Patrick Oconnell
Powdered cheese is a popular seasoning for popcorn, often enjoyed at movie theatres. You can make your own cheese powder at home using a microwave or oven, and staple ingredients such as bread crumbs, processed cheese, and spices. To make cheesy popcorn, start by popping a batch of plain popcorn, then melting butter to help the cheese stick. Finally, coat the popcorn with butter, followed by the cheese powder. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the cheesy flavour.
How to use powdered cheese on popcorn
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popcorn | Plain, air-popped, or stove-top |
| Butter | Melted, to help the cheese stick |
| Cheese Powder | Cheddar, white cheddar, or homemade |
| Amount of Cheese Powder | 1/4 cup or 6-7 tablespoons |
| Other Ingredients | Salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder |
| Mixing Method | Toss in a bowl, shake in a bag or large paper bag, or use two spoons |
| Storage | Airtight container in a cool, dry place |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Popcorn preparation methods
Popcorn is a great snack, and adding cheese powder can take it to the next level. Here are some methods to prepare delicious cheese-powdered popcorn:
Stovetop Method:
This classic method fills your kitchen with the aroma of freshly popped corn. Start by adding oil and a few kernels to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover and heat until the kernels pop, indicating the oil is hot enough. Then, add the remaining kernels, cover, and shake the pot occasionally until popping slows. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Melt butter and sprinkle cheddar cheese powder over the popcorn, tossing to coat evenly. You can also add a pinch of fine sea salt to balance the cheesy flavour.
Air Popper Method:
Using an air popper is a convenient way to make popcorn. Simply follow the instructions for your popper to get fluffy popcorn. Before adding the cheese powder, shake the popcorn with butter or spritz it with oil so the powder sticks better. Transfer the popped corn to a large bowl and sprinkle with cheddar powder, tossing to coat evenly. You can also add some spices like dried mustard powder and cayenne pepper for a kick.
Homemade Cheese Powder:
For an even more customised flavour, you can make your own cheese powder. Grate processed cheese and sprinkle it on a plate with breadcrumbs. Microwave until crispy, then break it into pieces and blend into a fine powder. Add spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and garlic powder to taste. Store your homemade cheese powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When ready to use, melt butter and toss with the popcorn, then sprinkle on your homemade cheese powder and toss again to coat evenly.
Mac and Cheese Powder:
A clever shortcut for cheese powder is to use the packets of cheddar cheese powder that come with boxed macaroni and cheese. Simply pop your corn, melt butter, and toss with the powder until evenly coated. You can also experiment with different flavours of mac and cheese to find your favourite.
No matter which method you choose, preparing cheese-powdered popcorn is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic snack. So get creative, experiment with flavours, and enjoy your delicious, cheesy treat!
Burrata: The Creamy Italian Cheese Star
You may want to see also
Cheese powder sources
Cheese powder can be purchased online or in stores. Amazon offers Hoosier Hills Farms cheddar powder, which is specifically designed for cheese popcorn. It costs around $10 for a large jar.
Alternatively, you can make your own cheese powder at home. This can be done by dehydrating cheese in a microwave or oven and then grinding it into a powder using a spice grinder or food processor. However, some people have found that this method can result in a clumpy, oily mess. To avoid this, you can use tapioca maltodextrin to dehydrate the fats before grinding.
Another option for making cheese powder at home is to use processed cheese and breadcrumbs. This method involves sprinkling grated processed cheese and breadcrumbs on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving until crispy. You can also bake this mixture at 170 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes if you don't have a microwave. Once cooled, the mixture is blended into a fine powder with additional breadcrumbs, turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, and salt to taste. You can also add garlic powder if desired. This powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for up to 1 month.
Finally, you can also use the cheese powder that comes in boxes of macaroni and cheese. Simply purchase a box of macaroni and cheese, and use the cheese powder to coat your popcorn.
