This Spicy Parmesan Party Popcorn is the cheapest and fastest party food I know. I made it up on the fly one day when I had a friend around for lunch and was pressed for time. It’s ridiculously good value and you can lay out bowls and bowls and bowls of it for your guests to snack on when they arrive.
Ingredients
Popcorn¼ cup vegetable oil (not required if air popping with a popcorn maker)
½ cup popping corn
FlavouringsOlive oil spray
1/2 to 2/3 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese (finely grated)
3/4 tsp fine salt (Not flakes because it won't stick. Table salt is fine)
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or chilli) (adjust to your taste)
1/2 tsp paprika (optional - this is for a bit of extra colour)
Method- Pop the popcorn in a popcorn maker or on the stove (see steps 2 and 3).
- Make popcorn on the stove: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few pieces of popcorn - if the corn slowly spins in the oil then the oil is hot enough.
- Add remaining popcorn and cover with a lid. Once the popcorn starts popping, shake the pot gently every now and then.
- Remove from heat when the popping stops (when you can count to 3 between pops) and transfer to a large bowl.
- Combine the salt, cayenne pepper and paprika in a small bowl and mix to combine (Spice Mix.
- Get a large serving bowl and place 1/3 of the popcorn in it. Spray generously with olive oil then sprinkle over 1/3 of the parmesan and 1/3 of the Spice Mix.
- Repeat twice more. Do not toss. The flavourings will naturally toss through as people start to dig in.
- Serve immediately.