Transform movie night by making this Copycat Movie Theater Popcorn at home. It’s delicious, easy, and so budget-friendly! This recipe serves 4 and costs $1.22 to make. That’s just 31¢ per serving!
Add butter to a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup with a spout.
Melt butter on HIGH in the microwave until melted, about 25-45 seconds.
Use a spoon to scrape the top layer of film from the butter. Set aside.
POP POPCORN:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot over high heat, add the coconut oil. Once the coconut oil is melted, put on oven mitts and add popcorn kernels. Swirl the pot until the kernels are coated in oil.
Shake the pot frequently over the burner so the kernels don’t burn. Once a couple of kernels pop, put on the lid but leave it ajar.
Continue to shake the pot frequently over the burner until the popping slows down to 3 seconds between pops.
Remove the pot from the burner and let it sit with the lid ajar for 1 minute (this will give any remaining kernels time to pop).
FINISH POPCORN:
Remove the lid and pour the clarified butter into the popcorn in a steady stream. Once the clarified butter has been poured out and just milk solids remain, STOP. Transfer the milk solids to a container and keep it in the refrigerator for another use.
Toss the popcorn until evenly coated in butter and season to taste with salt. Serve.
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Notes
This recipe will make about 14 cups of popcorn.
I've tried doubling the recipe, but I always end up with burnt popcorn because the kernels don't cover the bottom of the pan in an even layer. If you want more popcorn, cook it in batches.
You need to use coconut oil to get that authentic movie theater taste. No substitutions, please.