Mexican popcorn is an easy and fun snack, or appetizer for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration. 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.
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 hope.
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, serve at your next get together, over drinks, 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 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.
- 6 ounces 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 popcorn kernels
- 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.
Such a fun spin.
Thank you Peter
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.
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.
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!
Such a cool idea Jaette! Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks! Need to try this 🙂
To correct the previous comment: Janette 🙂
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.
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!
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!
What a great idea….I love Mexican food, and popcorn is my favorite snack. We would love for you to share with us at Party in Your PJs, our weekly link party.
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
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. 🙂
In my town, San Antonio, this would be serious popcorn. Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!