Popcorn is a delicious snack that is made in many fashions, from air-popped with just salt and butter, to buttery flavored microwave bags, to caramelized with sugar on the stove.
There are even recipes for double or triple-decker popcorn balls, which can be eaten as a tasty treat or given as a gift.
While it’s easy enough to pop a bag in the microwave when you crave some, have you ever wondered what to do with leftover kernels?
Here are some suggestions for using your leftover kernels.
Make popcorn balls
This classic holiday treat uses 1 part unpopped kernels/3 parts popped kernels.
Melt marshmallows and butter over low heat until fully melted.
Stir until well combined, and remove from heat.
Add sugars and stir until well combined.
Add peanuts or other ingredients as desired (nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes).
Popcorn cake
This recipe offers a fun and festive way to surprise your loved ones.
Use 1 cup unpopped kernels/2 cups popped kernels.
Combine popcorn with graham crackers into a bowl that will fit in your microwave, then mix together butter and brown sugar in another small bowl.
Melt the butter mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it becomes runny, stirring after each interval.
Pour over the top of the popcorn mixture and stir until well combined.
Microwave on high for three minutes or until crispy looking.
Remove from microwave by using potholders or oven mitts, as the bowl will be very hot.
Pour onto wax paper and cool for 5 minutes before trying to break apart.
Popcorn bread
Use ¾ cup unpopped kernels/1½ cups popped kernels combined with a standard bread recipe that calls for milk and an egg.
Cinnamon popcorn balls
Use 1 cup unpopped kernels/2 cups popped kernels mixed with 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ cup water.
Roll into balls and bake until crispy.
Tortilla popcorn chicken
Use 3 tablespoons of oil/butter per cup of popcorn kernels heated in a large skillet.
Cook kernels until they have popped, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 egg per cup of popcorn kernels, flour with seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder), and bread crumbs with seasonings.
Dip chicken pieces in mixture and fry until crispy.
What can I do with stale popcorn kernels?
You can put it in the oven to warm it up and make it crisp again.
Put popcorn on a baking sheet and put the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then take out. (source)
How long do popcorn kernels stay fresh?
Popcorn kernels stay fresh indefinitely if they are stored in a sealed container.
However, the quality of the popcorn may deteriorate over time.
The kernels may not pop as well, and they may be less fluffy than when you first bought them.
What do you call popcorn kernels that don’t pop?
People call them “spinsters” or “old maids.” (source)
Can you microwave popcorn kernels in a bowl?
Yes, but there are two different ways.
You can put the kernels in a glass bowl and put the lid on it.
Microwave for 4-5 minutes until it is done popping.
Or you could cook your kernels in a pot of oil or butter with salt and sugar. (source)
Can you re-pop unpopped popcorn kernels on the stove?
You can re-pop popcorn kernels, but you need to put them in a brown paper bag first.
You can re-pop the kernels either on the stove or using an air popper, but microwaves are best for it. (source)
How do you moisten popcorn kernels?
You can moisten popcorn kernels by adding water to them and putting them in a jar.
Shake the jar and let it sit for at least a day or up to 3 days.
The kernels will absorb the water and be more likely to pop when you cook them. (source)
Can I freeze popcorn kernels?
You can freeze popcorn kernels.
You might not like the taste of them once they are done because they also dry out while in the freezer.
They will be fresh if you put them in the freezer before popping them.
Can you sprout popcorn kernels?
Yes, you can.
Put them in a seed tray, soak them overnight, and put them in the sun. (source)
Can you microwave popcorn kernels without oil?
Yes, you can microwave popcorn kernels without oil.
Just place 1/3 cup kernels in a big enough microwave-safe bowl and cover with a microwave-safe plate.
Cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until the popping slows down.
Then uncover the bowl, season to taste, and enjoy. (source)
Why are my popcorn kernels small?
The kernels that you are using might be smaller because they are old.
When the kernel is old, some of the moisture escapes and it becomes harder to pop.
This is because the popping is caused by the explosion of the moisture inside the kernel.
What happens if you soak popcorn kernels in water?
You put the kernels in water, then after 10 minutes, you take them out.
Then you pop them like normal.
Wetter-popped corn is fluffier.
Can you vacuum seal popcorn kernels?
Yes, you can make homemade bags of popcorn by sealing the kernels in a vacuum bag.
This will keep bugs and other things away from your food for movie night. (source)
What if I boil popcorn kernels?
If you boil popcorn kernels, the hull will be weaker and it will take less pressure for the kernel to explode.
The boiling also makes the endosperm wetter, which means that there is no foam formed and the snack will be crunchy and chewy.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide to some of the many ways in which people are using popcorn kernels.
There may be more but these were just my favorites.
I hope this is helpful for those who need an idea of what to do with their leftover kernels or want to know how they can use them up even quicker next time they make popcorn.
Thank you so much for reading.