Big, tangy dill pickle flavors bring popcorn to new levels of deliciousness! If you're craving a salty snack, try this simple yet bold Dill Pickle Popcorn recipe. I think you'll love it!
Popcorn is such a classic savory snack. It's quick, satisfies crunch cravings, and is relatively healthy compared to other snacks.
But sometimes a girl's gotta have more bold flavor, and that's where this Dill Pickle Popcorn recipe comes in.
If you love the tangy, zesty bite of pickles and the irresistible crunch of fresh popcorn, this dill pickle popcorn recipe is about to be your new favorite snack!
It's packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and way better than anything you’d find in a store.
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🌟 Why you will love this popcorn recipe
With a perfect balance of buttery richness, salty goodness, and that signature pickle tang, this homemade popcorn is a must-try for movie nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously different.
And, there are so many reasons why homemade popcorn beats store-bought microwave popcorn, hands down:
- No weird additives – Store-bought microwave popcorn often contains artificial flavors, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.
- Better flavor control – You get to decide how tangy, salty, or buttery your popcorn is.
- More cost-effective – You might think buying microwave popcorn is cheap, but actually, I always find that buying kernels in bulk is much cheaper than pre-packaged microwave bags.
- Fresher taste – Nothing beats the crunch of freshly popped kernels!
- No chemical-lined bags – Many microwave popcorn bags contain unwanted chemicals; homemade is the cleaner option.
🛒 Ingredient notes
- Unpopped popcorn kernels (white or yellow) – Freshly popped popcorn has a better texture and crunch compared to pre-popped or microwave varieties. I prefer to use white kernels when I make this recipe, as they tend to be more delicate. But you can also use yellow kernels, which are a bit sturdier and fluffier.
- Coconut oil – A high-smoke-point oil that gives the popcorn a light, buttery flavor while helping it pop to perfection.
- Melted butter – Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to every kernel. I use my favorite plant-based butter, which tastes just as great as regular butter.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors while keeping the saltiness balanced.
- Dill pickle juice – The secret ingredient that gives this popcorn its signature tangy kick! Make sure you are using juice from a jar of pickles that you really enjoy, since that's the flavor that you'll taste in the popcorn.
- Chopped fresh dill or dried dill – Brings in that classic, fresh, herby pickle taste.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – These add a savory depth, making the popcorn taste like the best parts of a dill pickle.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
I've included step-by-step photos here to show you how easy it is to make this cill pickle popcorn at home. You'll find the full ingredients with measurements and more detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium-hight heat.
- Add the popcorn kernels and swirl them around a bit to get coated in the coconut oil. Cover. I like to use a clear cover, which makes it easy for you to see when the popcorn has all popped so you don't under-cook or over-cook the popcorn.
3. Allow the popcorn to pop up, and once the popping slows down, turn off the heat. Remove the cover and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Try to take out any remaining unpopped kernels if you can.
4. Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and immediately toss to coat the popcorn.
5. Pour the pickle juice over the popcorn and mix all together.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the seasoning ingredients.
7. Sprinkle the seasoning over the popcorn.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Nope! Tossing it with melted butter first helps distribute the pickle juice evenly without making it soggy. Be sure to toss the popcorn well after you add the butter, and then again immediately after you add the pickle juice. But like all popcorn, the longer it sits out, the less crispy and crunchy it will be.
Absolutely! Use extra coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead of regular butter.
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
While this popcorn is definitely best eaten fresh right after it's made, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure that the lid is locked in tightly to maintain freshness.
🍽 Serving ideas
This is the perfect food to snack on almost any night of the week! Here are some serving ideas for fun ways to enjoy this dill pickle popcorn.
- Movie night – A fun, flavorful alternative to plain popcorn.
- Game night – A unique snack that keeps everyone reaching for more.
- Picnic snack – Easy to pack and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
- Party appetizer – Serve in bowls or individual bags for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Lunchbox addition – A crunchy, savory snack for work or school. Be sure to store it in resealable ziplock bags that are well shut or airtight containers.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
Wine pairings for popcorn? You betcha! Here are two that I love:
- Sauvignon blanc – The crisp acidity and citrusy notes complement the tangy dill flavors beautifully.
- Sparkling wine – A light, bubbly option that cleanses the palate between bites.
And if you are a true dill pickle fan, then my Dill Pickle Martini recipe is the ultimate match for this popcorn! The briny, pickle-forward flavors in both the cocktail and the popcorn enhance each other in the best way possible.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- Large pot with a clear lid – For popping the kernels to perfection.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the popcorn and evenly distributing the seasonings.
- Mixing bowl – To toss the popcorn with the butter, pickle juice, and seasonings.
- Measuring spoons – To get the perfect balance of flavors.
- Airtight container (optional) – If you want to save some for later.
More popcorn recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Dill Pickle Popcorn
Equipment
- 1 large pot to pop popcorn
- 1 medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Popcorn
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil (measure in solid form)
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dill, garlic powder, onion powder, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the coconut oil. Allow the oil to melt, and one you start hearing the oil sizzle a bit, slowly add the popcorn kernels. Stir the kernels into the melted coconut oil to coat them, then cover the pot and allow the kernels to pop into popcorn.
- Once most of the kernels have popped, turn off the heat and transfer the popped popcorn into a large bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and toss gently to coat.
- Pour the pickle juice over the popcorn and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the popcorn, toss to coat, then serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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