6 Of The Best Popcorn Recipes For Cosy Nights In

Ah, popcorn. That beautiful snack that makes the makes even the worst movie better. It is hard to believe that popcorn first became a thing 10,000 years ago in South America. But we really have a sweet-shop owner from Chicago, called Charles Cretors, to thank for the snack we know today. He invented the mobile popcorn cart in the 1880s and we’ve been munching ever since.

When it’s dark and wet, there are few wrongs can’t be righted by a night on the sofa with good people and a big bowl of popcorn. It is no wonder that it is our snack du jour, because, in its purest form, popcorn is both dairy and gluten-free. As Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, said: ‘Love is sharing your popcorn.’

Here are six ways from BBC Good Food to elevate those kernels of joy.

Rosemary, Garlic and Chilli Popcorn

Savoury and somehow very festive, this recipe requires nothing you don’t already have in your fridge/garden and works as well for a party as it does for a movie. Find the recipe here.

Curry Leaf Popcorn

This inventive recipe requires curried chickpeas, which you can make ahead, and curry leaves, which you need to make sure you have to hand. Find the recipe here.

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn

With its sugary glaze and warming spice, this is comfort food at its sweetest. Find the recipe here.

Bombay Popcorn Mix

With its chickpeas, raisins, nuts and spices, this sophisticated take on a bowl of popcorn will blow your companions’ minds. Find the recipe here.

Sweet and Spicy Popcorn

Healthier than it sounds, this recipe uses agave syrup for sweetness, cinnamon for warmth and antioxidants and chilli powder for a kick. Find the recipe here.

Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn

This last recipe is the one for pure indulgence, pure fun – a treat, a whole treat and nothing but a treat. (Milk chocolate works just as well as dark.) Find the recipe here.

By Becky Ladenburg
November 2023