Experience the finest savory delight with Truffle Parmesan Popcorn—an elegant twist on a classic, blending deep umami richness with a light, crispy bite. Each fluffy kernel is coated in a luxurious mix of buttery truffle oil, roasted garlic purée, and Parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible depth of flavor. The addition of fresh thyme and a hint of black pepper or smoked paprika elevates the experience, offering a fragrant, earthy contrast to the nutty cheese and aromatic truffle essence.
For an extra layer of perfection, the popcorn can be lightly baked to enhance its crispiness, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory, cheesy, and herbaceous goodness. Whether paired with a crisp white wine or enjoyed as a standalone snack, this elegant yet easy-to-make popcorn is perfect for movie nights, cocktail parties, or whenever you crave something truly special.
Ingredients
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4 cups popped popcorn (¼ cup unpopped kernels)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp white truffle oil (a little goes a long way!)
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1 tbsp roasted garlic purée (see tip below)
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¼ tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried thyme)
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½ tsp black pepper (or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth)
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A pinch of flaky salt for finishing (optional)
Execution
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Roast the garlic: Wrap a whole garlic bulb in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 min until soft. Mash 1 tbsp of the roasted garlic into a smooth purée.
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Pop the popcorn: Use an air popper or stovetop method for the freshest results.
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Make the flavor mix: Stir the melted butter, truffle oil, roasted garlic purée, and sea salt together.
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Coat the popcorn: Drizzle the mix over the popcorn while tossing gently to coat evenly.
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Add finishing touches: Sprinkle Parmesan, thyme, and black pepper (or smoked paprika). Toss again.
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Serve immediately, finishing with a pinch of flaky salt for an extra pop of flavor!
Additional Tips
✔ Crisp Factor: Toss the coated popcorn on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to make it extra crunchy.
✔ Umami Boost: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a touch of miso butter for deeper savoriness.
✔ Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist for a sophisticated snack moment.
Q&A About Truffle Parmesan Popcorn
Q: What makes this popcorn unique?
A: The rich flavor combo of white truffle oil, roasted garlic, and Parmesan cheese, plus aromatic herbs, takes this snack to gourmet level.
Q: Is it hard to make?
A: Not at all! It’s easy—just pop popcorn, mix the ingredients, and toss. Roasting garlic is the only optional extra step.
Q: Can I make a faster version?
A: Yes! Use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder, and don’t bake. It’s ready in under 5 minutes.
Q: How many servings does it make?
A: About 2–3 servings, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Q: What does it pair well with?
A: Try it with white wine, sparkling water, or even a craft beer for a classy snack pairing.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to a day.
Why You Should Make Truffle Parmesan Popcorn
1. Gourmet Flavor in Minutes
This snack delivers bold, upscale flavors—truffle oil, roasted garlic, and Parmesan—with minimal effort.
2. Elevates Any Occasion
Perfect for movie nights, parties, or when you just want to treat yourself to something indulgent and satisfying.
3. Customizable & Easy
Make it fancy or fast—use roasted garlic for depth or garlic powder for speed. It’s flexible and always delicious.
4. Impressive Yet Simple
It feels and tastes high-end, but takes just minutes to make. No fancy tools or chef skills needed!
5. A Savory, Addictive Crunch
The crispy popcorn paired with rich umami flavors and fresh herbs is seriously hard to stop eating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 180–220 kcal
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Total Fat: 15 g
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Saturated Fat: 6 g
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugars: <1 g
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Protein: 3–4 g
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Sodium: 300–400 mg
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Cholesterol: 15–20 mg
Key Nutritional Highlights:
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Moderate in calories, making it a satisfying yet indulgent snack.
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Good source of healthy fats from olive oil and truffle oil.
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Rich in flavor, so a small amount feels satisfying.
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Contains dairy (Parmesan) – can be swapped for nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Happy Cooking
Diana