Making popcorn in a Le Creuset Dutch Oven is one of the easiest and best ways to make delicious hot popcorn at home. Our Dutch Ovens are constructed from sturdy enameled cast iron to help ensure that the kernels do not burn, while the excellent heat retention of cast iron produces consistent and even radiant heat to quickly and evenly pop the kernels. With a tight-fitting lid, the popping kernels are kept in the pot and our iconic colorful enamel colors are perfect for both elegant and fun stove to table (or couch) serving.
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How to Make Dutch Oven Popcorn
Note that the basic Dutch Oven popcorn recipe is best suited for a 4 1/2 qt. Dutch Oven, but virtually any size can be used. And the recipe can easily be scaled up or down to feed a few or the whole gang. You will never go back to microwave popcorn again.
- Add 3 tablespoons oil to a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Any kind of high-heat oil works here, but we recommend vegetable, canola, avocado or coconut oil.
- Drop 3 test kernels in the oil, cover with the lid, and wait until you hear the kernels pop. Take off the lid and carefully remove the test kernels once popped with a silicone spatula or skimmer. This ensures that your oil is hot enough for popping.
- Next add 1/3 cup kernels, cover, and shake the Dutch Oven occasionally to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to medium-low when you hear the kernels start to pop rapidly, and remove the pot from the heat when the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops.
- Toss the finished popcorn with toppings like salt, butter, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, garlic salt, or other seasonings. See below for some of our favorite seasoning combination ideas. Or go all out with this recipe for Salted Caramel Corn from Clara Jane.
- Pro tip: To melt the butter, simply pour the popcorn into a large bowl (like the Iris Collection Serving Bowl) after popping, and add the butter to the still-warm Dutch Oven. The radiant heat will melt the butter in no time without the hassle of dirtying another dish.
- For every 1/3 cup of kernels, you will need about 3-4 tablespoons of butter for perfectly coated buttery popcorn. We like to use unsalted butter so that you can add salt or seasonings to taste.
Popcorn Seasoning Combinations
To amp up the flavor and sophistication of classic buttered popcorn, try adding herbs and seasonings to the melted butter. Feel free to choose your own signature seasoning blend or choose one of our suggested combinations below.
- The Classic — Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Buffalo Ranch — Add 1 packet ranch seasoning and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Super Cheddar — Add 1 cheese packet from boxed macaroni and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Cacio e Pepe — Add 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese and 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- Herb — Add 2 tablespoons dried herbs (such as Italian Blend or Herbes de Provence) and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
