Name: Parmesan-Pepper Popcorn
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup popcorn kernels; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted; 1 ounce Parmesan cheese , grated (1/2 cup); 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Why This Recipe Works

UPDATE: This recipe has been slightly reformulated to be more foolproof since its initial publication. The revision you see here was published in June of 2021. To make stovetop popcorn that’s just as easy as the microwave kind, we start by heating three “test” kernels with vegetable oil in a saucepan until the kernels pop—that means the oil’s hot enough. We add the rest of the kernels off the burner, letting them heat up for 30 seconds to ensure even cooking. After that, it takes just a few minutes over medium-high heat with the lid slightly ajar for all the corn to pop. A few choice seasonings and you’re ready for movie night.

Before You Begin

You don’t need to shake the pan as the corn pops.

Instructions

Heat oil and 3 kernels in large saucepan over medium-high heat until kernels pop. Remove pan from heat, add remaining kernels, cover, and let sit for 30 seconds.

Return pan to medium-high heat. Continue to cook with lid slightly ajar until popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Transfer popcorn to large bowl. Add melted butter and toss to coat popcorn. Combine Parmesan, pepper, and salt; add to popcorn; and toss to combine. Serve.