Popcorn is one of those timeless snacks—simple, yet endlessly versatile. Who would’ve thought it could fit into a keto lifestyle, right? Well, it can, and these recipes are here to prove it—popping with flavor and creativity, like a culinary twist on your favorite Netflix binge companion.
Steps
- Prepare the Cheese: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cheese into 1/4-inch cubes, lay them on the sheet, and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow the cheese to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Bake the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 200C/400F. Transfer the dried cheese cubes onto a new parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 5-7 minutes until they puff up.
- Cool and Season: After baking, cool the popcorn completely. Use a paper towel to dab away any extra oil, then toss the popcorn with your preferred seasonings before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese from a block, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I use any type of cheese to make keto popcorn?
- Yes, you can use any cheese that comes from a block. Cheddar is recommended for its mild flavor, but other cheeses like gouda, Colby Jack, or sharp cheddar work well too. Avoid using mozzarella as it doesn’t produce the desired texture.
- How long should the cheese dry out before baking?
- Ideally, the cheese should dry for at least 24 hours, but allowing it to dry for up to 72 hours can improve the texture and consistency of the popcorn.
- How do I store keto popcorn?
- You can keep the leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. If you wish to freeze it, store the popcorn in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months to prevent moisture from seeping in.
- Is Skinny Pop popcorn suitable for a keto diet?
- Skinny Pop popcorn can be consumed on a keto diet in moderation. An entire bag contains about 7 grams of net carbs, so it’s important to monitor portion sizes.
- What are some flavor variations I can try with keto popcorn?
- You can experiment with various flavors such as kettle corn by adding salt and keto sweetener, salted caramel using keto caramel sauce and cinnamon, or parmesan garlic with parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
Tips
- Plan ahead for optimal texture. Allow the cheese to dry out for at least 24 hours, or ideally up to 72 hours, to achieve the best possible consistency and crunch.
- Monitor baking time closely. Keep a close watch on the cheese in the oven, as overcooking by just a few minutes can cause the puffs to deflate. Remove them promptly once they have puffed up.
- Cool before seasoning. Ensure the cheese puffs have completely cooled down before adding any seasonings to help them maintain their texture and absorb flavors better.
- Experiment with flavors. Customize your keto popcorn by trying different seasoning combinations like ranch, parmesan garlic, or even a sweet option with keto powdered sugar for a kettle corn effect.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
