She Strengthens

Savory Popcorn Perfection: A Game-Changing Snack

When it comes to snacks, few things are as satisfying as a perfectly flavored batch of popcorn. But let’s face it: getting that flavor to stick can be a challenge. Melted butter, the usual go-to solution, often leaves popcorn soggy and unappetizing. So, what’s the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and crunch?

The Solution: Spicy Butter and Pecorino Romano

The answer lies in a combination of spicy butter and finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese. By drizzling popcorn with this potent mixture and then baking it in the oven, you can achieve a crispy, savory snack that’s sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To get started, you’ll need:

• 15 cups plain popped popcorn (from about 1/2 cup kernels), unpopped kernels removed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, grated on the spiky or smallest holes of a box grater (about 1 cup)

Popping the Perfect Kernels

Begin by heating 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, cover, and shake to evenly distribute. When the kernels start popping, gently shake the pot until the popping subsides, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Assembling the Flavorful Mix

Next, heat the oven to 250°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the popcorn in a large roasting pan. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, red pepper flakes, and salt over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the salt has dissolved and the butter has melted.

The Final Touches

Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn, making sure to scrape it all out of the pan with a rubber spatula. Using a flat spatula, toss the popcorn to coat it in the butter mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese and toss again. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes with the flat spatula and scraping up any cheese from the bottom of the pan, until the popcorn is crispy and well coated with the cheese, about 30 minutes total.

Savor the Flavor

Serve this savory snack at your next happy hour gathering, paired with an amezcal-apple cider cocktail for the ultimate flavor combination. With its perfect balance of spicy, salty, and tangy, this popcorn is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the perfect snack!