There are a few different ways to add cheddar cheese to popcorn, but the most common are to drizzle melted cheese or sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the popcorn.

For a more intense cheddar flavor use cheddar cheese powder or paste.

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for popcorn because it has a strong flavor that pairs well with this snack.

Cheddar Cheese for Popcorn

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cheddar cheese for popcorn, including how to choose the best cheddar cheese.

And how to make your own cheddar cheese popcorn at home (with or without powder).

Best Fresh Cheddar Cheese for Popcorn

There are a few things to consider when buying the best fresh cheddar cheese for popcorn.

First, you want to choose a cheese that has a strong, sharp flavor. You’ll also want to choose a low moisture that won’t make your popcorn soggy.

A cheese that is easy to grate or shred is also important to look for.

Some of the best cheddar cheese brands for popcorn are:

1. Tillamook Cheddar

Tillamook cheddar has a rich, creamy flavor and excellent melting ability.

Tillamook cheddar is made with high-quality milk from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones. It’s aged for at least 60 days, which gives it both a tangy and sweet flavor.

2. Cabot Cheddar

Cabot cheddar is a great choice for popcorn because of its sharp, tangy flavor and melting ability.

Cabot cheddar has won numerous awards for its quality and flavor, including the World Championship Cheese Contest and the American Cheese Society Competition. This recognition confirms that Cabot cheddar is a top-quality cheese that is sure to elevate any snack.

3. Kerrygold Cheddar

Kerrygold cheddar is made with milk from grass-fed cows, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is both rich and creamy. The grass-fed milk also contains more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than milk from grain-fed cows, making it a healthier choice.

Kerrygold cheddar has won numerous awards for its quality and flavor, including the World Cheese Awards and the International Cheese Awards.

*Honorable Mention: Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar

Best Cheddar Cheese Powder for Popcorn

The best cheddar cheese powder for popcorn is a matter of personal preference, but some of the most popular brands include:

Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder
Kernel Seasons White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Seasoning
Better Cheddar Cheese Powder by King Arthur Flour
Premium White Cheddar Cheese Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm
Cheddar Cheez Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm

These brands offer a variety of flavors and textures, and are affordable.

Here are some things to consider when purchasing cheddar cheese powder:

Flavor: Some cheese powders have a more intense cheddar flavor than others. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose a white cheddar cheese powder.
Texture: Some cheese powders are more powdery than others. If you prefer a smoother texture, choose a cheese powder that is made with real cheese.
Price: Cheese powders can range in price from a few dollars to over $10. Choose a cheese powder that fits your budget.

Making Your Own Cheddar Cheese Powder

If you want to take your popcorn to the next level, you can make cheddar cheese powder at home. This is a great option if you can’t find a good quality cheese powder at your local grocery store.

Here’s how to make your own cheddar cheese powder for popcorn:

Ingredients

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Spread the grated cheese out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cheese for 30 minutes, or until it is completely dried out.
In a food processor, combine the dried cheese, powdered milk, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Process the mixture until it becomes a fine powder. 6. Store the cheddar cheese powder in an airtight container.

To use the cheddar cheese powder, simply sprinkle it over popcorn after it has been popped. You can also add other seasonings to the popcorn, such as salt, pepper, or garlic powder.

Grab a bowl and dig in!

Tips for making cheddar cheese powder

Be sure to use high quality cheddar cheese powder.

Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
You can also add other seasonings to the cheese mixture, such as onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Store the cheese powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Use fresh butter if available, or use store bought butter. Adjust the salt added to your popcorn if you are using salted butter.

Easy Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Recipe (without powder)

Cheddar Cheese Popcorn is a tasty snack made by heating corn kernels until they pop and then coating the hot popped kernels with a melted cheddar cheese, butter, and oil mixture.

Have a fun movie night at home with ooey gooey melted cheddar cheese popcorn!

Popcorn kernels: These are the seeds of popcorn that, when heated, pop and expand into fluffy, white kernels. They are the main ingredient in this recipe and provide the base for the cheddar cheese flavor.
Vegetable oil: This is used to cook the popcorn kernels and ensure that they pop evenly and don’t stick to the pot.
Unsalted butter: This is melted and mixed with the spices to create a flavorful coating for the popcorn.
Salt: This is added to the butter mixture to enhance the flavor of the popcorn and balance out the other spices.
Garlic powder: This adds a savory, garlicky flavor to the popcorn.
Onion powder: This adds a subtle onion flavor to the popcorn.
Paprika: This adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant red color to the popcorn.
Cayenne pepper: This adds a spicy kick to the popcorn. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This is added to the popcorn while it’s still warm so that it melts and coats the popcorn evenly. It provides a rich, cheesy flavor and makes the popcorn extra indulgent.

Get ready to experience the ultimate snack sensation with this homemade cheddar cheese popcorn recipe!

