Popcorn is a popular snack that can be paired with a variety of foods and flavors. In this article, we will explore some of the best food options to eat with popcorn that enhance the flavor and provide a more complete snacking experience.
Salty Snacks
Salted popcorn is a classic for a reason – the saltiness perfectly complements the popcorn’s crunch. However, you can expand on that salty flavor in a few ways:
- Nuts – Peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc add protein and crunch.
- Pretzels – The salty flavor matches perfectly with popcorn.
- Potato chips – Look for kettle chips or other gourmet potato chips to level up the saltiness.
- Crackers – Saltine crackers or pita chips crumbled on top provide a crispy, salty addition.
Cheese Pairings
Cheese is another no-brainer pairing for popcorn. The creaminess and savoriness balances the light crispness of the popcorn beautifully. Some cheese options to try:
- Cheddar – Classic sharp cheddar or white cheddar powder/crisps.
- Parmesan – Fresh grated parmesan or crispy panko-parmesan crumbles.
- Nacho cheese – Nacho cheese sauce or powder for an indulgent movie theater vibe.
- Queso – For a Tex-Mex twist, dip your popcorn in creamy queso.
Sweet Additions
Popcorn also pairs well with some sweet flavors and can satisfy a craving for something salty and sweet. Some sweet ideas:
- Chocolate – Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn or dip in chocolate sauce.
- Caramel – Swirl on caramel sauce or dip individual pops in melted caramel.
- Cocoa powder – Lightly dust popcorn in cocoa powder for a sweet chocolate taste.
- Powdered sugar – A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds just a hint of sweetness.
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts are a healthy way to jazz up your popcorn snack. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the popcorn. Some fruit and nut topping ideas:
- Bananas – Sliced bananas add a tropical vibe.
- Strawberries – Diced strawberries lend a sweet freshness.
- Almonds – Slivered or sliced almonds provide crunch.
- Peanuts – Chopped peanuts give classic peanut butter flavors.
- Coconut – Dried coconut flakes provide texture and coconut essence.
Spicy and Savory Seasonings
Some spicy, savory seasonings can also enhance popcorn’s flavor profile. Consider these options:
- Parmesan and garlic powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Onion and chili powder
- Cinnamon and sugar
- Ranch seasoning
Start with just a dash of seasoning and adjust to your taste preference. Spices can quickly become overpowering on light popcorn.
Creative Flavor Combos
You can also get creative with unorthodox popcorn pairings that offer intrigue and exciting new flavors. Some combos to try:
- Popcorn + hot sauce – Sriracha, Tabasco, or other hot sauces lend heat.
- Popcorn + lime and chili powder – Zesty, tangy flavor.
- Popcorn + sesame oil and furikake – For an Asian inspired taste.
- Popcorn + Everything Bagel seasoning – Great savory, oniony flavor.
- Popcorn + taco seasoning – Southwestern vibe with cumin and paprika.
Dips and Drizzles
Dips, dressings, and drizzles also complement popcorn’s crunch by adding creaminess and extra flavor. Some dips to serve alongside popcorn:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Queso
- Ranch dressing
You can also drizzle directly over popcorn while it’s hot for maximum coverage and absorption into the popcorn:
- Olive oil or truffle oil
- Melted butter
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Balsamic glaze
Meat and Seafood Toppings
Savory meats and seafood also pair surprisingly well with light, fluffy popcorn. The contrasts in texture and flavor make for an exciting snack. Some meat and seafood ideas:
- Bacon – Chopped crispy bacon bits.
- Prosciutto – Diced crispy prosciutto.
- Shrimp – Small cooked popcorn shrimp.
- Lobster – Chunks of lobster meat.
- Crab – Flaked crab meat, hot or cold.
- Smoked salmon – Go lox style with bites of smoked salmon.
Unexpected Ingredients
If you want to get really adventurous with your popcorn toppings, some wild and unexpected ingredients that can work include:
- Pickles – Diced pickles add sour contrast.
- Olives – Sliced or chopped olives provide savory umami pops.
- Kimchi – Spicy, funky kimchi livens things up.
- Miso paste – For an unexpected umami Japanese flavor.
- Curry powder – Hints of exotic curry spices.
Conclusion
Popcorn pairs well with an incredibly diverse array of ingredients and flavors. The light crispness of popcorn serves as the perfect base for both sweet and savory toppings. Feel free to get creative and use popcorn as a canvas to build your ideal snack combination. You really can’t go wrong pairing a variety of flavors and textures with this crunchy, customizable snack. With so many options, popcorn lovers will never get bored!