Bacon Cheeseburger Popcorn
Bacon Cheeseburger Popcorn combines two tailgate classics into one irresistible snack, blending savory cheeseburger spices, crispy bacon, and ground beef with a mix of cheese and dill pickle popcorn. It’s the perfect hearty, crunchy treat to elevate your game day spread or homegate celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 4 ounces ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels, unpopped
- 3 tablespoons cheese powder
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle powder
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon and ground beef for 8-10 minutes, or until the fat renders and the mixture is golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat, combine the vegetable oil and reserved bacon fat. Add the popcorn kernels, stir to coat, then spread in an even layer and cover with a lid.
- Shaking the saucepan, cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the popcorn starts to pop, then shake less frequently, at about 2-second intervals, until the popping sounds have almost stopped. Remove from heat.
- Safely open the lid and transfer half the popcorn to a large popcorn bowl; toss with the cheese powder.
- Toss the remaining popcorn in the saucepan with the dill pickle powder, then transfer it to the large bowl with the cheese popcorn.
- Add the bacon and beef mixture along with the reserved spice blend; toss to combine. Garnish with sliced green onion.
Cook’s Notes
For an extra beefy flavor, sprinkle the popped popcorn with 1/4 teaspoon beef bouillon powder or steak spice. Cooking the bacon and beef together low and slow renders plenty of flavorful fat, which is key to seasoning the popcorn richly.
Ingredient Swaps
Add a spicy kick with a zesty popcorn seasoning if you like heat, or make the popcorn extra-cheesy by tossing in 1/2 cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese after popping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this popcorn in a big shared bowl alongside other tailgate favorites like sliders, wings, or a cold beer for the ultimate game day spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; note that the texture is best enjoyed fresh, as the bacon and cheese powders can soften the popcorn over time. Reheating is not recommended, as it can make the popcorn chewy rather than crisp.
Common Questions
Can I make Bacon Cheeseburger Popcorn ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the bacon and beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then pop the corn and toss everything together right before serving.
Can I use ground turkey or turkey bacon instead?
Yes, ground turkey and turkey bacon work well as lighter substitutes and still deliver a satisfying savory flavor.
Where can I find cheese powder and dill pickle powder?
Both are commonly found in the spice aisle of well-stocked grocery stores or can be purchased online, and they add the signature cheeseburger and pickle flavors to the popcorn.
