Popcorn . . . crunchy, light, and downright cool the way it POPS—it’s a snack that just feels right with a movie, served at a party or, for some aficionados, as a daily staple food.

Here you’ll find seasonings and toppings that aren’t going to be spiked with a sugary coating or artificial “I-have-no-clue-what-that-is” kind of ingredients. This is popcorn for healthy families who like tasty treats—or at the very least it’s popcorn for moms that are trying to get the junk food out of snack time.

If you haven’t already turned away from the microwaveable popcorn bags, then give the good ol’ stovetop popcorn a try. Sure, you can get the bagged popcorn and add these seasonings, but why not try the pure popcorn method and avoid the iffy ingredients and microwave dependency!

Pop It on the Stove

Get in on the action with a big pot, adding 2 tablespoons of canola oil (or other highsmoking point oil) and a few kernels to the pot,on high- to medium-high. When those kernels pop, add in ½ cup of popcorn kernels and cover with a splatter screen or lightly with a lid. Keep that pot moving (so you don’t burn the kernels) by giving it a good shake, rattle and roll—but don’t get too silly with it.

The Pièce de Résistance

Popcorn can be a tasty treat, but there’s not too many people who like it plain. The real appeal is the butter and seasoning. The possibilities here are endless, so I’ll just give you three variations for now—but provide a link at the end of the article to The Canadian Schoolhouse Pinterest board with many, many, many more options.

One important tip for flavouring: drizzle or sprinkle on your topping when the popcorn is still warm.

Buttery & Sweet

Brown ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in ¼ cup of honey. Drizzle over popcorn, shaking or stirring around until all is coated.

Cheesy & Chili

Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Whisk ½ cup of nutritional yeast (the cheesy taste without the cheese AND packing a nutritional punch), 1 teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Drizzle the butter and sprinkle on the nutritional yeast, then stir until all is coated.

Rosemary & Seasoned

Add 1 tablespoon of rosemary and 1 minced garlic clove to a small saucepan, then add ¼ cup of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Turn on heat to low and slowly warm while gently stirring. Turn off heat just before it gets to the simmering point and let it sit while popping the popcorn. Drizzle the rosemary oil blend and sprinkle on parmesan cheese, stirring until all is coated.

Check out our Pinterest Popcorn Board!