Who says popcorn is just for movie nights? We’re loving these creative takes on the classic snack with 10 Out of the Box Popcorn Ideas, brought to you by the Clif Family Culinary Team. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or simply craving a flavorful bite, these inventive popcorn recipes are sure to delight. Pair them with your favorite Clif Family wine, and you’ve got the perfect match for any occasion. Happy snacking!

Yield: 20-24 cups popped kernels

INGREDIENTS: 

3/4 cup popcorn kernels 

1/4 cup of cooking oil, or enough to lightly cover the base of your pot

DIRECTIONS:

1:To a medium-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid, add the popcorn kernels and oil. 

2. Place the pot over medium-high heat and heat until you start to hear kernels pop.

3. Using caution and oven mitts, gently shake the whole pot (with the lid on) over the heat to keep the kernels from sticking to the bottom. 

4. Continue to gently shake the pot until you can hear the kernels stop popping. Remove from heat and transfer the popped corn to a large mixing bowl.

Recipes by the Clif Family Culinary Team  

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

1 tsp cinnamon 

½ cup brown sugar 

2 tsp salt 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. 

2. Toss popcorn with melted butter or olive oil, followed by the dry seasonings. 

3. Toss to coat. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Chardonnay

INGREDIENTS:

 ½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

½ tsp liquid smoke to your melted butter or olive oil 

2 Tbsp brown sugar 

2 tsp salt

2 tsp smoked paprika 

1 tsp tomato powder 

¼ tsp cayenne 

¼ tsp finely ground black pepper 

½ tsp garlic powder 

½ tsp onion powder 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.

2. Drizzle popcorn with melted butter and liquid smoke mixture, followed by the dry seasonings. 

3. Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Gary's Improv Zinfandel

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

2 tsp salt 

1 tsp vinegar powder or 1 Tbsp distilled vinegar 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. 

2. Drizzle popcorn with melted butter followed by the dry seasonings. 

3. Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Rosé of Grenache

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup small-diced pancetta or bacon 

1 clove of garlic, bruised or gently smashed 

2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper 

½ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Reggiano 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add pancetta and a bruised garlic clove and render down until pancetta is crisp. 

2. Remove the garlic clove once it starts to get dark brown. 

3. Toss dry popcorn with the crispy pancetta, including the oil (rendered pancetta fat will replace melted butter or olive oil for this recipe). 

4. Sprinkle with black pepper and grated Pecorino to evenly coat. Serve while hot and enjoy. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Unoaked Chardonnay

INGREDIENTS:

 ½ cup butter

1 cup brown sugar 

¼ cup Clif Family Solar Grown™ Raw Honey 

1/8 tsp cream of tartar 

½ tsp baking soda 

1 tsp salt 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 200° F. 

2. Bring butter, brown sugar, cream of tartar, and salt to a boil on the stove. 

3. Boil mixture without stirring for 5 minutes, or if you have a candy thermometer, until mixture reaches 235° F. 

4. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the baking soda. Caution: The mixture will foam up quite a bit. 

5. Carefully pour over popcorn in a mixing bowl and use a spatula to fold and coat. 

6. Transfer coated popcorn to a sheet tray with a silicone mat. Bake caramel corn for about an hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so.  Cool and enjoy. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Malbec

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

2 tsp salt 

2 tsp cayenne (add to melted butter) 

1 tsp vinegar powder (or sub 1 Tbsp distilled vinegar). 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. 

2. Drizzle popcorn with melted butter followed by the dry seasonings. 

3. Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat. 

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Rte Blanc Sauvignon Blanc

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

¼ cup Vermont or Quebec maple syrup 

2 tsp salt 

DIRECTIONS: 

Add the maple syrup to the melted butter or olive oil and whisk to combine. 

Pour the syrup and butter mixture over the popped corn and sprinkle in the salt. 

Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat.

 SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family The Climber Red Blend

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

2 tsp sesame oil 

2 tsp soy sauce 

1 Tbsp brown sugar 

1 tsp garlic powder 

1 tsp onion powder 

1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, or sub red chili flakes) 

½ tsp ginger powder 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Add the sesame oil and soy sauce to the melted butter or olive oil and whisk to combine. 

2. In a separate small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. 

3. Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn and sprinkle in the dry ingredients. 

4. Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat.

 SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING:  Clif Family x Reyna Noriega Red Wine

INGREDIENTS: 

½ stick of melted butter or ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil 

½ tsp cinnamon 

½ tsp ground cardamom 

1/8 tsp ground clove 

1/8 tsp ground black pepper 

1/8 tsp ground allspice 

1 Tbsp brown sugar 

1 tsp salt 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. 

2. Drizzle popcorn with melted butter, followed by the dry seasonings. 

3. Toss or fold with a spatula to evenly coat.

 SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: Clif Family Viognier