I’ve inherited many great traits from my father and several quirky ones, like an addiction to popcorn. Practically a nightly ritual in each of our homes, hundreds of miles apart, popcorn seems to be a food that we both can’t get enough of. A few years ago, I made him several jars of homemade popcorn spice blends, and one was very similar to this barbecue popcorn seasoning mix.
My barbecue popcorn seasoning mix didn’t contain cumin or cardamom, though I’m betting these spices do add a little something special. That said, if cardamom is above your budget, feel free to omit it. The resultant sprinkles should still be quite delicious.
For the best dairy-free popcorn, I highly recommend air-popped with some coconut oil drizzled on. Buttery spreads can be tasty, but if you opt to use one, I recommend using it 50/50 with coconut oil. The oil does a better job at coating the kernels, and since it doesn’t contain any water, it keeps the popped kernels fluffy rather than soggy.
If possible, do purchase organic popcorn kernels (many brands are sold online, but I also pick them up locally from Trader Joe’s). Though popcorn isn’t yet a GMO food (it is being tested though!), a lot of pesticides are used in making popcorn, and organic doesn’t typically cost much more than conventional. Overall, it’s a small investment for better quality.
I own the Air Crazy Popcorn Popper shown at right, by West Bend, which is a totally cheapy, but works great. Mine is this rather staunch one specifically, but they do have other designs of the Air Crazy in the same price range.
Jars of this barbecue popcorn seasoning mix with some colorful organic popcorn can make a wonderful, healthy treat for dad on father’s day. But this easy recipe is also provides a festive snack for the 4th of July, or great anytime munchies for summer!
Special Diet Notes: Barbecue Popcorn Seasoning Mix
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan / plant-based, vegetarian, and top food allergy-friendly.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- In small bowl, mix all ingredients together. Store mixture in an airtight container - a spice jar works great for easy sprinkling!
- Pour melted coconut oil or buttery spread over warm popped popcorn (organic if possible!). Sprinkle popcorn with 2 teaspoons of seasoning mix for each quart (4 cups) of popcorn.
More Seasoned Popcorn Recipes
Cheesy Popcorn (vegan, gluten-free & nut-free)
Glazed Lemon Poppy-corn (optionally vegan, gluten-free & nut-free)
Chili-Lime Popcorn (vegan, gluten-free & nut-free)
4 Comments
Oh my gosh, this is genius! I love BBQ anything, and adding it to popcorn sounds terrific.
I also inherited a popcorn addiction, but from my mom. Back in the 70s when everyone was on CBs (I know, dorky), my mom’s “handle” was Popcorn. LOL This version looks like something she and I would both love!
That’s so cute Dee Dee!
Pinned and making this asap! Air-popped popcorn is one of my all time favorites and bbq chips are a weakness of mine. This recipe is my FAVORITE!!