The Classic Sandwich Spread You Should Be Drizzling On Popcorn

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We absolutely devour popcorn while binge-watching "Love Island" or when feeling snacky in the afternoon, but we're always on the hunt for ways to zhuzh up our favorite treats. To that end, let us introduce you to a foodie dream pairing that you maybe haven't considered: Peanut butter and popcorn. While butter tastes amazing on freshly-popped kernels, it lacks the depth and richness that melted PB brings to the table as a popcorn topping. Peanut butter has the satisfying saltiness, while also containing multitudes of potential for experimentation with flavors that will make your popcorn the real star of any movie night.

One of the mistakes people make when popping popcorn is failing to think outside the box. (I.e., not thinking about adding popcorn as a soup topping.) We know that butter is traditional, but peanut butter and popcorn isn't even that unusual. You've probably munched on Fiddle Faddle or Cracker Jack, both of which incorporate popcorn and peanuts. Making peanut butter popcorn is simple as can be, and is ripe with both sweet and savory variations.

If you know how to melt peanut butter, you know how to make peanut butter popcorn. Nuke it in the microwave for short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring each time, or heat it low and slow on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until it thins out. Once it's the perfect consistency, drizzle it over the top of your fresh-popped popcorn with a spoon or whisk, and enjoy while still warm. Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, although we won't tell if you lick your fingertips!

There's no need to stop with plain peanut butter, however. Spiking peanut butter with maple syrup is a time-tested ticket to sweet-and-salty popcorn paradise. Make sure you are using pure maple syrup (we like a dark, robust syrup for the strongest flavor), and know that the low viscosity of the maple syrup will thin the peanut butter out considerably when melted together. If you have a sweet tooth, you also can't go wrong with mixing in dark chocolate with some coconut oil to help ensure consistency, or Nutella for a creamy, even nuttier popcorn blend. Caramel also tastes divine with peanut products of all types, and will produce a popcorn that is fit for dessert. Or — hear us out! — how about the ultimate savory popcorn experience with a Thai-inspired peanut sauce combining lime juice, garlic, Sriracha, and sesame oil into your peanut butter for a one-way ticket to international Flavortown?