Chestnut Free Dairy Free Smoky Ranch Queso Popcorn
Smoky, tangy, and loaded with bold ranch-inspired flavor, this popcorn is the kind of snack that disappears fast. Nutritional yeast does the heavy lifting here, delivering that savory, cheesy depth you'd expect from a queso-style coating — completely without any dairy. Smoked paprika and cumin bring the heat and smokiness, while dried dill and chives round it out with that classic ranch character you know and love. The whole seasoning blend comes together as a rich coconut oil paste that clings to every single kernel, so you're not left with a pile of bland popcorn at the bottom of the bowl. It's naturally free from tree nuts including chestnuts, with a short, straightforward ingredient list that keeps things clean and worry-free. This is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever bought flavored popcorn from a bag in the first place.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!