Bacon Jalapeño Popcorn

A gourmet twist on classic popcorn featuring crispy applewood smoked bacon, spicy jalapeños, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This savory snack combines the perfect balance of heat, salt, and crunch.

6 servings

15 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•½ pound applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
•3 whole jalapeños, seeded and cut into thin rings
•3 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
•1 cup popcorn kernels
•¾ ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
•1 teaspoon kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

1.
Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy and browned and the fat has rendered, about 8 minutes. Add the jalapeños to the pot and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the jalapeños are charred. Line a plate with a paper towel and use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and jalapeños to the plate. Set aside.
10 min
2.
Add the olive oil to the pot and increase the heat to high. Add the popcorn kernels and toss well to coat them in the oil. Spread the kernels evenly on the bottom of the pot, then cover the pot with the lid. When the first kernels start to pop, very slightly uncover the pot. Shake the pot back and forth directly over the heat. Cook until the kernels stop popping, 2 to 3 minutes.
3 min
3.
Remove the pot from the heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Add the reserved bacon and jalapeños, the Parmesan, and the salt. Toss well to mix. Serve warm.
2 min

Cooking Instructions

Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy and browned and the fat has rendered, about 8 minutes. Add the jalapeños to the pot and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the jalapeños are charred. Line a plate with a paper towel and use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and jalapeños to the plate. Set aside.

10 min

Add the olive oil to the pot and increase the heat to high. Add the popcorn kernels and toss well to coat them in the oil. Spread the kernels evenly on the bottom of the pot, then cover the pot with the lid. When the first kernels start to pop, very slightly uncover the pot. Shake the pot back and forth directly over the heat. Cook until the kernels stop popping, 2 to 3 minutes.

3 min

Remove the pot from the heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Add the reserved bacon and jalapeños, the Parmesan, and the salt. Toss well to mix. Serve warm.

2 min