Table of Contents
- Can you cook microwave popcorn in the oven?
- History of Popcorn
- Difference between microwave and regular popcorn
- How does the oven work?
- A guide to cooking microwave popcorn in the oven
- Basic steps to make caramelized popcorns
- Precautions while cooking microwave popcorn in the oven
- Tips to stop microwave popcorn from burning in the oven
- Related Questions
- Are popcorns healthy?
- How do I store popped popcorn?
- Is it better to cook popcorn on the stove or in the oven?
- Do I need oil to cook popcorn?
- In which country popcorns are consumed the most?
- Can I cook flavored popcorn in the oven?
- Is it bad to eat burnt popcorn?
- Can I cook un-popped kernels in the oven?
- What are the other names of popcorns?
- What is the best way to cook popcorn in the oven?
- Final Thoughts
Can you cook microwave popcorn in the oven?
Microwave popcorn is a popular snack, but can you cook it in the oven? The answer is both yes and no. Although it is advised to cook microwave popcorn only in the microwave, it can be cooked in the oven if handled carefully. y
This blog post has everything you need to know about cooking microwave popcorn in the oven.
Let’s get started!
History of Popcorn
Popcorn is a type of corn. In fact, the word “popcorn” is derived from the word “papantzin.” Papantzin was a Nahuatl (a group of people from Mesoamerica) goddess of maize and harvest.
In 16th-century America, colonists found that indigenous Americans used popcorn as decoration on ceremonial garments.
The first written account of popcorn dates back to the early 17th century. The Mayans and Aztecs were heating rocks and dropping in kernels of corn.
As you can imagine, it took a long time to heat the rocks and that’s why they needed something faster – enter: oil and then microwaves!
Microwave popcorn is a type of convenience food that became popular in the 1950s with the development of microwave ovens.
Difference between microwave and regular popcorn
Regular popcorn is heated with hot air while microwave popcorn is cooked by microwaves.
The process of the two types of popcorn differs greatly, which results in instant and regular popcorn having different textures. Microwave popcorn has a harder texture than regular popcorn because the moisture inside the kernels gets superheated and turns to steam when it touches the unpopped kernels.
The method of cooking also affects the number of calories that you get in your popcorn. Microwave popcorn contains more calories than regular popcorn because it is cooked with oil – some microwave popcorn contains up to 60% of its calories from fat. Yikes!
How does the oven work?
An oven is a device that absorbs heat in the form of electromagnetic radiation. It then transfers this heat into any object inside it.
This method of cooking can be compared to hot air popping corn kernels, which is why you can bake popcorn in an oven if you are careful enough!
A guide to cooking microwave popcorn in the oven
Follow these simple steps to make delicious and healthy oven-cooked microwave popcorn.
Get all the ingredients
Popcorn kernels (get organic for best results and flavor) Coconut oil (organic and raw is very important for quality!) Salt (optional – Himalayan salt is recommended)
Mix it up
Mix the ingredients making sure that each corn is coated with salt and oil.
Pu them on baking sheet
Spread out all of the popcorn on a baking sheet. Make sure to spread it evenly so none of the kernels are touching each other. You can also use a brown paper bag or a bowl with a lid instead of a baking sheet if you want.
Bake it
Remember! when cooking microwave popcorns in an oven, make sure to limit the baking time as the oven tends to create more heat than a microwave.
Bake the popcorn for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on it after 5 minutes to see if it’s started to pop and then give it a few more minutes if needed.
Oil & salt it up
When the popcorn has finished cooking, take oven mitts (the pan will be hot!) and dump the contents of the baking sheet back into a bowl or brown paper bag for mixing. Add more coconut oil if you want and some salt to taste.
Enjoy!
Once the popcorn is oiled and salted up, it’s ready to eat. So dig in and enjoy this healthy and delicious snack!
So there you have it – a simple guide on how to cook microwave popcorn in the oven. It’s a great way to make a healthy snack.
Basic steps to make caramelized popcorns
Melt butter
The first ingredient you need is butter. So microwave butter for half a minute or until it’s melted.
Add brown sugar
After that, add brown sugar to the butter and mix it together.
Put popped popcorn in a bowl
Then, put the popped popcorn in a bowl and pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over it. Be sure to coat all of the popcorn with the mixture.
