Pizza Flavored Popcorn

Turn a bowl of plain popcorn into something that tastes like pizza night. Grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper get blended together into a fine powder, then tossed over hot popcorn so the seasoning sticks to every kernel.

Blending the cheese and spices together for a full three minutes in a blender is what makes this work. It grinds the Parmesan into a powder fine enough to coat the popcorn evenly instead of clumping in spots. The paprika adds a warm, slightly smoky undertone and gives the popcorn a reddish tint that actually looks like pizza seasoning.

Use freshly popped, still-hot popcorn. The heat and residual moisture help the seasoning cling.

Pro Tips

• Pop the corn in a little oil on the stovetop for the best seasoning adhesion. Air-popped corn is too dry and the spices slide right off.
• Toss the seasoning over the popcorn in batches, stirring between each addition, for more even coverage.
• Use finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavour. Pre-grated Parmesan from a can works in a pinch but won’t taste as sharp.
• Store leftover seasoning blend in a small jar. It keeps for weeks and works on garlic bread, pasta, or roasted vegetables too.

Variations

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy pizza kick.
• Toss in a teaspoon of onion powder alongside the garlic for a more complex flavour.
• Drizzle the popcorn with a little melted butter before adding the seasoning for richer, more indulgent snacking.