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A photo of homemade popcorn cooked in a blue enameled cast iron dutch oven.
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Dutch Oven Popcorn Recipe

An easy, crunchy snack made over the stovetop or campfire. No microwave needed!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword dutch oven recipe, easy dutch oven recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Cost $3

Equipment

  • 1 enameled dutch oven or cast iron dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon oil (avocado, coconut, or canola)
  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • salt or seasoning to taste (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Instructions

Stove Top Instructions

  • Place Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and drop in 2–3 popcorn kernels. Cover with lid.
  • When the test kernels pop, the oil is hot enough (about 400–460°F). Remove the popped kernels with a spoon or shake them to the side.
  • Pour in remaining popcorn kernels (½ cup) and quickly replace the lid.
  • Every 10–15 seconds, carefully shake the pot to move the kernels and prevent burning.
  • When popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat.
  • Tilt the lid to release steam (this keeps popcorn crisp). Pour into a large bowl and season as desired. We add melted butter and salt at this step.

For Campfire Method

  • Wear fire safe gloves at all times and use metal tongs.
  • Place cast iron dutch oven over hot coals, not direct flame.
  • Add oil and drop in 2–3 popcorn kernels. Cover with lid.
  • When the test kernels pop, the oil is hot enough (about 400–460°F).
  • Every 10–15 seconds, carefully shake the pot to move the kernels and prevent burning.
  • When popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat.
  • Tilt the lid to release steam (this keeps popcorn crisp). Place dutch oven on a fire safe surface. Pour popcorn into a large bowl and season as desired.