Go Eat Green

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Homemade Stovetop Popcorn with Olive Oil (No Burnt Kernels)

    Published: Jul 4, 2022 · Modified: May 13, 2025 by Marinela Malcheva


    Jump to Recipe

    Homemade Stovetop Popcorn With Olive Oil is easy to make in a pot with just 3 ingredients and no special equipment.

    In just 10 minutes, you'll have perfectly popped, light, and crispy vegan popcorn—no burnt kernels, no microwave needed.

    Try my high-protein roasted chickpeas, garbanzo bean crackers, or these gluten-free crackers for more salty snack ideas.

    How to make stovetop popcorn that is perfect every time. A bowl full of fluffy and crunchy homemade popcorn.

    Homemade stovetop popcorn with olive oil is crispier, fresher, and more flavorful than anything at the movie theater.

    You only need a few simple ingredients—just a pot, some olive oil, and popcorn kernels—no fancy equipment required.

    After testing this recipe countless times, I’ve perfected the method for fluffy, evenly popped kernels with no burning.

    It’s a quick and satisfying snack, perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime a salty craving hits. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

    Jump to:
    • 💡Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Popcorn Recipe
    • 📋Ingredients
    • 🍿How To Make Stovetop Popcorn With Olive Oil
    • 🧊Storage
    • 📖Substitutions and Variations
    • 🍽Equipment
    • 💭Marinela's Tips
    • ❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    • 🥨More Vegan Savory Snacks
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    💡Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Popcorn Recipe

    • Only 3 pantry staples
    • No burnt kernels or soggy popcorn
    • Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
    • Cheaper and more wholesome than store-bought popcorn
    • Ready in 10 minutes or less

    📋Ingredients

    Budget-friendly, vegan ingredients for cooking homemade popcorn recipe: corn kernels, extra virgin olive oil, and fine sea salt.
    • Popcorn kernels: Use high-quality whole kernels for best results.
    • Olive oil: I recommend extra virgin or light olive oil for a rich, savory flavor.
    • Fine sea salt: Adjust to taste after popping.

    As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

    🍿How To Make Stovetop Popcorn With Olive Oil

    A large, stainless steel pot with olive oil and 3 corn kernels at the bottom prepared for making healthy homemade popcorn.

    Preheat the oil: Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 popcorn kernels. Cover with a lid.

    👩‍🍳 Why the 3 kernels? They help you test when the oil is hot enough to start popping.

    Three popped corn kernels in a pot

    Test the oil temperature: Wait until the 3 test kernels pop. Once they pop, remove the pot from the heat, remove the popped kernels, and add the rest of the popcorn kernels.

    Whole food corn kernels in a heated pot with olive oil for making a quick and easy salty vegan snack

    Evenly distribute the kernels: Cover the pot with the lid and gently shake it to spread the kernels evenly in one layer. Let them sit off the heat for 1 minute to bring them all to near-popping temperature.

    Large stainless steel pot covered with a lid on a stove top for making crispy popcorn at home

    Pop the kernels: Return the pot to the heat. Once the kernels start popping, gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner to ensure even popping. Keep the lid slightly open (or use a vented lid) to release steam for crispy popcorn.

    Warm homemade popcorn in a bowl for a delicious and cheap healthy snack

    Season and serve: When popping slows to every few seconds, turn off the heat and remove the pot. Transfer popcorn to a bowl and season with salt or your favorite toppings, while still warm. Enjoy right away!

    🧊Storage

    To keep your popcorn fresh:

    • Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
    • Let it cool completely before storing.
    • Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature.
    A big bowl full of homemade popcorn on the stove

    📖Substitutions and Variations

    • Oil substitutes: Coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or dairy-free melted butter.
    • Low-oil option: Use just enough to coat the bottom of the pot lightly for a lower-fat version.
    • Sweet popcorn: Skip salt and drizzle with maple syrup, cinnamon, or melted chocolate.
    • Savory version: In place of or alongside salt, try nutritional yeast, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, curry powder, chili powder, dried dill, garlic powder, or onion powder.

    🍽Equipment

    • Large, deep stainless steel or heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid.
    • Tongs or a heat-safe spoon to remove test kernels.
    • Large mixing bowl for serving.

    💭Marinela's Tips

    • Use a quality pot that distributes heat evenly. Avoid cheap pots, as they don’t heat evenly, which could lead to burnt spots on the bottom.
    • Don’t overheat the oil—use the 3-kernel test.
    • For large batches, cook popcorn in smaller batches to ensure even popping. Spread the kernels in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.
    • Leave the lid slightly open to release steam and keep popcorn crispy.
    • Shake the pot often during popping to avoid burnt spots.
    • Add salt or seasonings while the popcorn is still warm for maximum flavor.
    Crunchy homemade popcorn in a bowl with a hand for the best savory vegan snack made at home.

    ❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

    Is popcorn gluten-free?

    Yes, plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free.

    How can I make my popcorn extra crispy?

    For crispy popcorn, slightly open the lid while popping to let steam escape, and shake the pot regularly to ensure even popping.

    How do I prevent popcorn from burning on the stovetop?

    To prevent burning, use a sturdy pot, don’t overheat the oil, and shake the pot gently while the kernels pop. Keep the lid slightly open to release steam for crispy popcorn.

    🥨More Vegan Savory Snacks

    • Golden polenta fries
    • Garbanzo patties
    • Savory breakfast muffins
    • Best recipe for potato latkes without eggs or matzo meal. Easy, gluten-free , vegan pancakes.
      Best Recipe for Potato Latkes (Crispy No Eggs Vegan Pancakes)
    • Multi seed cracker in female hand with white background
      Multi-Seed Crackers (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • Mini chickpea flour frittatas, vegan-friendly savoury breakfast or snack decorated with sesame seeds and finely chopped red and green peppers on white plate.
      Mini Chickpea Flour Frittatas (Vegan & Gluten-Free Muffins)
    • A stack of crispy vegan zucchini fritters with chickpea flour and carrots
      Vegan Zucchini Fritters With Chickpea Flour (Gluten-Free)

    📖 Recipe

    Fluffly homemade stovetop popcorn with olive oil and salt.

    Homemade Stovetop Popcorn with Olive Oil (No Burnt Kernels)

    Marinela Malcheva
    Make Homemade Stovetop Popcorn with Olive Oil in just 10 minutes using 3 simple ingredients and no special equipment. This easy, vegan popcorn recipe gives you perfectly popped, light, and crispy popcorn—no microwave and no burnt kernels!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings 5 cups
    Calories 91 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large, heavy bottomed pot with a lid
    • 1 large mixing bowl (for serving)

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
    • fine sea salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the olive oil in a large pot on medium-high.
      2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Once the 3 kernels pop, remove the pot, remove them, and add the rest of the kernels.
    • Cover and shake the pot to spread kernels in a single layer. Let it sit for 1 minute.
      ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
    • Return to heat. Shake the pot gently as the kernels pop, keeping the lid slightly open to release steam.
    • When popping slows, remove from the heat. Transfer popcorn to a bowl and season while warm.
      fine sea salt

    Notes

    Storage Tips:
    • Enjoy within 2-3 days.
    • Let cool completely before storing.
    • Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature.
    Oil options:
    • Substitute olive oil with coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or dairy-free melted butter.
    Low-Oil Option:
    • Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pot lightly for a lower-fat version.
    Cooking Tips:
    • Use a quality pot that heats evenly—avoid cheap ones that cause burnt spots.
    • Don’t overheat the oil—use the 3-kernel test.
    • For large batches, cook in smaller batches and spread kernels in a single layer.
    • Leave the lid slightly open to let steam out and keep popcorn crispy.
    • Shake the pot often during popping to avoid burnt spots.
    • Add seasonings while the popcorn is still warm for the best flavor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.4mg
    Keyword homemade popcorn, how to make popcorn in stainless steel pot, popcorn with olive oil, stovetop popcorn
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you try this stovetop popcorn recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest updates


    More Snacks

    • Chocolate peanut butter date balls (no oats).
      Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Balls (No Oats)
    • Homemade rustic whole wheat bread.
      Homemade Rustic Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
    • Vegan mozzarella cheese for pizza.
      Vegan Mozzarella Cheese For Pizza
    • Homemade vegan pita bread.
      Homemade Vegan Pita Bread

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    A vegan food blogger, photographer, and recipe developer who is passionate about cooking simple, tasty, and budget-friendly recipes with wholesome God-given ingredients. Welcome to my vegan world! My goal is to share these delicious plant-based recipes with you so you can lead more healthy and happy lives!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Healthy overnight oats for weight loss with frozen fruit and sliced banana.
      Healthy Overnight Oats For Weight Loss (Vegan)

    • Easy vegan scrambled eggs with chickpea flour (no tofu)
      Easy Vegan Scrambled Eggs With Chickpea Flour (No Tofu)

    • Cucumber vinegar salad recipe with red onion and sesame seeds. Easy vegan side dish.
      Cucumber Vinegar Salad Recipe (Weight-Loss Side Dish)

    • Unleavened bread for Passover.
      Unleavened Bread for Passover (No Yeast, 3 Ingredients)

    • Peach raspberry smoothie without yogurt or banana for weight loss
      Raspberry Peach Smoothie Without Yogurt (No Banana)

    • Best recipe for potato latkes without eggs or matzo meal. Easy, gluten-free , vegan pancakes.
      Best Recipe for Potato Latkes (Crispy No Eggs Vegan Pancakes)

    Footer

    ↑ BACK TO TOP

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Meet Marinela

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Go Eat Green

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.