Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
This Salt and Vinegar Popcorn is the perfect snack for your next family movie night, or for those times when the snack monster hits hard! It’s ridiculously easy to make – so much so that the kiddos can join in on the fun. And let me tell ya, it’s finger-licking good! That classic salty kick paired with a tangy vinegar punch just can’t be beat.
Just between us, I’m a total snacker. You know those salt and vinegar chips? Absolute weakness of mine. That salty-tangy combo hits the spot every single time! But when I’m trying to keep things on the healthier side, this salt and vinegar popcorn recipe is my secret weapon. It’s got all the crunch and addictive flavor of my favorite chips, minus the guilt-trip of oil. And the dried dill? It’s optional, but in my book, it’s the secret ingredient that elevates the whole deal.
Salt & Vinegar Popcorn Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 5
Total Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Air popping, microwaving and tossing
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
Key Flavor: Salty and tangy with a hint of herbiness from the dill
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Guilt-Free Snacking: You can dive into a generous bowl of this popcorn without the side order of guilt! It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving something tangy and satisfying but wanna keep things light.
- Wallet-Friendly Goodness: Popcorn kernels are suuuuuper cheap, so this salt vinegar popcorn snack is a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.
- Surprise Flavor Punch: At first glance, this popcorn might trick you into thinking it’s just plain old popcorn. But don’t judge a book by its cover! One bite, and you’re hit with that awesome tangy and salty explosion.
- Speedy Snack Solution: Got 10 minutes? That’s all you need to whip up this popcorn! It’s a lifesaver for busy moms or anyone who’s juggling a million things.
Ingredients to make Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
- Unsalted Butter: Your foundation for that deliciously tangy topping. If you’re out, you can use margarine.
- White Balsamic Vinegar: It’s got that tang! It’s a bit milder and sweeter than regular balsamic, perfect for not overpowering the popcorn.
- Fine Sea Salt: To bring out all the flavors and add that essential salty bite.
- Dried Dill Weed: Optional but highly recommended. It adds a layer of freshness with its unique herby flavor.
- Freshly Popped Popcorn: I’m all about using an air popper because it’s convenient and cuts down on oil and extra butter. But hey, if you don’t have an air popper, you’ve got options like the microwave, stovetop, etc.
How to make Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
- Take a small microwave-safe bowl and combine the butter and white balsamic vinegar.
- Microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the butter is fully melted and incorporated with the vinegar.
- Using an air popper, pop enough popcorn kernels to yield 8 cups of popcorn. Once popped, gently shake the popcorn to let any unpopped kernels fall to the bottom, then transfer the fluffy popped corn to a large bowl, leaving the kernels behind.
- Gently pour the melted butter and vinegar mixture over the popcorn in a steady stream, aiming to distribute it as evenly as possible.
- Evenly sprinkle the salt over the popcorn. If using dried dill, also sprinkle it over the popcorn.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, stir the popcorn gently but thoroughly to coat each piece with the butter, vinegar, salt, and dill mixture.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Salt Swap: If you want a bit more texture and a stronger salt flavor, switch to flaky kosher salt. I really like the satisfying crunch!
- Malt Vinegar: It’s a bit stronger and darker than white balsamic vinegar, so it adds a unique twist to the tanginess.
- Salt and Vinegar Shake-up: Skip the liquid vinegar and sprinkle on some ready-made salt and vinegar seasoning. It’s a great shortcut that packs all the flavor!
- Different Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with the seasonings for your homemade salt and vinegar popcorn. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth, or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor twist without the dairy.
Tips for making the best homemade salt and vinegar popcorn
- Toss It Good: To get that perfect, even coating of the salt, vinegar, and dill on every piece of popcorn, don’t just stir – toss it like you mean it! If your bowl comes with a lid, even better. Seal it tight and give the popcorn a few good shakes.
- Pop It Yourself: For the best results, pop your own popcorn. This way, you have full control over the freshness, the amount of oil or butter (if any), and how much salt you start with. Plus, freshly popped popcorn will have the best texture and taste.
