BHA & BHT Free Dairy Free Smoky Ranch Queso Popcorn
Smoky, cheesy, and just a little spicy, this popcorn is the kind of snack that disappears before the movie even starts. The "queso" magic comes entirely from nutritional yeast blended with smoked paprika, cumin, and a ranch-inspired lineup of dill, chives, garlic, and onion powder — no dairy required, and no mystery additives hiding in the mix. That matters more than it sounds, because a lot of store-bought flavored popcorns and seasoning blends rely on synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life. Making it yourself with whole spices and coconut oil means you know exactly what's in every kernel. The technique of melting the coconut oil into a paste with all the seasonings before drizzling is the real secret — it clings to every piece and creates that satisfying, coated crunch you'd expect from a bag of something far more processed. A little cayenne gives it a gentle kick that plays perfectly against the smoky depth of the paprika. Pop a big bowl and try not to eat it all straight from the mixing bowl.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the popcorn
- ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the seasoning
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried chives
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 popcorn kernels, cover, and wait until all 3 kernels pop — this signals the oil is hot enough. Add the remaining kernels in a single layer, cover, and cook, shaking the pot every 15–20 seconds, until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove from heat immediately and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
- 2
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp coconut oil over low heat until just liquid. Remove from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper until a uniform paste forms.
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