This nutritional yeast popcorn is full of “cheesy” flavor but it’s completely vegan! This stovetop recipe is easy to make and filled with good-for-you ingredients!

popcorn with nutritional yeast
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Before we jump into this recipe, you might be wondering… “What is nutritional yeast?” So let’s start there!

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is made from a specially selected strain of yeast, so it’s not the same as the kind of yeast you use to make bread. It’s naturally gluten-free, paleo, kosher, and vegan, so it’s suitable for most types of diets. The amazing thing is, it has a cheesy flavor, even though it’s dairy free!

nutritional yeast

If you want to know more about this tasty powder, be sure to check out this post about nutritional yeast!

How to Make Nutritional Yeast Popcorn

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of oil to a large pot. I recommend a large dutch oven, but any large pot will do. Turn the heat to high and add the popcorn kernels. Cover with a lid.

popcorn kernels in a pot

Turn heat to medium-high and pop the popcorn, shaking every few seconds to distribute the oil and to ensure the kernels on the bottom don’t burn. This should take 2-3 minutes. It’s okay if there are some unpopped kernels, just be careful not to burn the popcorn!

popcorn with nutritional yeast on top

Once the popcorn is popped, transfer to a large bowl and toss with nutritional yeast and salt. If the popcorn is too dry and the nutritional yeast doesn’t stick, you can lightly spray it with olive oil, then sprinkle with seasoning.

How to Store Leftover Popcorn

It’s no surprise that popcorn is best when it’s freshly popped. But if you do have leftovers, you can let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for 1-2 days. You can also halve this recipe if you want to make a smaller batch. That way you can enjoy fresh popcorn whenever the craving strikes!

nutritional yeast in a bowl

If you’re looking for some additional ways to use nutritional yeast, here are a few of my favorite recipes using this tasty, cheesy powder:

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Nutritional Yeast Popcorn

Nutritional Yeast Popcorn

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This nutritional yeast popcorn is full of “cheesy” flavor but it’s completely vegan! This stovetop recipe is easy to make and filled with good-for-you ingredients!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the oil to a large pot or dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the popcorn kernels to the hot oil and immediately cover with a lid.
  3. Pop the popcorn, shaking every few seconds to distribute the oil and to ensure the kernels on the bottom don’t burn, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl and sprinkle with nutritional yeast and salt. Toss the popcorn until coated.
  5. If the seasoning doesn’t stick, lightly spray the popcorn with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.
  6. Add additional salt to taste.

Can’t get enough popcorn? My Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn is another great twist on stovetop popcorn! Rosemary infused oil gives this popcorn tons of flavor!

rosemary parmesan popcorn in a bowl

If you have questions about nutritional yeast, leave them below!