Gluten-free sweet, savory and spicy popcorn

Snack time just got interesting. Go for a trifecta with these recipes for sweet, savory and spicy popcorn.

They say that good things come in threes. When you’re ready for a snack, try one of these recipes for gluten-free sweet, savory and spicy popcorn: We’ve got apple pie-flavored popcorn, pizza-flavored popcorn and Buffalo sauce-flavored popcorn. I also included two different ways to pop your corn: the brown bag, air-popped method and the stovetop method. Yes, these versions are a little different from the fluffy and crunchy treat you know so well, but I think you’ll find them to be a fun change of pace.

Is it dessert or a snack? Why not combine the best of both. Apple pie-flavored popcorn makes a sweet alternative to the standard salty snack.

Yields about 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 brown paper lunch bag
• 3 tablespoons popping corn
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 tablespoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 cup diced dried apples
• 1 sealable plastic bag

Directions:

1. Add the popping corn to the bag, fold it over twice and microwave on the popcorn setting of your unit, or for about 2 minutes, just until the popping stops.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Whisk together to combine.
3. Add the popped corn to the plastic bag. When the butter has cooled, pour it over the popcorn in the bag.
4. Add the seasoning mixture to the bag along with the apple pieces. Seal the bag and shake it several times until the popcorn is coated.
5. Serve immediately.

A few standard seasonings and some Parmesan cheese bring the savory flavors of a favorite meal right into snack time. Feel like taking things up a notch? Consider tossing in some diced, dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes.

Yields about 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons popping corn
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free onion powder
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large sealable plastic bag

Directions:

1. Add the vegetable oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the popping corn and cover with a lid. Wait until the kernels begin to pop and lower the heat slightly.
2. To cook, hold the lid on the pot, lift the pot off the burner, and shake it around every 15-20 seconds or so until the kernels have stopped popping. As you cook the popcorn, crack the lid just slightly once or twice to let out some steam.
3. When finished, pour the melted butter over the popcorn in the pan and use a spoon to toss it to coat it.
4. Add the oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Parmesan cheese to the plastic bag.
5. Transfer the popcorn to the bag, seal it closed and shake it several times to completely coat the popcorn.
6. Serve immediately

Wing it with this recipe. Bring on the napkins and a few celery sticks because this recipe will remind you of spicy Buffalo wings from your favorite restaurant.

Yields 5-6 cups

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup popping corn
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-2 dashes gluten-free celery salt

Directions:

1. Add the vegetable oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the popping corn and cover with a lid. Wait until the kernels begin to pop and lower the heat slightly.
2. To cook, hold the lid on the pot, lift the pot off the burner, and shake it around every 15-20 seconds or so until the kernels have stopped popping. As you cook the popcorn, crack the lid just slightly once or twice to let out some steam.
3. Melt the butter in a small bowl and add the hot sauce. Whisk to combine.
4. Add the popcorn to a large bowl. Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn and toss several times with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the celery salt over the top and toss again.
5. Serve immediately.

Make snack time interesting.

More gluten-free recipes

Open-faced BLT cornbread sandwiches
Gluten-free banana squares with banana-cream frosting
Cinnamon-peach waffles with peach topping