5 Ways to Elevate Movie Night With Homemade Gourmet Popcorn

Staying in for the evening with your family? Why not spend some quality time watching movies together?

Just because you’re not going to the local movie theater doesn’t mean you can’t have some movie-watching fun — nor does it mean you can’t munch like you do at the movies! If you’re tired of the typical microwave popcorn, there’s another way to elevate your go-to cinematic snack without breaking the bank. Here are 5 seriously simple recipes to try:

BUTTERMILK RANCH POPCORN
Savory and tangy
After popping your corn over a stovetop, mix in 4 tablespoons butter (melted), 3 teaspoons buttermilk powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon dried dill.

SMOKEY BBQ
Sweet and smokey
After popping your corn over a stovetop, toss in a melted mixture of 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

ZESTY CHILI-LIME
Spicy and sour
After popping your corn in vegetable oil, mix in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest. Squeeze fresh lime over popcorn after tossing in mixture.

CINNAMON SUGAR
Sweet and salty
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. On the stovetop, melt butter and add in 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. After popping your corn, pour melted mixture and mix into popcorn well. Add to roasting pan and bake for ten minutes.

SALT AND VINEGAR
Salty and sour
After popping con on the stovetop, mix and toss in 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon vinegar powder and 1 tablespoon salt.