Bake it
Put the bowl in the oven and bake it for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Take it out
Once it’s finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Devour!
Once it’s cooled down, you can devour your caramelized popcorn. Serves about 15 people.
Precautions while cooking microwave popcorn in the oven
There are a few things you should keep in mind while cooking popcorn in the microwave oven.
Don’t leave the oven unattended
Never leave the oven unattended – popcorn can easily burn and it only takes a few minutes to cook. Make sure to check on it often!
Handle oil and salt carefully
Be careful not to spill any oil or salt on the heating element in the oven. If you do, the oven could potentially start on fire.
Be careful with the oven
The oven can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them to a tee. If you’re not sure how to do something, ask an adult for help.
Never overcook
Corns are really sensitive so it’s important not to overcook them. They can go from being fluffy and light to being hard and chewy very quickly – so keep an eye on them!
The bottom line
Cooking microwave popcorn in the oven is a great way to make a healthy and delicious snack. It’s simple, easy, and doesn’t take long. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to enjoying some yummy popcorn!
Tips to stop microwave popcorn from burning in the oven
Burning popcorn is a very easy mistake to make – especially if you’re new to cooking. Whether it’s in the microwave or on the stove, there are a few simple steps you can take to stop your corn from burning.
Maintain oven temperature
For best results make sure that you maintain an even temperature throughout the cooking process. If the temperature is too low, the popcorn will take a long time to cook and could burn. And if it’s too high, it’ll cook much faster but you run the risk of burning it.
Listen closely when removing from the oven
Before removing it from your microwave or stovetop, listen carefully for any signs of popping. As soon as you hear the first pop, remove it from the oven. It’s all about timing!
Always use a lid
Using a brown paper bag or a bowl with a lid will help prevent popping corn from burning as there is less surface area for the kernels to burn on. This also helps prevent messes too!
Add oil
Adding oil to your popcorn will help it from sticking to the pot or pan and will also help to prevent it from burning. Coconut oil is a great option as it has a high smoke point.
Salt after cooking
Adding salt to your popcorn after cooking will also help to prevent it from burning. The salt will act as a barrier and will help to absorb any moisture.
So there you have it – a few simple tips to stop your popcorn from burning. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to cook up some delicious popcorn without any of the hassles!
Related Questions
Are popcorns healthy?
Yes, popcorns are a healthy snack. They’re a good source of fiber and contain antioxidants which can help protect against cancer and other diseases.
How do I store popped popcorn?
Storing popped popcorn is easy – just put it in an airtight container or bag and keep it in the fridge or freezer. It’ll last for up to a week in the fridge or up to two months in the freezer.
Is it better to cook popcorn on the stove or in the oven?
There are benefits of cooking popcorn on both the stove and in the oven. For example, on the stove, you can easily monitor the corn as it cooks but you might end up with some burnt kernels if you’re not careful.
Do I need oil to cook popcorn?
No, you don’t need oil to cook popcorn but it can help prevent the corn from sticking to the pot or pan and from burning. Coconut oil is a good option as it has a high smoke point.
In which country popcorns are consumed the most?
The United States consumes the most popcorns in the world. India and China are also big consumers of popcorns.
Can I cook flavored popcorn in the oven?
Yes, you can cook flavored popcorn in the oven. Just be sure to use a recipe that doesn’t require any additional oil or butter.
Is it bad to eat burnt popcorn?
Yes, it is bad to eat burnt popcorn. Burnt popcorn can contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens which may be harmful to your health.
Can I cook un-popped kernels in the oven?
No, you should not cook un-popped kernels in the oven as they may explode and cause a fire.
What are the other names of popcorns?
The name popcorns can be given to all items that are used for making popcorn such as corn kernels, sweet corn, sorghum, and maize.
What is the best way to cook popcorn in the oven?
The best way to cook popcorn in the oven is by using a brown paper bag and placing the oil and popped corn inside it.
Final Thoughts
In summary, it’s quite easy to cook microwave popcorns in the microwave if you know are aware of oven temperature and timing.
Popcorns are healthy snacks. They’re a good source of fiber and contain antioxidants which can help protect against cancer and other diseases.
So next time you invite our friends to the movie night, don’t forget to cook some popcorns in the oven!
Happy Cooking!
