Mexican Popcorn
Mexican Popcorn is an easy and fun snack that takes the amount of time to make as simply popping the corn. Flavorful Mexican spices are sprinkled over warm, freshly popped popcorn, melted butter and a mixture of tangy, slightly salty cotija cheese and fresh lime zest.
I’ve never really thought about pairing the flavors of Mexican spices and cheese with popcorn, so when I was experimenting with this recipe I thought, what do I have do lose? No one can see me, so if doesn’t work out no one will know, I’ll eat the evidence (if it’s edible) and go on with my day.
Let me just say this, how this popcorn survived long enough for the photo shoot, I don’t know how. I was (no joke), shoving handfuls of it in my mouth as I was filling the bowl for the photos. Again, no one could see me, I think, I hop
Buttery, nutty, spicy (without the heat), smokey, tangy, slightly salty with a bright citrus finish. I just described the sequence of flavors that will happen in your mouth when you eat this popcorn.
Both children and adults will devour this Mexican popcorn, serve at your next get together, over drinks or barbecue. I guarantee you will need to make it buy the bucket load because it will be gone fast.
I made a very tasty, watermelon jalapeño agua fresca (picture above) that is perfect to wash down this tasty popcorn that is not only lovely to look at, but refreshing and delicious too. Cinco de Mayo is next week and this is 2 very easy recipes to serve if you are celebrating.
If you scroll down this page, you will see a fabulous recipe for Mexican Chile Lime Peanuts for all you nut fans.
If you’ve tried this Mexican Popcorn or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers!
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Mexican Popcorn
Flavorful Mexican spices are sprinkled over warm, freshly popped popcorn and melted butter and a mixture of tangy, slightly salty cotija cheese and fresh lime zest is added for a lovely taste sensation.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (170 grams) Cotijta cheese, crumbled
- Zest of 1 small lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 cup (125 grams) popcorn kernels
Instructions
- Add the cotija cheese and lime zest to a small bowl and mix well, set aside.
- To a small bowl add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander and salt. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat, keep warm over low heat.
- Place a large 3 quart or larger pot with a lid, over medium-high heat. Add 3 or 4 kernels and place the lid snuggly on the pan. When you hear the kernels start to pop, add the rest of the kernels, replace the lid. Give the pot a shake back and forth. When you start to hear the popping slow down, turn off the heat. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
- Pour the warm butter over the popcorn and add the spice blend, toss to mix well. Top with the cotija cheese mix.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1/4 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 340Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 72mgSodium 560mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 10g
This nutrition calculation is provided by Nutronix that is only a guideline and not intended for any particular diet.
21 Comments on “Mexican Popcorn”
Hi, will definitely be making this, sounds amazing. As an FYI, the step of adding the peanut oil to the pan wasn’t stated, and for those who never made popcorn before, might be important. Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. The peanut oil that was listed was actually there by mistake as only butter is used in the recipe. Enjoy the popcorn and let me know if you have any questions 🙂
This sounds wonderful! If I am making this in advance for a party, do I just wait to sprinkle cheese on right before the party? It won’t be hot then, so the cheese won’t melt. But I assume that’s okay??
Thank you!
If you are using cotija cheese like in the recipe, this cheese actually does not melt, so you will be fine. It gets into the nook and crannies of the popcorn. Enjoy!
This was good. It didn’t have the cheese on it because my girlfriend is lactose sensitive and no fun.
Ha ha, it’s a shame she has to miss out on cheese.
In my town, San Antonio, this would be serious popcorn. Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing
I love nothing more than the salty-sweet cycle that happens when I indulge in salty foods and sweet drinks. Each one makes me crave the other and it’s just cyclical until I’m stuffed. This popcorn sounds heavenly and I’d love to eat the whole bowl, then down that entire vat of agua fresca. And follow it up with a frozen yogurt bar by Outshine. 🙂
Hi this popcorn looks yummy and we have a Cinco De Mayo party we’re going to so it might be just the right thing to bring. Coming over from Katherines Corner Link Party. Have a great night, Lisa at Concord Cottage
What a great idea….I love Mexican food, and popcorn is my favorite snack.
Oh my gosh I love it. I’m crazy about anything Mexican and this popcorn is no exception! You are putting together a fabulous Cinco de Mayo feast, my dear!
Oh my this sounds great! I love Mexican food, and popcorn is such a healthy snack! I can’t wait to make this! Thanks! Pinning for later!
This is a wonderful collection of ingredients into popcorn. Cotija cheese is so perfect for popcorns. This is great popcorn for anytime of the year.
Such a cool idea Janette! Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks! Need to try this 🙂
What a wonderful combo of flavours, Janette! I’ve never tried cotijta cheese, but of course now I want to! In fact, come to think of it, I’ve never made my own popcorn before. Now there’s something that I should change … and why not start with a posh version like this! Pinning, of course!
Oh I love Cotijta cheese! In fact, I have some in the fridge and from time-to-time I’ll go in there and break off a hunk to nibble on.
This is such a creative spin on popcorn! You have such wonderful flavors going on here – brilliant!
Thank you Kathleen.
This sounds great!! I can’t wait to try it since you blended two things I love- popcorn and Mexican food!!!
Great, I think you’ll love it.
Such a fun spin.
Thank you Peter