15 Minute Back to School Recipe: BBQ Popcorn

Updated February 29, 2020

A Little Lunchbox Fun!

Today, I was asking Olivia, my 7 year old daughter, what she would like in her lunchbox tomorrow.

She nonchalantly said, "Whatever you think..."

I replied, "No, I really want to make something you'll like. What's something fun you'd like to eat?"

So, she and I talked about lots of different foods and finally we stumbled across popcorn.

If you follow my Instagram, you'll know that almost every Friday night we have a movie night and I make popcorn, a cheese pizza and a BBQ Chicken pizza. It's such a fun time to hang out with the family and we all love to snack on popcorn during the movie.

So, when I suggested making a new flavor of popcorn, Olivia's ears perked up!

"Why not combine a couple of our favorite flavors, and make BBQ Popcorn?!"

A True Mother-Daughter Collaboration

It was so cool to have Olivia in the kitchen with me as we figured out a recipe for this awesome BBQ popcorn! She and I taste-tested various ingredient combinations before we finally settled on this recipe.

I loved seeing how much she wanted to help figure out how to make this the most flavorful popcorn it could be. And let me tell you, she has great taste buds! Olivia had awesome suggestions to emphasize the BBQ flavor, which ended up making an absolutely delicious popcorn. #proudmom

After we made a batch of this BBQ Popcorn, Olivia and her brothers DEVOURED it. And when I say DEVOURED, I really mean it! They were literally huddled around the bowl fighting over if someone took too much popcorn in one handful LOL! They could not stop eating it!

Full of flavor

This BBQ Popcorn is super simple to make. Just one pot and 10 minutes later, you have hot popcorn ready to be eaten!

The seasoning is also super easy to make too. It's only 3 ingredients and you can flavor your whole batch of popcorn with the irresistible smoky, sweet BBQ flavor.

You can use your favorite BBQ sauce and BBQ seasoning in this recipe to really make it your own. We are big fans of Head Country BBQ Sauce so that is what I used, but any BBQ sauce should work.

I also make my own BBQ seasoning. We had been using this seasoning for when we smoke brisket or chicken, so I had some on hand. But please use whatever is your fave BBQ seasoning!

I think you'll be surprised at how flavorful this popcorn is with only 4 ingredients. It is definitely one of those awesome snacks to have in a school lunchbox or as a scrumptious snack.

I hope you give this recipe a try! If you do, make sure to snap a photo and tag me on social. Tag me nourish_with_renata on IG or Facebook. I'd love to see what you make!

Essential Kitchen Tools

Here are a few of my recommended essential kitchen tools to make this recipe.

*Note that the links below are affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission, at no extra charge to you, if you choose to purchase through these links. If you do choose to purchase through these links, thank you for supporting my business!

Stainless steel stock pot with lid

Large serving spoon

And here is Olivia's lunchbox, the Yumbox! It is such a great lunchbox and I highly recommend it. It keeps the food separated which I think helps the food look more aesthetic for the kiddos and they eat more of their lunch because of it. Check out the Yumbox here!

BBQ Popcorn

A super flavorful and fun popcorn! Perfect for snack time or in lunch boxes.

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tbsp butter, (melted)
• 1 tbsp BBQ Sauce, (your fave )
• 1/2 tsp BBQ seasoning, (your fave )
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot, add the oil and heat over a medium high heat.

2. Add in the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid (glass is preferable so you can see the popcorn pop). Let the popcorn kernels pop to create popcorn. Periodically shake the pot to prevent burning.

3. When the popping slows to once every 4 seconds, turn off the heat and take the lid off the pot.

4. While the popcorn is popping, make the seasoned butter by mixing the melted butter, BBQ sauce and BBQ seasoning.

5. Pour seasoned butter into the popcorn pot and toss together thoroughly.

6. Serve popcorn straight away.

Store any leftovers in a resealable bag for up to 1 week.