Cinnamon Free Dairy Free Smoky Ranch Queso Popcorn
Smoky, savory, and seriously addictive, this popcorn delivers all the creamy ranch-queso vibes you crave without a drop of dairy in sight. Nutritional yeast does the heavy lifting here, bringing that cheesy, umami depth that makes you reach back into the bowl before you've even finished the first handful. Smoked paprika and cumin layer in a warm, almost campfire-like smokiness, while dried dill and chives keep that classic ranch personality front and center. A pinch of cayenne adds just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors. The seasoning comes together as a paste with melted coconut oil, which means it clings to every single kernel instead of sliding off into the bottom of the bowl. This is the kind of snack that disappears fast at movie nights or game-day spreads, and nobody will guess it skips the cheese entirely.
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!