Are you ready to elevate your snacking game? Say goodbye to boring chips and hello to the irresistible crunch of Cheesy Kale Chip Popcorn! This delightful treat combines the light, airy goodness of freshly popped popcorn with the savory, cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast and the nutritious crunch of kale chips. Perfect for movie nights or a guilt-free afternoon snack, this gluten-free and vegan recipe will have everyone reaching for more. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll be savoring this unique blend of flavors in no time. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels
- Olive oil
- Kale chips
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
Instructions
- Begin by measuring out the popcorn kernels. For this recipe, you will need about 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels, which will yield approximately 4 servings once popped.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the pot has a lid, as this will help contain the heat and allow the popcorn to pop effectively.
- Once the oil is hot, add the popcorn kernels to the pot and cover it with the lid. Allow the kernels to pop, shaking the pot occasionally to prevent burning and to help the unpopped kernels reach the heat.
- After about 3-5 minutes, listen for the popping to slow down. Once there are about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
- Carefully remove the lid from the pot, watching out for any remaining hot kernels. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
- Next, add 1 cup of kale chips to the bowl of popcorn. You can either use store-bought kale chips or make your own by baking fresh kale leaves until crispy. If using homemade kale chips, ensure they are completely cooled before adding them to the popcorn.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast over the popcorn and kale chips. Nutritional yeast will give the popcorn a cheesy flavor, making it a perfect addition to this dish.
- Add salt to taste. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your preference. Toss the popcorn, kale chips, nutritional yeast, and salt together until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve the cheesy kale chip popcorn immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your gluten-free and vegan snack!
Tips
- Choose Quality Popcorn Kernels: Opt for high-quality, non-GMO popcorn kernels for the best popping results and flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the oil from burning. If the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat immediately.
- Shake it Up: Shake the pot occasionally while the kernels pop. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents any kernels from burning.
- Customize Your Kale Chips: If you’re making your own kale chips, experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick.
- Mix Well: When combining the popcorn, kale chips, and nutritional yeast, make sure to toss everything thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the Cheesy Kale Chip Popcorn immediately after making it. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