Ingredients

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon oil
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Popped the popcorn according to the package directions.
In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, oil, butter, and cheese.
Toss to coat the popcorn in the cheese mixture.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook the popcorn. This will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and that the popcorn doesn’t burn.
Make sure to shake the pot frequently while cooking the popcorn to prevent the kernels from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
Use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the popcorn while it’s still warm so that it melts and coats the popcorn evenly. If the popcorn has cooled down too much, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds before adding the cheese.
Toss the popcorn with the cheese and butter mixture using a large spoon or spatula to ensure that the popcorn is coated evenly.
Serve the cheddar cheese popcorn immediately after making it for the best flavor and texture. Leftover popcorn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Variations of cheddar cheese popcorn without powder

Butter and cheddar cheese popcorn: This is the classic version of cheese popcorn. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Spicy cheese popcorn: Add a teaspoon of chili powder to the cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
Garlic cheese popcorn: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the cheese mixture for a flavorful twist.
Parmesan cheese popcorn: Use Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
White cheddar cheese popcorn: Use white cheddar cheese instead of yellow cheddar cheese for a milder flavor.
Cheddar and bacon cheese popcorn: Add a handful of crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture for a salty and smoky flavor.
Cheddar and popcorn seasoning: Use your favorite popcorn seasoning blend to add flavor to the cheese popcorn.

How to Make Cheddar Cheese Popcorn in the Oven, Airfryer, or Instant Pot

Here’s how to make cheese popcorn in the oven or air fryer:

Oven Method

Ingredients:

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popcorn kernels and vegetable oil. Toss to coat the kernels evenly with oil.
Spread the coated popcorn kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the kernels are fully popped.
While the popcorn is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and stir to combine.
Once the popcorn is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the butter mixture over it. Toss to coat the popcorn evenly with the butter mixture.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and toss to coat the popcorn evenly with cheese.
Serve the cheese popcorn immediately and enjoy!

Air Fryer Method

Ingredients:

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popcorn kernels and vegetable oil. Toss to coat the kernels evenly with oil.
Transfer the coated popcorn kernels to the air fryer basket.
Cook the popcorn in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until the kernels are fully popped.
While the popcorn is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the

Instant Pot Method

Here’s how to make cheese popcorn in an Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the vegetable oil and popcorn kernels to the pot and stir to coat the kernels evenly with oil.
Cover the pot with a glass lid or a silicone lid that fits the Instant Pot. This will allow you to see when the kernels start to pop.
Once the kernels start to pop, shake the pot occasionally to ensure that the kernels pop evenly.
Once the popping slows down to 2-3 seconds between pops, turn off the Instant Pot and carefully remove the lid.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and stir to combine.
Pour the butter mixture over the popcorn in the Instant Pot and toss to coat the popcorn evenly with the butter mixture.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and toss to coat the popcorn evenly with cheese.
Serve the cheese popcorn immediately and enjoy!

Note: If you have an Instant Pot with a glass lid, you can use it to cook the popcorn. If not, you can use a silicone lid that fits the Instant Pot. Do not use the regular pressure cooking lid as it may cause the popcorn to burn.

How to Melt Cheddar Cheese on Popcorn

Here are the easiest ways to melt cheddar cheese on popcorn. Serve immediately!

Microwave

Pop the popcorn according to the package directions.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the popcorn and shredded cheddar cheese.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Stir to coat the popcorn in the melted cheese.

Stovetop

Pop the popcorn according to the package directions.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Pour the melted cheese mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat.

Air Fryer

Pop the popcorn according to the package directions.
In an air fryer basket, combine the popcorn and shredded cheddar cheese.
Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Stir to coat the popcorn in the melted cheese.

Cheddar Cheese for Popcorn FAQs

Do you add cheddar cheese to popcorn before or after popping?

Always add seasonings and salt to popcorn right after the popcorn pops. Ingredients will stick to the popped kernels better.

What is cheddar cheese paste for popcorn?

Cheddar cheese paste is a type of cheese product that is made by blending cheddar cheese with other ingredients, such as oil, water, and stabilizers. To use cheddar cheese paste on popcorn, simply spread it over the popcorn after it has been popped. You can also sprinkle salt, pepper, or garlic powder on your popcorn.

How can I pop any un-popped kernels?

If you have any unpopped kernels after cooking your popcorn, you can try popping them again using one of the following methods:

Stovetop method: Heat a small amount of oil in a pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the unpopped kernels and cover the pot with a lid. Shake the pot occasionally to ensure that the kernels pop evenly. Once the popping slows down to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and carefully remove the lid.
Microwave method: Place the unpopped kernels in a microwave-safe bowl and cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the kernels on high for 30-second intervals until they pop. Be sure to shake the bowl between intervals to ensure that the kernels pop evenly.
Oven method: Spread the unpopped kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they pop.

Important: Be careful when handling the unpopped kernels as they may be hot and can pop unexpectedly.

Why is cheddar cheese popcorn so good?

The cheddar dust is what makes it so fun to eat. Cheddar popcorn also goes well mixed with other flavors like spicy and even sweet. Garlic and onion are also very tasty options.

What is packaged white cheddar popcorn made of?

Cheese popcorn in a bag is typically made with ingredients like: Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil), Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Buttermilk, Natural Flavor, and Salt.

Is cheddar cheese popcorn good for you?

Cheddar cheese popcorn can be a good source of nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and vitamin A. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can make your own cheddar cheese popcorn at home using an air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn, and you can use low-fat or fat-free cheese.

Is cheddar cheese popcorn high in sodium?

Cheddar cheese popcorn can be high in sodium and calories. A single serving of cheddar cheese popcorn can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium.

Can I use white cheddar cheese on popcorn?

White cheddar cheese is milder in flavor and has a whiter color that regular cheddar White cheddar cheese is often used as a topping or flavoring in popcorn, as it melts easily and has a tasty flavor.