Nothing brings the relaxed, casual vibes like popcorn when you’re hosting. But for your next pool party, elevate the snack with this simple sun-dried tomato butter, parmesan, and oregano-forward spice mix that makes this tasty popcorn taste just like your favorite pizza! It’s so good and always disappears in a snap!
Pizzeria Popcorn
On those hot summer days, hosting can become a chore with a fussy approach. Keeping dishes warm and cold dishes cold–it all adds an extra layer of planning to a party that can easily become overwhelming. That’s why I like to focus on simple party food for a pool party that’s elevated with flavors and attention to detail. A simple spread of crowdpleasers like roll ups, popcorn, and Chex mix keep an afternoon by the pool stress free while still allowing me to have fun delivering memorable flavors to friends.
My Pizzeria Popcorn is so much fun to dream up, make, serve, and to eat! Popcorn is always a crowd pleaser–everyone loves it and there’s something nostalgic about it that takes me back to movie nights as a kid. It’s perfect poolside because you serve it at room temperature and everyone can just enjoy a handful in their own bowl.
Giving this popcorn a pizzeria spin makes it really special and irresistible. I start with plain popcorn and then dress it up with a bit of melted butter and sun dried tomato oil. This is just enough butter to give it that buttery crust flavor without drenching it. Then I mix up a spice mix that’s heavy on both parmesan cheese and oregano. Those two flavors together really sell the flavor of a pizzeria when balanced out with basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flake. Add a hit of salt, and you have this delicious snack that’s really satisfying when you’re taking a break from lounging in the pool.
This Pizzeria Popcorn is a wonderful treat all year long and would be perfect for any movie night or by the fire in the winter time. But there’s something about it, balanced in a bowl on a hot summer day by the pool with friends that really feels extra special.
Pizzeria Popcorn
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed 3 quart pot with a lid. Add 3 kernels and move them around the pan. Once they have popped, the oil is hot enough to add the rest of the kernels to the pan. Place the lid on top. Holding the lid on the pan, shake every so often to keep the kernels from burning. Once the popping slows down to 3 seconds, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the lid (there will be steam), and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt butter and mix in the sun-dried tomato oil. Pour over popcorn and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix together parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flake, and salt. Sprinkle over the popcorn and toss well. Divide into bowls, serve, and enjoy!
Hosting Notes
- The popcorn can be made up to two days in advance and kept in an airtight container so it’s ready for party time.
- I like to serve this in a variety of different bowls, usually in the same color family. It adds to the whimsical fun of the popcorn.
- If you’d like to, try adding some mix-ins here. I like crisped up pepperoni or pancetta, diced pepperoncini, basil ribbons, or diced sun-dried tomatoes for a little something unexpected. Or toss the popcorn with parmesan cheese crisps for another layer of parm in the popcorn.
- For popcorn that’s extra crispy, allow some of the steam to escape when popping. I find keeping the lid on the pot the entire time can make the popcorn a bit wet from the steam and oil.
- This popcorn is a crowdpleaser any time of year. Try serving it at your next Oscar party or adding it for a picnic or school lunch. If you’re serving to kids, they go crazy for added pepperoni here.
Relaxed Hosting for Hot Days
This satisfying pizzeria popcorn is extra fun to enjoy poolside with a tropical drink in hand. I like to serve it as part of my elegant pool party spread, which includes turkey and ricotta roll ups, frozen sparkling grapes, and a sweet strawberry lemonade ricotta cake for dessert.
I think this unexpected popcorn is a welcome addition to a trio or unexpected pizzas, so try adding it to my Summer Backyard Pizza Party Menu. That menu features delicious, unique pizzas like a potato and rosemary one, a grilled pizza with shrimp and pistachio pesto, and a strawberry churro pizza for dessert. Or try it on movie night with a bowl of my Slowcooker White Chicken Chili with Brie for extra relaxed hosting.
Summer is the perfect time for a relaxed vibe and a laid back but memorable snack. Pizzeria Popcorn is inviting, fun, and keeps the good vibes flowing at your next summer party.
