9 Creative New Ways To Eat Popcorn

Whether you are searching for the perfect snack for movie-watching, want a little something to power you through studying, or you're just trying to channel Olivia Pope, popcorn makes a fiber-rich, delicious treat, albeit one that can, let's be honest, feel a little boring after a while. So don't just settle for the microwave version, OK? It's time to mix things up. With a couple minor adjustments, those light, crunchy kernels can be transformed into a totally gourmet snack that's still relatively healthy for you, too. When you make it at home, this is one snack that won't leave you feeling bogged down afterwards, not to mention it's incredibly easy to make, no matter how you fancy it up.

So step away from the incredibly artificially-flavored movie theater stuff, and treat your taste buds to something a lot less processed, yet way more tasty. The possibilities for dressing up your popcorn are endless, and whether you're a spicy food connoisseur or have an unbeatable sweet tooth, you are sure to find a combination of flavors that will hit the spot every single time. Test out these nine hacks for making your popcorn even more delicious, and you'll never crave pre-made again.

1. POP IT ON THE STOVE

For a little bit of added flavor, pop your corn on the stove. Just cover the bottom of a pot with kernels, top with enough oil like canola or vegetable to coat each kernel, and turn on the burner. Once the corn starts popping, put a lid on the pot and shake it around every few seconds to ensure every piece is popped. You can even make it with healthy coconut oil.

2. ADD A LITTLE SWEETNESS

For a county fair twist, give your snack a kettle corn taste by topping it with sugar and salt.

3. MELT ON THE BUTTER

Forget about the artificial stuff — a pat of butter adds all the flavor you need.

4. SPICE IT UP

Experiment with different spices to give your popcorn a different taste. Some interesting combinations include: cumin and chili powder, garlic powder and rosemary, and cinnamon and cloves.

5. SAY CHEESE

A sprinkle of parmesan makes your popcorn a bit more substantial.

6. TOSS IN SOME MIX-INS

Adding nuts and candies into your popcorn gives it the taste of a healthier trail mix.

7. HEAT THINGS UP

Squeeze on the hot sauce for a snack that will hit your taste buds out of the park.

8. DRIZZLE ON THE GOODNESS

Melted chocolate and caramel instantly transform a bowl of popcorn into a sweet tooth's dream.

9. MAKE IT A DESSERT

Marshmallow cream is the perfect base for molding popcorn into a yummy dessert, like these to-die-for popcorn balls. For an extra sweet twist, check out A Beautiful Mess' candy-addled version of this classic treat.

Images: Veggie Frog, lisaclarke, Chris Campbell, Austin Appel, Bertalan Szürös, sirmichael, annieseats, Flood G., LittleRedKitchen, PersonalCreations , newwavegurly/Flickr