Jalapeno Popcorn

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If you’re a fan of popcorn and you like jalapenos, then you have to try this jalapeno popcorn recipe! It makes for a special snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer with a little kick.

We were at my husband’s cousin’s wedding years ago when we first tasted jalapeno popcorn.

If I can remember correctly, they had three flavors of homemade popcorn in separate bushel baskets as the appetizer during cocktail hour, which was such a fun idea.

The jalapeno flavored popcorn stood out to us the most, and the bride and groom were kind enough to share how they had made it.

It’s such a simple recipe. The secret is in the pickled jalapenos because both the peppers and the brine add flavor to the popcorn and brown to the perfect texture. You can use hot or mild peppers.

I prefer yellow popcorn in the mix because I like the flavor and color it adds as well.

We always make our popcorn with our Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper (because it’s convenient and we eat a lot of popcorn at our house!). If you don’t have one, you can also make it in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan with a lid.

I’ve included directions for both and I have a printable recipe card at the end of the post for your convenience.

I hope you try out this popcorn and love it! You may also want to try your hand at some Old Fashioned Kettle Corn for a sweeter popcorn treat.

Equipment Needed

• A plate lined with a paper towel
• Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper or wide, heavy-bottomed pan with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large bowl
• Large spoon

How to Make Jalapeno Popcorn

Step 1 – Heat Oil and Brown Jalapenos

First, drain your pickled jalapeno slices on a paper towel-lined plate.

Heat your oil in your popper or pan on medium-high heat and add your jalapeños to the oil. You may need to close the lid to prevent splattering.

Allow them to fry in the oil for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown.

Step 2 – Add Popcorn Kernels and Pop

Now add your popcorn kernels right into the oil and jalapeno slices.

Close the lid. Turn the handle on your Whirley Pop to stir the kernels as they begin to heat through and pop.

If you’re using a pan, shake it back and forth on your burner occasionally to keep the kernels moving. Tilt your lid to let some steam escape.

Continue to stir/shake and heat until the popping sound almost stops. Stop turning the Whirley Pop handle if there’s too much resistance as the popcorn fills the popper.

Carefully empty your popcorn into a large bowl.

Step 3 – Season Jalapeno Popcorn with Salt and Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over your popcorn…

Then sprinkle with fine salt to taste. We keep popcorn salt on hand, but table salt works fine too.

Toss the popcorn with a large spoon to evenly distribute the butter and salt, and that’s it. Pretty darn easy, if you ask me, and so good.

Store it in an airtight container for up to two days.

If you make this recipe and love it, I would be so grateful if you would come back to leave a star rating and a comment. Your feedback is very appreciated!

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