- Just Drizzle, Don’t Drench: To avoid soggy popcorn, be careful with how much butter and vinegar mixture you’re adding. A light, even drizzle is all you need. The goal is to coat the popcorn, not soak it.
- Let It Cool a Bit: If you can resist diving in right away, letting the popcorn sit for just a couple of minutes after tossing it with the flavoring can help. This allows the popcorn to really absorb the flavors.
How to store Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
The key to storing homemade salt and vinegar popcorn is keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature – a zip-top bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid works wonders. This will help maintain its crunch and prevent it from getting stale. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as the moisture can make it soggy.
How long will Salt and Vinegar Popcorn last?
When stored properly, your popcorn can stay fresh and tasty for up to two days.
What to serve with Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
- Ice Cream: Okay, hear me out. Topping your ice cream with salt vinegar popcorn sounds weird, but it’s SO good! The salty tang against the creamy sweetness? Chef’s kiss!
- The Ultimate Snack Platter: Next time you’re laying out snacks for a movie night or just because throw some of this popcorn into the mix. I paired it with baked cheese crisps, and my sweet marshmallow popcorn recipe last time, and my family was all over it.
- Trail Mix with a Pop: Ever thrown popcorn into your trail mix? I did, just for kicks, and it was a hit. Mix it up with some almonds, a handful of chocolate chips, and maybe some dried fruit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pre-popped popcorn from a bag?
Yeah, you can use pre-popped popcorn if you’re in a pinch or if it’s more convenient for you. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different depending on the brand and any extra seasonings.
Is there a way to make the popcorn less tangy?
Sure! You can easily adjust the tanginess by reducing the amount of vinegar in the butter mixture. Start with just a teaspoon, taste, and add more if you feel like it needs a bit more zing.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute the butter with a light spray of olive oil or a calorie-reduced butter substitute.
Now you know that when you’re craving something crunchy, salty, and just a bit tangy for your family movie nights or those unstoppable snack cravings, this Salt and Vinegar Popcorn will always be a good choice! It’s super simple to whip up with only 4 ingredients and is a delightful twist on your classic popcorn. You’re gonna love it!
More Easy recipes:
- Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies
- Avalanche Cookies
- Angel Food Cupcakes
- Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Salt and Vinegar Popcorn recipe or any other of my easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups freshly popped popcorn
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed optional
Instructions
- Using an air popper, pop enough popcorn kernels to yield 8 cups of popcorn. Once popped, gently shake the popcorn to let any unpopped kernels fall to the bottom, then transfer the fluffy popped corn to a large bowl, leaving the kernels behind.
- Take a small microwave-safe bowl and combine the butter and white balsamic vinegar. Microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the butter is fully melted and incorporated with the vinegar.
- Gently pour the melted butter and vinegar mixture over the popcorn in a steady stream, aiming to distribute it as evenly as possible.
- Evenly sprinkle the salt over the popcorn. If using dried dill, also sprinkle it over the popcorn. Then, using a large spoon or spatula, stir the popcorn gently but thoroughly to coat each piece with the butter, vinegar, salt, and dill mixture.
Notes
- Toss It Good: To get that perfect, even coating of the salt, vinegar, and dill on every piece of popcorn, don’t just stir – toss it like you mean it! If your bowl comes with a lid, even better. Seal it tight and give the popcorn a few good shakes.
- Pop It Yourself: For the best results, pop your own popcorn. This way, you have full control over the freshness, the amount of oil or butter (if any), and how much salt you start with. Plus, freshly popped popcorn will have the best texture and taste.
- Just Drizzle, Don’t Drench: To avoid soggy popcorn, be careful with how much butter and vinegar mixture you’re adding. A light, even drizzle is all you need. The goal is to coat the popcorn, not soak it.
- Let It Cool a Bit: If you can resist diving in right away, letting the popcorn sit for just a couple of minutes after tossing it with the flavoring can help. This allows the popcorn to really absorb the flavors.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
My favorite chip flavoring has absolutely transformed popcorn! Woah! This is brilliant and we loved snacking on it.