Pimento Cheese Spread: Delicious Ways to Use It
You may want to see also
Butter and oil usage
Butter and oil are essential components of the cheese powder popcorn-making process. They serve as binding agents, helping the cheese powder adhere to the popcorn kernels. Here is a detailed guide on how to incorporate butter and oil into your cheesy popcorn preparation:
Choosing the Right Butter
Start by selecting a suitable type of butter. While unsalted butter is the most commonly used variety, you can also experiment with salted butter if you prefer a saltier flavour. Using butter alternatives, such as margarine or plant-based butter, is another option for those who want a vegan or dairy-free approach.
Melting the Butter
Once you've chosen your butter, it's time to melt it. Measure out the desired amount and place it in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. If using a saucepan, heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Alternatively, if you prefer the microwave method, place the butter in a suitable container and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
Preparing the Popcorn
Now, it's time to pop your popcorn. You can use an air popper, a stovetop method, or a popcorn maker, depending on your preference. If you're using an air popper, be sure to spritz the popcorn with a bit of oil before adding the butter and cheese. This initial coat of oil helps the toppings adhere better. For stovetop popcorn, heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat and add the oil along with a few test kernels. Once these kernels pop, add the rest of your popcorn kernels and cover the pan. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning and wait for the popping to slow down before removing it from the heat.
Coating the Popcorn
After popping your popcorn, it's time to incorporate the butter. Place the freshly popped popcorn in a large bowl with a lid or a large paper bag. Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn, tossing or shaking the container to ensure each kernel is evenly coated. You can also add a small amount of oil at this stage if you feel it will enhance the adhesion of the cheese powder. Make sure the butter is well distributed, as this layer will serve as the base for your cheese coating.
Adding the Cheese Powder
Finally, it's time to introduce the star ingredient—the cheese powder. Sprinkle the cheese powder evenly over the buttered popcorn. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring that each kernel is coated with cheese. If you have an extra set of hands, one person can toss the popcorn while the other sprinkles the cheese powder. Continue tossing and sprinkling until all the cheese powder is incorporated, resulting in a delicious batch of cheesy popcorn!
Cheese in Linux: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flavour combinations
Powdered cheese can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients to flavour popcorn.
One option is to use cheddar cheese powder, which can be purchased or made at home by dehydrating cheddar cheese in the microwave and then grinding it into a powder. This can be combined with melted butter to help it stick to the popcorn.
Another option is to use a blend of cheeses to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses could be used to create a nutty and savoury flavour.
Additionally, various spices and herbs can be added to the powdered cheese to create unique flavour combinations. Some possible combinations include:
- Cheddar cheese powder with a pinch of cayenne pepper and dried mustard powder for a spicy kick.
- White cheddar cheese powder with garlic powder and black pepper for a savoury and pungent flavour.
- A blend of Swiss and Gruyere cheeses with thyme and rosemary for a woody and earthy flavour.
- A blend of sharp cheddar and blue cheese with chives and bacon bits for a smoky and savoury flavour.
When creating flavour combinations, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and to taste-test as you go to ensure the desired result.
Easy Nacho Cheese with Cheese Slices
You may want to see also
Storage techniques
To store cheese popcorn, place it in an airtight container and keep it in a dry place. This will prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy.
When storing cheese powder, keep it in a cool, dry place. Do not store it in a refrigerator or freezer. Powdered cheese can be stored for up to 1 year.
Blue Cheese Bliss: Greek Yogurt Style
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To make cheese powder at home, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs on a microwave-safe plate and cover it evenly with grated processed cheese. Microwave on medium power for 7 to 8 minutes. Once cooled, break the mixture into pieces and put them in a mixer. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, along with turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, and salt to taste. Blend until it becomes a fine powder.
For a cheesier flavour, use 6 to 7 tablespoons of cheese powder.
Melt some butter and toss the popcorn in it to ensure each piece is coated. Then sprinkle the cheese powder evenly over the popcorn and toss again to coat it completely.
You can use any cheese powder of your choice. However, cheddar cheese powder is a popular option. You can either buy it or use the powder from boxed macaroni and cheese.
Yes, you can add a pinch of fine sea salt to balance out the cheesy flavour. You can also add garlic powder if you like the flavour.
