How to Make Popcorn 10x Better, According to Martha Stewart

Popcorn is one of my all-time favorite snacks, especially now that I have to eat gluten-free. It's a quick way to fill me up without having to worry about what's in it. Whether it's buttery movie theater-style, kettle corn or drizzled in chocolate, I can never say no to a fresh, crunchy batch.

But if there's one person I trust to take popcorn to the next level, it's Martha Stewart. Of course, she’s not just throwing a bag in the microwave. Martha would never!

Her Firehouse Popcorn, which was shared on Instagram (@marthastewart) is a flavor-packed, spicy and savory delight that makes regular popcorn seem, well, a little basic. With a bold mix of jalapeño and turmeric, it’s the kind of snack that keeps you reaching for more.

Related: The Genius Way to Make Popcorn 10x Better

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How to Make Martha Stewart's Firehouse Popcorn

What makes Firehouse Popcorn stand out is its balance of spice and warmth. I love spicy foods, so this is right up my alley! It's also so fun to see this throwback video from an old Martha show where a group of firemen show up on set to try this spicy snack.

The recipe uses classic stovetop popcorn, fresh jalapenos and turmeric. Turmeric has an earthy, slightly peppery taste that pairs wonderfully with the bright, fiery flavor of the jalapeños.

To make this popcorn, just dice some jalapeños, cook them in vegetable oil in a deep pot, and then remove the jalapeños (or leave them if you want some more flavor and crunch). Add the turmeric to the oil and then pour in the popcorn kernels. Martha said she likes to stir the kernels around to coat them in the turmeric.

Once your kernels are seasoned, place a lid on the pot and listen for the pops! Once it's done, you have a spicy, earthy, flavorful popcorn that's hard to beat.

You can also use jalapeño powder. This will bring less heat than real jalapenos, but it allows you to control how much spice you want to add without overpowering the natural crunch of the popcorn.

To round everything out, I would add a little butter (because butter makes everything better) and a sprinkle of salt to ensure that each bite is as satisfying as the last.

Related: We Just Discovered the Coolest Way to Eat Popcorn

A Snack Worth Making from Scratch

As much as I love the convenience of bagged or microwave popcorn, there's something special about making it on the stovetop. Not only does it taste fresher, but it also lets you control the flavors that you want with your popcorn. Martha’s Firehouse Popcorn proves that seasoning is everything, and it shows that you can add fresh ingredients to give your popcorn an elevated feel and taste.

Plus, it’s an easy way to impress guests—imagine serving up a big bowl of this at a movie night or game day gathering. Instant snack cred!

If you want to make this at home, you can experiment with different levels of spice by adjusting the number of jalapeños (or jalapeño powder) you use. You can also try mixing in some smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. For a jalapeño popper vibe, add some cheddar cheese powder to the mix or freshen things up with some finely grated lime zest. The key is making sure every kernel gets evenly coated so you get that bold taste throughout the bowl.

At this point, I might have to start keeping more jalapeños and some turmeric seasoning on hand just for my popcorn cravings because when Martha Stewart gives us a popcorn recipe, we listen.

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