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There are so many good kinds of popcorn in this world. This perfect popcorn recipe with nutritional yeast is our absolute favorite. It’s quick, easy, super-savory, and mind-bendingly delicious. Here’s how to make it.

popcorn with nutritional yeast in a blue bowl
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Why we love this recipe

Everybody needs a go-to popcorn recipe. That’s a truth universally acknowledged. We’ve tried many methods and variations over the years, from stovetop popping to microwave hacks, from sweet to savory, from good to better to best. Popcorn with nutritional yeast is the recipe we come back to time after time. Snack after snack. Movie after movie. It’s our perfect popcorn.

It won’t surprise you that my favorite popcorn is:

  • Packed with umami
  • Full of whole-grain, gluten-free, vegan-if-ya-want goodness
  • Only four ingredients, even when you count the salt
  • Less than ten minutes from ready at any moment

I haven’t yet figured out how to make it braces-friendly (and I’m not holding my breath for that one), but otherwise, like the title says, we think it’s perfect.

What you’ll need

Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.

ingredients in bowls
  • Start with good-quality popcorn kernels. There’s surprising variety in shape, size, and texture. You can click through on the link to learn more if you like.
  • Nutritional yeast has a super-savory, almost cheese-like flavor that adds depth and crave-ability to this recipe. It’s typically made from the single-celled organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat. This “deactivates” the yeast, meaning it can’t grow or leaven baked goods. Nutritional yeast is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It’s vegan and naturally gluten-free.
  • You can choose between a good butter and a good olive oil. It’s great both ways.
  • Fine sea salt works beautifully, but we sometimes substitute truffle salt when we’re feeling crazy.
popcorn with nutritional yeast in white bowls

How to make it

Here’s what you’ll do to make an irresistible bowl of nutritional yeast popcorn. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.

step by step
  1. Pop the popcorn kernels in an air popper or on the stovetop. (See below for stovetop instructions.)
  2. In a mortar or spice grinder, grind the nutritional yeast and salt together to make a fine powder.
  3. Pour the olive oil or melted butter over the popcorn.
  4. Sprinkle with the nutritional yeast mixture, toss with your hands to coat, and serve.

Expert tips and FAQs

How do you pop popcorn on the stove?

To pop the kernels on the stovetop, here’s what to do.

Set a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Pour in two tablespoons of safflower oil and add two or three kernels. Position the lid and wait for the kernels to pop.

Briefly remove pot from heat and add the rest of the kernels. Replace the lid and give the whole thing a really good shake, then set the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.

Place pot back on the heat and cook, shaking frequently, until popping slows dramatically. Remove from heat and place in a bowl.

Can I make nutritional yeast popcorn in advance?

Popcorn is at its best right away, but if necessary you can make it up to a couple of hours in advance at leave at room temperature.

Leftover popcorn, if such a thing exists, will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

More favorite quick & easy snacks

popcorn with nutritional yeast in white bowls

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popcorn with nutritional yeast in white bowls
4.54 from 92 votes

Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast

By Carolyn Gratzer Cope
Everyone needs a go-to popcorn method, right? We air pop in the same machine I've had since high school, then dress our popcorn in an umami-rich blend of fruity olive oil or butter, nutritional yeast and salt. Makes about 16 cups.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup (100 grams) popcorn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or truffle salt

Instructions 

  • Pop the popcorn kernels with an air popper into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with the olive oil or melted butter.
  • With a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the nutritional yeast and salt together until you have a fine powder. Sprinkle over popcorn and toss to coat.

Notes

  1. This is a great place to use a really flavorful, good quality butter (grass-fed, cultured, and salted is my preference) or olive oil.
  2. To pop the kernels on the stovetop, here’s what to do. Set a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Pour in two tablespoons of safflower oil and add two or three kernels. Position the lid and wait for the kernels to pop. Briefly remove pot from heat and add the rest of the kernels. Replace the lid and give the whole thing a really good shake, then set the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape. Place pot back on the heat and cook, shaking frequently, until popping slows dramatically. Remove from heat and place in a bowl.
  3. Leftover popcorn, if such a thing exists, will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal, Carbohydrates: 26.2g, Protein: 5.8g, Fat: 11.8g, Fiber: 5.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Snacks and Starters
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @umamigirl or tag #umamigirl!

Hungry for more?

Subscribe to Umami Girl’s email updates, and follow along on Instagram.

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Carolyn Gratzer Cope Bio Photo

About Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Hi there, I'm Carolyn Gratzer Cope, founder and publisher of Umami Girl. Join me in savoring life, one recipe at a time. I'm a professional recipe developer with training from the French Culinary Institute (now ICE) and a lifetime of studying, appreciating, and sharing food.

4.54 from 92 votes (92 ratings without comment)

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