I’m completely obsessed with this delicious Cajun popcorn and especially love that it is done in under 10 minutes! I love most popcorn. But this Cajun flavored quick snack is better than all the rest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

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The Search for the BEST Popcorn

I’ve always loved popcorn, but I’ve just settled for the microwaved versions for many years, until I decided to do a little searching to find a “healthier” option.  I searched for a “healthier” option….that doesn’t mean that I settled for the “healthiest” option!  

The Pioneer Woman: Where I begin all of my recipe searches

I learned how to cook popcorn on the stovetop from The Pioneer Woman’s blog post.  Now, if you’ve read my intro post to my food category, you’ll know how much I love the Pioneer Woman.  

Experimenting with Flavor

I followed the instructions for this popcorn and then started playing around with different seasonings.  Ree had an episode in which she added sriracha to some popcorn for a spicy version, found here.  I thought it was worth a shot, but I didn’t have sriracha.  So, I used the next best thing–Cajun seasoning.  

My first few attempts were delicious, but if you’ve ever inhaled cajun seasoning, you will understand the coughing fits that were induced by my seasoning choice.  I had to find a better way. 

Then it hit me.  The cajun seasoning needed to be “wet” to stick to the popcorn.  So, I melted butter in the bottom of my pan after popping my corn and added cajun seasoning to the butter.  I returned my popcorn to the pan and proceeded to shake, shake, shake, until the popcorn was coated in the buttery, spicy deliciousness. 

 

Ingredients for the Best Cajun Popcorn

My Popcorn Obsession

And so began my obsession with this popcorn.  I can’t say that I eat it EVERY night, but as long as my pot is clean and I have an extra 10 minutes to spare on my evening snack, I will choose this popcorn over anything else. 

Must-Have Items

There are many options for which kernels, oil, and butter to use. I am a bit picky about some things, however.  Here is my list of the must have items:

The Kernels Matter

I only use Orville Redenbacher Tender White Kernels.  Why?  Because they are the best.  And if we are making the BEST Cajun Popcorn, we have to use the BEST kernels.  I already had experience with the Orville Redenbacher Tender White microwave popcorn, as this was the only kind I would buy.  So, when I dove into the world of kernels, this was my first choice. 

The Oil

You can use different kinds of oils.  I choose to use Coconut Oil, because I like the way it tastes and I feel like I am making a “healthier” snack when I use it.  Also, after you spoon the oil into the pot, you can rub the excess onto your hands as an excellent moisturizer.

The Butter

I like to use REAL butter.  I’ve stopped buying the vegetable oil spreads and only buy “real” butter now.  It tastes better.  Period.

The Pot

Ah…I am one of those people who get into a habit of using one thing or doing one thing and then I can’t change it if I wanted to. I have one pot that I love to use.  It is old and dingy and the lid is falling apart.  But it works perfectly for what I need it for. 

You want your pot to be big enough to hold all of the kernels and still have space to shake them around.  You also want it to have a tight-fitting lid.

The Seasoning

I don’t know how many different types of Cajun seasonings there are out there. But I only use one, Tony Chachere’s.  Some people may find it a bit too salty…I, however, love salt (and require extra because of my dysautonomia). There are lower sodium options available.  

My Version of the Perfect Cajun Popcorn

 

Here is my updated version of the original recipe, with pictures.  This is a judgement-free zone. I am imperfect, as are my tools 🙂  However, this Cajun Popcorn couldn’t be more perfect for snacking!

 

What you’ll need:

2 TBS of Coconut Oil

¼ cup Orville Redenbacher Tender White Kernels

1 TBS Butter

1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (Tony Sacheries)

Now, I have a glass top stove.  It gets scratched if you scrape pots and pans across it.  It has been completely scratched because of how many times I have shaken my popcorn pot across it.  And, as ugly as it may be, I’m completely ok with it…because this popcorn is that delicious.

Scratched Glass-top Stovetop

My scratched stovetop 🙁

 

Melt 2 TBS Coconut Oil in a medium sized pot with a tight fitting lid.

 

2 TBS of coconut oil being added to a pot

Add 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil (or estimate a good dollop)

 

Add 4 popcorn kernels to the pot and wait for them to pop.  This is when you know the oil is hot enough.

 

4 popcorn kernels in a pot with oil

Test for the right popping temperature with a few kernels

Remove the pot from the heat and add in the ¼ cup of kernels.  Shake to spread evenly across the bottom of the pan and allow it to sit for 30 seconds to a minute to let all the kernels get to the same temperature.  

 

1/4 Cup of popcorn kernels being added to a pot

Add 1/4 cup of kernels to the hot oil

 

Return the pot to the heat and cover with the lid. And wait…the kernels will begin to pop shortly.

Shake the pot a few times while cooking so the unpopped kernels get to the bottom and the bottom popcorn doesn’t burn.

