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When the craving for a salty, crunchy snack strikes, popcorn always satisfies. Endlessly customizable, popcorn can be sweet and salty, spicy and salty, or even acidic and salty, depending on the seasonings you use. Whatever your tastes, there’s a flavored popcorn recipe for you!
This week, TikToker Leah (@leels_) introduced us to another slightly sour, super savory popcorn blend to try: lemon sea salt popcorn. So far, her tutorial on lemon popcorn has received over 20 million views and 3 million likes. Here’s how she makes lemon popcorn, plus our tips on add-ins to elevate the snack even further.
How to Make Lemon Popcorn
In Leah’s video below, she starts by explaining the inspiration behind her “new obsession snack”: “Yesterday, somebody gave me a lemony piece of popcorn, and I have not stopped thinking about it!” To begin, she says that you need “buttery popcorn, sea salt, lemon [juice], and lemon zest.” (As a side note, the lack of sweet ingredients here differentiates the recipe from Lemon Cloud Popcorn.)
The first step is to zest the lemon. Leah admits she doesn’t have a zester, so she uses what looks like a tiny pastry wheel. She then adds pink sea salt to the bowl of lemon zest.
To compose the snack, she dumps a hot bag of microwaved popcorn into a large bowl, then tosses it with the lemon zest-sea salt mixture. Finally, she squeezes the juice of half a lemon over the popcorn and gives it one last toss.
At the end of the video she explains, “It might have been easier to just use lemon salt, but this is so good,” then gleefully tosses another piece in her mouth.
To take lemon sea salt popcorn to the next level, try adding in a heavy grind of fresh black pepper. Alternatively, you can always use a lemon-pepper seasoning instead of lemon zest and juice as a shortcut.
Making homemade popcorn is cheaper and healthier than buying store-bought popcorn, but it can fall flat without any flavoring. Use one of our flavored popcorn recipes to jazz up your favorite movie night snack. Or for an even easier option, try these simple popcorn topping ideas:
Garlic powder or garlic salt
Dried parsley and grated Parmesan
Nutritional yeast, which is a healthy—but still flavorful—alternative to cheese
Nacho PopcornMy husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Chewy Caramel-Coated PopcornWhen I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Ranch PopcornWhat’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Striped Chocolate PopcornFor a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
Gingerbread Caramel CrunchIf you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Vegan Popcorn SeasoningThis vegan popcorn seasoning will have everyone wanting more! It is a perfect base for experimenting with your favorite flavorings. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rosemary-Parmesan PopcornFresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Peppermint PopcornCrisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio
Three-Herb PopcornTry this seasoned treat for a tasty twist on plain popcorn. Mixed nuts add crunch and flavor but are optional. The next time you have cream soup or chili, sprinkle a small handful over individual servings. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Maple Crunch PopcornFor a snack that's sure to bring smiles, try this medley of popcorn and pecans covered in a sweet and buttery coating.—Elmira Trombetti, Paducah, Kentucky
Parmesan Ranch PopcornWhether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Mint PopcornI wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Buffalo Ranch PopcornThis zippy buffalo chicken flavored blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school snack. Be sure to drizzle the sauce mixture over the popcorn gradually, otherwise you'll end up with soggy popcorn. —Jenny McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Marshmallow-Peanut PopcornMy brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Buttery Cajun PopcornCheesy and spicy, this finger-lickin' snack with just a hint of lime is downright addictive! —Beth Stengel, North Hollywood, California
Savory Popcorn SeasoningI love this popcorn seasoning recipe. Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat to a late-night treat. —Janice Campbell, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
Sugar N Spice PopcornOur family can't get enough of this light, cinnamon-sweet popcorn. The baked kernels are wonderfully crunchy and coated just right. Try mixing some to have on hand as an anytime nibble.
St. Patrick's Day PopcornEveryone's eyes will be smilin' when they see this green popcorn. The emerald color gives this snack instant St. Patrick's Day appeal. —Karen Weber, Salem, Missouri
Van Van Cleave (they/them) is a writer and artist working out of Oakland, CA. The youngest in a long line of DIYers and creatives, Van fancies themself an encyclopedia of practicable knowledge for better living. They are passionate about all things food, home, garden, and lifestyle. If you've ever dreamed of befriending the Fab Five, Van gets you, and may just be the next best thing.
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Updated: Jun. 06, 2023
