This tangy and mildly spicy Lemon Popcorn with a Kick by Giada features melted butter, lemon zest, cayenne, freshly popped popcorn, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. This easy appetizer or movie-night snack takes 10 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste for more heat)
- 7 cups of popped popcorn (about ½ cup of kernels)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
How To Make Giada Lemon Popcorn with a Kick
- Melt the Butter: In a small sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring gently to ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Infuse with Flavor: Add the grated lemon zest and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted butter. Swirl the pan for about 30 seconds to let the citrusy and spicy aromas combine beautifully.
- Prepare the Popcorn Base: Place your freshly popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, making sure there’s plenty of space to toss the popcorn evenly.
- Coat the Popcorn: Drizzle the warm, infused butter over the popcorn while tossing gently with a large spoon or your hands to ensure every kernel gets a flavorful coating.
- Season to Perfection: Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the buttered popcorn, tasting as you go to get the balance just right.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your lemon popcorn with a kick to a serving bowl, and enjoy it warm with your favorite drink or movie night setup.
Recipe Tips
- Enhance the Zest Flavor: Use Meyer lemon zest for a slightly sweeter and aromatic twist, perfect if you prefer a more balanced citrus note.
- Customize the Heat: Swap cayenne pepper with chili powder or red pepper flakes for a different spice profile, or skip the heat for a kid-friendly version.
- Experiment with Popcorn Types: Try using white popcorn kernels for a fluffier texture, or opt for yellow kernels for a denser, more traditional crunch.
- Add a Herby Touch: Sprinkle in a pinch of dried parsley or dill after coating the popcorn to introduce a fresh, herbal dimension to the flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil for a completely vegan-friendly popcorn snack.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
What Can I Use Instead of Cayenne Pepper?
If cayenne isn’t your favorite, use smoked paprika, chili powder, or even ground black pepper for a milder kick with a unique flavor twist.
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn?
Yes, plain microwave popcorn works fine. Just avoid butter-flavored varieties, as they can compete with the lemon and cayenne flavors.
How Can I Make It Extra Crispy?
Lightly toast the popped popcorn in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before adding the butter mixture for an extra crunchy texture.
Can I Add Cheese to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese onto the butter-coated popcorn while it’s warm for a savory, cheesy variation.
How Should I Store Leftover Popcorn?
Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make the popcorn stale.
Check out More Recipes:
- Giada Roasted Mushroom and Kale Pizzette
- Giada De Laurentiis Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Giada Lemon Popcorn with a Kick
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes5
minutes110
kcalThis tangy and mildly spicy Lemon Popcorn with a Kick by Giada features melted butter, lemon zest, cayenne, freshly popped popcorn, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. This easy appetizer or movie-night snack takes 10 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
Grated zest of 1 lemon
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste for more heat)
7 cups of popped popcorn (about ½ cup of kernels)
½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Directions
- Melt the Butter: In a small sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring gently to ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Infuse with Flavor: Add the grated lemon zest and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted butter. Swirl the pan for about 30 seconds to let the citrusy and spicy aromas combine beautifully.
- Prepare the Popcorn Base: Place your freshly popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, making sure there’s plenty of space to toss the popcorn evenly.
- Coat the Popcorn: Drizzle the warm, infused butter over the popcorn while tossing gently with a large spoon or your hands to ensure every kernel gets a flavorful coating.
- Season to Perfection: Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the buttered popcorn, tasting as you go to get the balance just right.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your lemon popcorn with a kick to a serving bowl, and enjoy it warm with your favorite drink or movie night setup.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories110
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
6g
10%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Cholesterol 8mg 3%
- Sodium 310mg 13%
- Total Carbohydrate
14g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 2g 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Leave a Reply