Looking for a delicious way to spice up your next movie night? Try our Spicy Cotija Popcorn recipe! It’s our favorite cheesy, spicy popcorn recipe!

If you’ve never tried Cotija cheese, now’s the perfect time. This Mexican cheese is similar in texture to feta, with a distinctive salty, pungent flavor. Be sure to choose Cotija made with Real California Milk. Because of California’s strong Hispanic influence, many California dairies produce traditional Mexican dairy products. 

Let’s talk popcorn.

We always recommend popping your own kernels – it doesn’t matter whether you use an air popper or an oil based popcorn maker. You can even pop it in the microwave in a brown bag (check out our friend Meg’s DIY Microwave Popcorn recipe). If you use store bought microwave popcorn, be sure to use an unflavored, or natural bag. You don’t want anything to compete with the fresh flavors of the toppings. 

Fun fact: People have been enjoying this healthy snack for thousands of years! Archeologists in Mexico have found evidence of popcorn dating all the way back to 3600 BC!

What about drinks?

You’re definitely going to need something to wash down this salty snack. Mix up a pitcher of Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca, or grab a glass of Golden State Sangria. If you don’t have a batch on sangria on the go, reach for your favorite California Zinfandel. The bold, fruity notes will pair beautifully with this cheesy, spicy popcorn seasoning recipe!

Happy snacking! If you’re looking for more easy appetizer ideas, try our Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos. In the mood for something sweet? How about Fresh Berry Crostini. 

Spicy Cotija Popcorn recipe

KC Cornwell

Our favorite cheesy spicy popcorn seasoning! Perfect for movie night munching… and pairs perfectly with a glass of your favorite California Zinfandel.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup Cojita crumbled or grated
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder or chipotle powder optional
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels popped or one large bag of natural popcorn, popped
• 1 TBSP olive oil

Instructions

 

• Add the Cojita, chili powder, cayenne or chipotle powder if using, and zest to a small bowl and stir to combine.
• Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the Cojita mixture over the popcorn and toss to combine.

  Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Switch it up with lemon or orange zest too!

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 82mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 336IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg

Keyword appetizers, cheese, cotija, happy hour, movie night, popcorn, real california dairy, snacks, spicy

Tried this recipe?Mention @cagrownofficial or tag #CAGROWN!

Super easy, right? Now that you know how to make our favorite Spicy Popcorn Seasoning, pop up a big old batch and settle in for movie night at home! Be sure to snap a pic and share on social using #CAGROWN.

Like what you see? Check out our Pinterest account for more delicious ways to enjoy California Grown produce.