Growing up, anytime I visited my great grandmother, she always served her favorite snack—a big bowl of stovetop popcorn and a glass of iced tea. Now, it's my favorite snack. Sure, it takes a little bit longer, but the stovetop method eliminates the need for food additives and puts you in charge. Once you learn the basic method for cooking popcorn on the stove, you can go classic buttered, load it with seasoning and popcorn toppings, or find a creative popcorn recipe. Maybe all you know is the convenience of microwave popcorn. It certainly has its time and place, but the classic stovetop popcorn method allows for complete customization and requires minimal ingredients and tools. All you need to make homemade stovetop popcorn is popcorn kernels, oil, and a saucepan with a lid.

Stovetop Popcorn Supplies

Here are the things you'll need to gather to start poppin'.

• Pot with Lid: Grab your best large, heavy-bottom pot, at least 4- to 5-quarts in size. You'll need to shake it, so a pot with handles is ideal.
• Popcorn Kernels: Yellow popcorn kernels are the most common variety, but any popping kernels you find at the store will work.
• Cooking Oil: Reach for an oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or avocado. Movie theaters often use coconut oil.
• Butter: Technically it's optional, but a little melted butter makes it taste so good.
  

Popcorn Kernels Yield

Here's some basic stovetop popcorn math: ½ cup popcorn kernels will make about 10 cups of popped popcorn.