Maple Bacon Popcorn
Drizzle popped popcorn with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup and 3 tablespoons crumbled bacon.

Cheesy Popcorn
Sprinkle with powdered cheese, which is made specifically as a topper for popcorn. You can also add crumbled bacon if desired.

Italian-Style Popcorn
Mix 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and four tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the popcorn, and enjoy!

Sweet & Spicy
In a small dish, mix two tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and one teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper seasoning. Sprinkle over popcorn and enjoy! If you don’t like it as spicy, scale back on the cayenne pepper. You can also use chipotle seasoning to bring out the smoked flavor from the grill even more!

The next time you want popcorn, try popping it on your grill or order gourmet popcorn online!

 

© Photo by SageElyse from iStock by Getty Images