Crispy Nutritional Yeast Popcorn Recipe with Vegan Cheese Flavor
A quick and easy vegan popcorn snack coated with nutritional yeast and spices for a crispy, cheesy flavor without dairy. Perfect for a guilt-free, savory treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups (about 2-3 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (90 g) popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1/4 cup (20 g) nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) onion powder
- Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon / 3 g)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons (15 g) vegan parmesan
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 1 minute until hot but not smoking.
- Drop 3 popcorn kernels into the pot, cover with lid, and wait for them to pop to test oil temperature.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup (90 g) popcorn kernels in an even layer and cover immediately.
- Gently shake the pot every 15 seconds to prevent burning and promote even popping.
- When popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops (about 4-5 minutes), remove pot from heat.
- Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl.
- While popcorn is still warm, drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil over it and toss gently but thoroughly.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup (20 g) nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) onion powder, and salt to taste over the popcorn. Toss again to coat evenly.
- If using, sprinkle 2 tablespoons (15 g) vegan parmesan on top and toss gently.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Notes
Shake the pot every 15 seconds to prevent burning and ensure even popping. Season the popcorn while warm to help nutritional yeast stick better. Discard any unpopped kernels to avoid unpleasant bites. For leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days and re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (approx.
- Calories: 150
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: popcorn, nutritional yeast, vegan cheese, vegan snack, dairy-free, crispy popcorn, healthy snack, quick snack