Cheesy Dairy-Free Popcorn

Tony and I recently developed a new food addiction, popcorn. Easy to prepare and munch on while working, popcorn quickly became a daily dairy-free ritual in our home. We usually keep it simple with air-popped popcorn, a drizzle of coconut oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. But once in a while, I get adventurous with the flavors, and make something like this cheesy dairy-free popcorn.

The Secret to Cheesy Dairy-Free Popcorn

This easy cheesy dairy-free popcorn recipe gets its flavor boost from nutritional yeast. This is an ingredient that no one should be afraid of and that dairy-free and vegan foodies should adore. Though it can be overpowering, when used in moderation (note that some vegan recipes use a lot of nutritional yeast – please do not do this – it is a seasoning, not a flour!), nutritional yeast provides a savory quality that does give food a cheesy vibe. It works particularly well in recipes like this one, since it can be sprinkled on.

Nutritional yeast can be found in the bulk foods at natural food stores and some major grocers, though I often buy it online. Since it doesn’t weigh much, a good size container goes a long ways.

Special Diet Notes: Cheesy Dairy-Free Popcorn

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, and top food allergy-friendly.

Popcorn Board

Cheesy Dairy-Free Popcorn

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I discovered this delicious popcorn recipe (and photo) from the Popcorn Board. Note that oil-popped popcorn only has 55 calories per cup! Skip the added margarine and season to taste with a little salt instead, and you've got yourself a downright healthy snack! 3 cups of popped popcorn is equivalent to one serving of grains. You can find more popcorn recipes at www.popcorn.org.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings (10 cups)

Calories:

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 tablespoons olive oil grapeseed oil, coconut oil, or garlic flavored oil
• ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
• 1 tablespoon melted dairy-free buttery spread optional
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon curry powder optional
• Fine sea salt optional

Method

 

1. Place the oil and just 3 popcorn kernels in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
2. Heat the kernels over medium-high heat until at least one of the kernels pops.
3. Add the remaining popcorn and cover.
4. Once the corn begins to pop, shake the pot constantly over the heat to keep things moving.
5. When the popping slows, remove the pot from the heat and dump the popcorn into a large serving bowl.
6. Pour the dairy-free buttery spread over the popcorn, if desired, and toss to coat.
7. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast and curry powder, if using, over the popcorn and toss to evenly distribute the seasonings.
8. Season with salt, to taste, if desired.
9. Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container.

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