Craving a snack that’s bold, sweet, and impossible to put down? Hot Honey Popcorn is the ultimate spicy-sweet treat: crisp, buttery popcorn tossed in fiery sriracha honey butter for a bite that dances between golden caramel heat and salty crunch. It’s the kind of snack you whip up in minutes and devour in even less time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Sweet-Heat Flavors: Every bite of Hot Honey Popcorn pops with a crave-worthy, sweet-and-spicy punch that’s delightfully different from ordinary popcorn.
- Lightning Fast Prep: This snack comes together in just ten minutes from start to finish—perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute movie nights.
- Customizable Spice Levels: Whether you’re a heat seeker or like things milder, you can easily adjust the sriracha to suit your taste buds.
- Just a Handful of Pantry Staples: All you need are a few simple ingredients, making Hot Honey Popcorn an easy treat to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a handful of everyday kitchen staples to create a snack that’s anything but ordinary. Each ingredient plays a delicious role in transforming basic popcorn into a firework of flavors and textures!
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Adds luscious, buttery richness that helps the honey and spice cling to every kernel.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Lends that signature sticky sweetness—the secret to glossy, golden popcorn.
- Sriracha (1 tsp): Brings bold, tangy heat for a lively kick; adjust more or less to suit your spice preference.
- Oil (3 tbsp): A high-heat oil like canola or vegetable lets the kernels pop evenly for crisp, fluffy popcorn.
- Popcorn Kernels (1/3 cup): Fresh kernels become the perfect blank canvas for your sweet-spicy coating.
- Salt: Seasons the whole bowl, amplifying all the sweet and savory notes.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered classic Hot Honey Popcorn, have fun giving it a personal twist! It’s incredibly easy to adapt, whether you’re working around dietary needs, looking for a vegan take, or craving new flavor adventures.
- Maple Kick: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with sriracha.
- Vegan Popcorn: Use vegan butter and agave syrup instead of dairy butter and honey for a completely plant-based snack.
- Extra Fiery: Double the sriracha or add a dash of cayenne if you like your popcorn with some serious heat.
- Cheesy Crunch: Finish with a shower of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a savory umami hit.
How to Make Hot Honey Popcorn
Step 1: Mix Up the Hot Honey Butter
Start with the flavor bomb itself: in a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and sriracha until smooth and unified. Set it aside—you’ll use this to bathe your finished popcorn in bold, spicy-sweetness.
Step 2: Pop the Perfect Batch
Add the oil to a deep, heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) and turn the heat to medium-high. Toss in two kernels as testers—when they pop, your oil’s ready! Quickly fish them out, then pour in the rest of the kernels, swirling them into a single layer. Cover with a lid slightly ajar to let the steam out, and gently shake the pan every so often so nothing burns. When the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, your popcorn is done!
Step 3: Toss and Enjoy!
Move the popcorn to a big bowl (don’t leave it in the hot pan!). Immediately drizzle over your hot honey butter and sprinkle with salt. Toss everything with a big spoon—or, even better, with clean hands—to make sure every piece gets coated in that sticky, spicy magic. Devour while still warm and slightly gooey.
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Popcorn
- Test Kernel Trick: Always start by testing your oil temperature with a couple of kernels—perfectly popped corn without burning the rest is worth the extra minute!
- Lid Position Precision: Prop your pan lid open just a crack while popping to let steam escape—this keeps your popcorn gloriously crisp, not soggy.
- Flavor Toss Timing: Pour the hot honey mixture over the popcorn as soon as it comes out of the pot; the warmth helps the coating caramelize just right.
- Adjust the Heat: Not sure about the spice level? Add sriracha little by little so your Hot Honey Popcorn is exactly as fiery (or mild) as you love.
How to Serve Hot Honey Popcorn
Garnishes
For an extra pop of personality, sprinkle your Hot Honey Popcorn with toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a grating of fresh lime zest to add depth and brightness!
Side Dishes
This spicy snack shines all on its own, but Hot Honey Popcorn pairs wonderfully with a tall glass of sweet iced tea, zippy lemonade, or even a creamy ranch dip for cooling contrast. For game day or movie night, serve alongside crunchy veggie sticks or a big tray of fresh fruit skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
Make snack time extra special by serving Hot Honey Popcorn in parchment cones, colorful popcorn boxes, or mini mason jars for a party-ready vibe. It’s also adorable portioned out into paper bags—perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or favors at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store your Hot Honey Popcorn in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. The key is to keep it dry so it retains its glorious crunch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for popcorn, since it can lose its crispness after thawing. If you must, stash it in a sealed freezer-safe bag, but expect some texture changes—fresh is always best for Hot Honey Popcorn!
Reheating
To bring back a bit of crunch, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and heat in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool a moment—it crisps up as it sits, making your Hot Honey Popcorn almost like new!
FAQs
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Can I make Hot Honey Popcorn with microwave popcorn?
Absolutely! Just pop a bag of plain or lightly salted microwave popcorn, then prepare and drizzle the hot honey butter mixture as directed. Skip any additional butter that came with the bag and season to taste.
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What’s the best oil for popping popcorn on the stove?
Neutral, high-smoke point oils like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil are ideal. They let the kernels pop evenly without burning or flavoring the popcorn—perfect for showcasing the hot honey flavor.
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Can I use other spicy sauces instead of sriracha?
Definitely! Try hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot or a dash of harissa for a different flavor profile. Taste as you go to get your perfect balance of heat for your Hot Honey Popcorn.
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How do I keep my popcorn crunchy after adding honey butter?
Pour the hot honey butter over while the popcorn is still warm and toss immediately for an even, light coating. Don’t overdo the sauce—and be sure your lid was slightly ajar during popping to avoid steam-induced sogginess.
Final Thoughts
If you love snacks that serve up a twist, you owe it to yourself to try Hot Honey Popcorn! It’s shockingly easy, endlessly snackable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Pour a bowl, pop on a movie, and let sweet heat steal the show. Enjoy every crunchy, spicy-sweet bite!
Print
Hot Honey Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Popcorn is a delicious twist on classic popcorn, combining the sweetness of honey with a hint of spicy sriracha. This addictive snack is perfect for movie nights or as a unique party treat.
Ingredients
For the Butter Mixture:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha
For the Popcorn:
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, and sriracha. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
- Pop the Popcorn: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 kernels and wait for them to pop, indicating the oil is hot. Add the rest of the kernels, cover with a lid slightly ajar, and shake occasionally until popping slows down.
- Season and Enjoy: Remove from heat, transfer popcorn to a bowl, drizzle with the butter mixture, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
