Introduction

Making popcorn over a campfire is a fun and nostalgic outdoor treat. With just a few simple ingredients and some aluminum foil, you can enjoy freshly popped popcorn while gathered around the fire. This method is easy, mess-free, and perfect for camping or backyard fire pits.

The image shows a small outdoor fire pit made of gray bricks with ash and glowing embers inside. A blackened log is burning, surrounded by gray ash and some smoke rising. There is a piece of silver aluminum foil resting on the edge of the fire pit. A woman's hand is visible near the top left of the fire pit, holding a long dark stick or rod over the fire. The setting appears to be outdoors with green grass visible in the background, but the main focus is on the fire pit itself. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons popcorn kernels
2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (grape seed or vegetable)
2 pinches of salt
Heavy-duty aluminum foil (an 18″ long piece for each packet)
A campfire stick (for roasting marshmallows and wieners)
A campfire

Instructions

Step 1: Cut an 18″ piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels in the middle of one half of the foil and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil.
Step 2: Add a pinch or two of salt to the kernels and oil.
Step 3: Fold the foil over the popcorn and oil, then crimp the edges with a couple of folds, leaving some space inside for the kernels to pop without tearing the foil.
Step 4: At the top edge, crimp several layers of foil together to create a thick, sturdy band. This will be the spot where you insert your campfire stick.
Step 5: Poke the campfire stick through the thick foil band you created at the top of the packet.
Step 6: Hold the packet over the campfire flames—above the flames rather than directly in them—similar to how you would toast a marshmallow for even browning.
Step 7: Gently shake the packet occasionally to help the kernels pop evenly, being careful not to shake too much so the packet does not fall off the stick.
Step 8: Listen for the popping sounds. Once the popping slows or stops, remove the packet from the heat.
Step 9: Carefully open the foil packet as steam will escape. Enjoy your fresh campfire popcorn!

Tips & Variations

Use neutral-flavored oil to let the popcorn’s natural flavor shine through without overpowering it.
Make multiple packets ahead of time to have ready-to-go snacks for your camping trip or fire pit gathering.
Try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar or your favorite seasoning inside the packet before cooking for a flavored twist.
Don’t overfill the packet; giving the kernels room to pop is key to avoiding foil tears and burnt popcorn.

Storage

Campfire popcorn is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep some crispness. Reheating isn’t recommended as the popcorn will become chewy.

How to Serve

The image shows a blackened log burning over glowing red and orange flames, surrounded by thick white and gray ashes. There is a piece of shiny silver foil resting on the edge of the fire pit, which is built with bricks and concrete. A woman's hand is visible holding a thin metal stick near the fire. The background surface has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular aluminum foil instead of heavy-duty?

Heavy-duty foil is recommended because it is less likely to tear during cooking and when shaking the packet. Regular foil may work, but it’s more prone to ripping, which can cause kernels to burn or fall into the fire.

What type of campfire stick should I use?

Use a sturdy stick designed for roasting, like those meant for marshmallows or hot dogs. It should be long enough to hold the foil packet safely above the flames without burning your hands.