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Mastering Microwave Popcorn

No more burned popcorn!

Many of us have experienced the smell of a bag of microwave popcorn that has just crossed the line from buttery to burnt.  We have a few tips to make your microwave popcorn pop perfectly every time.


Know your Microwave. It may take a couple of bags to get the timing down just right. Even though your microwave may have a popcorn setting, think of it as a starting point and adjust the time from there.

Read the Bag. The bag actually contains valuable instructions. It is especially important to place the proper side facing down in the microwave so that it inflates.

Stay Put. Stand next to the microwave for the entire time it takes for the popcorn to cook.

Slow Down, Pops. Stop the microwave and remove the bag as soon as the popping slows down noticeably. One to 3 seconds is recommended, but if you smell something burning…

Open Up. Although you are curious as to how full the bag is, do not put your face or fingers anywhere near the opening as there will be a cloud of hot steam which can burn you.

Make your own microwave popcorn with this recipe:

Comments
sanderson 
Oct. 21, 2010 2:43 pm
No matter what kind of popcorn I buy the bag never pops fully. Otherwise it just burns. I spend more monney on burnet or unpoped kernnels. please give a tired mother of 4 some help please!!!!
 
Aliboo 
Nov. 7, 2010 4:05 pm
I have been making my own microwave popcorn for a long time. I use a brown paper lunch bag and measure in 3 tablespoons of loose popcorn(I like yellow best) I roll the top closed one or two folds and set it upright in the microwave. 1 min 35 seconds seems to be just the right amount of time, sometimes the bag topples over and it seems to work even better when that happens! There may be a few unpopped kernals but you still get a good amount of popcorn. I lightly mist it with nonstick spray and dust it with extra fine salt, no butter needed and only 90 calories!!! enjoy
 
sapphire55 
Apr. 7, 2011 1:14 pm
Hi Sanderson, How I popped my microwave no matter what, I start my microwave at 5 minutes and stop it at 2min. and 40 seconds, perfect every time. now I just use orville redenbacher's in a thick pot and I use one of those flat screens that go on top of skillets and pots to stop the splash,it's so perfect for popping corn with a little oil of course, try it no shaking involved over medium heat. Good-Bye
 
lizaahw 
Mar. 3, 2012 7:54 pm
I wish I'd tried this years ago, when I first heard plain old fashioned popcorn could be popped this way. It worked great! Great for anyone trying to reduce sodium use.
 
 

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