Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Top down shot of three small bowls of popcorn.
Print

Cacio e Pepe Popcorn

Cacio e Pepe (Italian for, cheese and pepper) popcorn is the best snack ever! Buttery, Parmesan Popcorn topped with loads of freshly ground black pepper. One batch isn't enough!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Parmesan, Popcorn
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 93kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 15 grams finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano* grated on a microplane, about 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Pop the popcorn kernels using whichever method you desire. I favour air popped popcorn, but you can also do it on the stovetop, or even the instant pot.
  • Transfer the popcorn to a big bowl. Set aside.
  • Grate the parmesan cheese with a microplane. The cheese will be very light and fluffy looking once grated. This will allow it to melt in with the butter and ultimately results in a better coated popcorn. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, add butter, olive oil, pepper and grated parmesan. Heat over low heat until the butter has melted.
  • Pour the melted butter mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat. Season with salt if needed**
  • Adjust pepper seasoning to your taste, too. You can also add more grated parmesan over the top of the popcorn, however I find that it tends to fall to the bottom of the bowl.

Notes

  • *Use Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, or Pecorino Romano.
  • **Parmesan is fairly salty, so I like to wait until the very end to salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg