21 Gourmet Popcorn Recipes for a Party (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Kid-Friendly

Whether you need an easy make-and-take treat or something to munch on while you watch Netflix, our gourmet popcorn recipes will have you snacking in no time.

Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn

When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Make sure you know how to make popcorn on the stove!

Easy White Chocolate Party Mix

I get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combination of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is spectacular for parties and for gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri

Courtside Caramel Corn

My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona

Parmesan Ranch Popcorn

Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Striped Chocolate Popcorn

For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin

Gingerbread Caramel Crunch

If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia

Nacho Popcorn

My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota

Ranch Popcorn

What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Marshmallow-Peanut Popcorn

My brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Peanut Butter Lover's Popcorn

A fun way to jazz up popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Peppermint Popcorn

Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio

Chocolate-Mint Popcorn

I wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia

Buffalo Ranch Popcorn

This zippy blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school treat. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin

Halloween Snack Mix

Here is a simple snack mix I created on the spur of the moment. It's easy to toss together for a Halloween party or to package in individual bags for a fall bake sale. —Barbara Roberts, Middleton, Wisconsin

Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn

Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Peanut Caramel Corn

A sweet, crunchy, lighter alternative to traditional caramel corn, this can’t-stop-eatin’-it treat won’t stick to fingers or teeth! It’s wonderful for gifts, too. —Lois Ward, Puslinch, Ontario

Sweet-Tooth Popcorn

I like to be creative with this popcorn recipe and add different things to make it festive for the holidays. Everyone says the sweet and salty taste is addicting. —Daynna Puckett, Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Maple Crunch Popcorn

For a snack that's sure to bring smiles, try this medley of popcorn and pecans covered in a sweet and buttery coating.—Elmira Trombetti, Paducah, Kentucky

My daughter and I enjoy baking and cooking together, and this recipe is one my daughter can help make and then share at school.—Kim Shireman, Searcy, Arkansas

Ellie has spent almost 20 years writing and editing food and lifestyle content for several well-known publishers. As Taste of Home's content director, she leads the team of editors sharing tasty recipes, cooking tips and entertaining ideas. Since joining Taste of Home 13 years ago, she has held roles in digital and print, editing cookbooks, curating special interest publications, running magazines, starring in cooking and cleaning videos, working with the Community Cooks and even handing out cookies and cocoa at local holiday events. Gluten- and dairy-free since 2017, she’s a staff go-to on allergy-friendly foods that actually taste good.If she's not in her plant-filled office, find Ellie in her family’s urban veggie garden, in the kitchen trying new GF/DF recipes or at a local hockey rink, cheering on her spouse or third grader.