How to Make Perfect Popcorn

Any true fan can tell you there’s an art to preparing popcorn. Light, fluffy, crunchy popcorn starts with Orville Redenbacher’s® Gourmet® Popping Corn and these pro tips.

  • Check the Best By date on your popcorn

    Outdated popcorn can taste stale and leave a lot of unpopped kernels.

  • Use sound as your timer

    Whether you're using a microwave, stovetop, or other cooking method, once the popping slows (2–3 seconds between pops), remove popcorn from heat.

  • Add your favorite toppings

    Make it salty, sweet, savory, or extra buttery—get creative with popcorn toppings and mix-ins.
microwave

HOW TO MAKE POPCORN IN THE MICROWAVE

It’s quick, it's easy, and it requires minimal cleanup—as long as you do it safely.

  1. Remove plastic overwrap; unfold popcorn bag.
  2. Place in the center of microwave with correct side up (as indicated on bag).
  3. Set power on high and select time according to package instructions.
    • Popping times vary, so be sure to follow package instructions and adjust time as needed.
  4. Watch and listen. (DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED WHILE POPPING)
    • Microwave ovens vary, so stay close and stop the microwave when popping slows (2-3 seconds between pops). Overcooking may cause scorching.
  5. Open bag carefully.
    • Handle with care—the bag is hot! Avoid contact with escaping steam.
    • Shake the bag to coat the popcorn evenly with flavor, then immediately open at the top to maximize crispness.
    • To open, pull on diagonal corners and avoid contact with the escaping steam.
pot

HOW TO MAKE POPCORN ON THE STOVE

For popcorn purists, nothing quite matches the flavor of stove-popped.

  1. Measure.
  2. Cover pan.
    • Crack the lid to let the steam escape and keep popcorn light and fluffy.
  3. Cook over medium heat.
    • If heat is too high, popcorn can be scorched.
  4. Lift and shake pan frequently.
    • Do this while popping so that the kernels cook evenly.
  5. Remove pan from heat.
    • When popping slows (2-3 seconds between pops).
  6. Salt and season as desired.
air popper

HOW TO MAKE POPCORN IN A POPCORN MAKER

Though oil-kettle or air poppers require more preparation and cleanup than the microwave, they’re the best way to pop all the kernels without burning them. Be sure to follow manufacturer's guidelines for crucial cooking instructions.

  1. For hot air popper prep, remove the cover and butter melter from the base.
  2. Measure 1/2 cup (verify amount via popper instructions) Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn and pour into popping chamber.
  3. Don’t overfill—this can lead to unpopped or unevenly cooked kernels.
  4. Replace cover and butter melter; add butter to butter melter if desired.
  5. Position a 4-quart, heat-proof bowl under the popping chute.
  6. Turn on popper; popping will be complete 2-3 minutes after popping begins.
  7. Salt and season as desired.

PLEASE POP RESPONSIBLY!

Popcorn is delicious, but it should always be prepared carefully by adults or older kids who can abide by all safety instructions on the packaging. Eating popcorn is never recommended for infants or toddlers as it can pose a choking threat.