 

Popcorn beginning to pop in hot oil

The kernels will begin popping quickly

 

When the popping stops, remove the pot from the heat. 

Allow it to sit for about a minute.  Be careful when removing the lid, because there is a lot of steam. 

Empty the popcorn into a large bowl.

Melt the butter in the hot pot.  Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to mix into the melted butter.  

 

Tony Chachere's Seasoning being added to melted butter for popcorn

Tony Chachere’s is my favorite Cajun Seasoning

 

Return the popcorn to the pot and replace the lid. 

Hold the lid tightly and shake the popcorn so that it all gets coated with the butter seasoning

Empty the popcorn back into the bowl and enjoy!  

 

Cajun Seasoned Popcorn

The BEST Cajun Popcorn!

 

Everything can be adjusted to your liking.

Save the infographic below so you can make this delicious snack the next time you want the BEST Cajun Popcorn!  Leave a comment below to let me know how you like it!

How to make the best cajun popcorn infographic

42 Comments

  1. Hanna

    Thanks for the recipe! I have never done popcorn at home so I am def gonna give it a go!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Be careful! It’s addictive!

      Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Please do! You’ll love this popcorn 🙂

      Reply
  2. Audrey

    Oh my goodness talk about yummy!!!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      This popcorn is definitely YUMMY! Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Anja Petterson

    Yum! As a popcorn connoisseur, I’ll def have to try Cajun seasoning! But yes, this is the way I pop popcorn as well. Haven’t had microwave in 10 years, and won’t ever go back!! ?

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! I’d love to hear what YOUR favorite popcorn is 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jessi

    This popcorn sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      It is! I hope you enjoy this spicy popcorn treat!

      Reply
  5. hari

    love this Popcorn recipe.
    delicious and wonderful.
    should try this someday.
    thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      It’s easy and delicious. A perfect snack for anytime!

      Reply
  6. Anne

    So easy! I am going to try this tonight!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      I hope you enjoy it! It is super easy and super delicious 🙂

      Reply
  7. Radoslav

    Popcorn got much better with your post.
    Happy to read

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks! Happy to share 🙂

      Reply
  8. Alita Pacio

    This is perfect for the weekend!! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yes! Weekends wouldn’t be complete at my house without a bowl of this delicious Cajun popcorn! (and most week nights!) 🙂

      Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sharyn

    Nice. Looking forward to trying this.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks 🙂 It is so easy and so delicious!

      Reply
  10. Patricia

    Yum. This sounds delicious. I love spicy popcorn.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      It is the best Cajun Popcorn 🙂 It is so addictive!

      Reply
  11. Katie

    100% trying this soon! It sounds so good, I would have never considered cajun spice on popcorn. My husband and I love anything with a bit of extra cajun to it, thanks!!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      It is delicious! I don’t want my popcorn any other way now 🙂

      Reply
  12. Danielle

    This is such a unique take on popcorn! I would have never thought about adding cajun spices to it! Definitely going to make this tonight when we have our NYE party!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yay! Make a lot, because it will go quickly 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  13. Laila

    I love making popcorn!! I’ve never tried Cajun though and now I just can’t wait! This may be on our New Years Eve snack menu tonight! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yes! Add it to any snack night menu 🙂 I hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  14. Jenny

    Cajun popcorn is perfect for a themed tailgate or drive in movie night. So simple, I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      It is perfect for any night at my house 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

      Reply
    • Stephanie

      Ooo I love popcorn! I’ve never had Cajun style, thanks for the fun idea to try!

      Reply
      • Lifebetweenthedishes

        I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Fair warning: It is addictive!

        Reply
  15. jeannie

    this is perfect for movie nights! especially since it’s done in just about 10 minutes. I grew up eating popcorn a lot and this is the perfect treat to reminisce about childhood.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      I can still envision my mom shaking that pot over the stove! It is definitely a movie night must-have 🙂

      Reply
  16. Alex Baranda

    I’m glad Tony Chacheries made it into blog! 🙂 I got to admit that when someone says Cajun Popcorn, I think of chicken or shrimp popcorn 😀 Anyway, I’ll have to try to make these!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Cajun popcorn chicken or shrimp sounds delicious too! We use Tony’s on everything 🙂 Hope you like it!

      Reply
  17. Monika

    I have never thought of using Cajun seasoning on a popcorn. My boys are popcorn lovers and I only do a stove top version but cajun may be on the cards next 🙂

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      My husband warns that once you have this kind, you’ll never be able to go back to any other! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂

      Reply
      • Brian

        Cajun on popcorn. Nice. I really like that extra spice on things.

        Reply
        • Lifebetweenthedishes

          It is the perfect amount of spice 🙂

          Reply

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Hi! I'm Misty, the imperfect Mama behind Life Between the Dishes.  My goal is for you to find tools, tips, and resources here to help you maintain sanity through daily mom life!

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