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Jalapeño popcorn is a bold, spicy twist on a classic snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties or whenever you’re craving something with a little kick. This recipe blends the heat of jalapeños with the savory richness of white cheddar and fresh herbs, making each bite pop with flavor. It’s quick to whip up in a Dutch oven and is easy to customize to suit your spice level. If you love snacking with serious flavor, this recipe is worth keeping on repeat.
A spicy, cheesy snack that combines fresh and pickled jalapeños with savory seasonings, jalapeño popcorn is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
Also try steak and shiitake bruschetta crostini, a Polar Express dessert board, or marinated olives with feta. And some Grinch Crumbl cookies too.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: Just a few steps in a Dutch oven and you’re ready to snack.
Bold flavor: A mix of tangy pickled jalapeños, fresh slices and white cheddar powder brings serious taste.
Great for sharing: This recipe makes plenty for movie night, game day or casual get-togethers.
Customizable heat: Add more or less jalapeño to match your spice preference.
Spicy Popcorn Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Butter: Helps pop the kernels and carries the flavor of the jalapeños.
Pickled jalapeños: Chilies infuse the butter and popcorn with tangy, spicy notes.
Popcorn kernels: The base of the recipe, these puff up into crisp bites.
Popcorn powder, white cheddar: Adds cheesy, savory flavor to coat the popped kernels.
Cilantro: Fresh and herbal, it cuts through the richness.
Fresh jalapeño slices: Add visual appeal and extra heat on top.
How to Make Popcorn with Jalapenos
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Infuse the butter: Sauté the pickled jalapeños in melted butter to infuse flavor.
Add kernels and seasonings: Stir in the popcorn kernels and salt and pepper, then cover the pot.
Pop the kernels: Shake occasionally until popping slows.
The finishing touches: Add white cheddar powder, cilantro and fresh jalapeño slices, and toss to coat.
Substitutions and Variations
Use ghee instead of butter: Ghee (a type of clarified butter) adds a rich, nutty flavor and handles higher temperatures.
Skip the cilantro: Try parsley or green onion for a milder note.
Go cheesier: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan along with the cheddar powder.
Make it smokier: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter with the jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
With a drink: Enjoy Italian cream soda or a strawberry sour candy cocktail with your popcorn.
With sweet treats: Pair it with divinity candy, KitKat bites and vanilla fudge.
How to Store Popcorn with Chilies and Cheddar
Store: We all know and love freshly prepared popcorn but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it ahead of time. As long as you store it in airtight containers it should stay fresh for a day or so. However, this advice is only for plain popcorn. Once you add seasonings, such as jalapeno slices, it will start to get soggy very quickly. So for this particular jalapeno flavored treat, I’d say make it just before serving, or at least don’t add the seasonings until serving, for the freshest result!
Freeze: This recipe can’t be frozen.
Top Tips
Don’t walk away: Stay near the Dutch oven so you can shake it regularly for even popping.
Taste before salting: The cheddar powder and pickled jalapeños may already be salty enough.
Add herbs last: Toss in the cilantro just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Homemade Jalapeno Popcorn FAQs
You’ll know your popcorn is done when the popping slows to about 2 to 3 seconds between pops. That’s your cue to take it off the heat to avoid burning. If you start to smell a toasty or slightly scorched scent, it’s already gone too far. Pay attention to the sound. Once the rapid popping turns into slow, occasional bursts, it’s time. You might also see a bit of steam escaping when you crack the lid, which is normal, but too much can signal it’s close to burning. Don’t wait for every single kernel to pop, or you’ll risk overcooking the rest.
Not recommended, as starting from kernels lets the jalapeño flavor infuse throughout.
It has a medium level of heat, but you can adjust by using fewer or more jalapeños.
Homemade Jalapeño Popcorn Recipe
Jalapeño Popcorn
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Heavy Pot
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Can pickled jalapenos, sliced
- ½ Cup popcorn kernels
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon popcorn powder, white cheddar flavor
- 3 Tablespoons cilantro, freshly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, fresh, sliced
Instructions
- Put your Dutch oven or large pot over a medium low heat.
- Once hot, add the butter.
- Next, add the pickled jalapeños to the melted butter. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Pour in the popcorn kernels and add salt and pepper. Stir and spread the kernels in an even layer and cover.
- Once the popcorn starts popping, lift the pot just slightly off the burner and shake back and forth to evenly distribute the heat.
- Cook until the popping slows, be sure to shake the pan every 30 seconds. All together this should only take 3 to 5 minutes.
- Toss popcorn with white cheddar powder, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, and serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
Taste before salting: The cheddar powder and pickled jalapeños may already be salty enough.
Add herbs last: Toss in the cilantro just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition
This jalapeño popcorn recipe delivers the perfect blend of heat, tang and cheesy crunch, making it a standout snack for any occasion. Whether you’re settling in for a movie or hosting friends, it offers bold flavor and an easy prep method that doesn’t skimp on freshness. So, grab all your ingredients, prepare this tasty snack and think about which movie you’re going to watch. I love travel movies and there are certainly a lot to choose from!
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This was a total hit with our guests! Excited to make this again. 🙂
My kids will love this! Making it tonight.