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How to Microwave Popcorn in Glass Bowl

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Do you know that it’s possible to microwave popcorn in a glass bowl? If you have only been using a paper bag or instant microwave popcorn with the manufactured bag, there are reusable ways to make microwave popcorn. 

A microwave-safe glass bowl with a lid is perfect alternative tool to use. Keep the waste to a minimum and use a glass bowl when microwaving popcorn.

How to microwave popcorn in glass bowl

How do you microwave popcorn in glass bowl? Put the kernels into a microwave-safe glass bowl, and cover it with a microwavable lid or plate. 

Put the bowl in the microwave and set it on a high power for 4 minutes, and carefully listen to the popping sounds around 2 minute and 30 seconds. Stop the microwave once the popping sounds slow to 2 or 3 second intervals.

There are many ways to microwave popcorn. Homemade popcorn is healthy because you are able to control fat and seasoning according to your preferred diet. 

If weight loss is your ultimate goal, prepare popcorn in the microwave without oil. As a result, you can enjoy a fat-free and low calorie snack. 

In this post, we will answer frequently asked questions about microwaving popcorn in a glass bowl. Included below are microwave tips for the best way to microwave popcorn in glass bowls.

Can you microwave popcorn in a glass bowl?

Yes,you will need two critical things to consider when microwaving popcorn in a glass bowl, a microwave safe glass bowl with a lid or plate that can be used to cover the top.

The microwave-safe bowl must be large enough to hold all of the popped kernels. Ensure the bowl is glass tempered and can withstand the high heat. 

A vented microwave food cover or lid is also necessary. A ventless cover would cause intense heat buildup leading to the explosion of the bowl. 

Alternatively, use parchment paper to cover the bowl top. Tighten it with a large rubber band and make few holes in the top using a knife. 

With these essential tools and popcorn kernels, it is easy to microwave popcorn in a glass bowl.

Is it safe?

It is safe and easy to microwave popcorn kernels in a glass bowl. All you need is the glass bowl, a vented microwave cover, popcorn kernels and toppings according to your preference. 

However, take few precautions in mind to avoid from microwave popcorn dangers that can lead to unnecessary health risks. One I would steer clear of is using plastic wrap to cover the bowl as microwaving plastic can be potentially harmful.

Ensure the bowl is large enough to contain the popped popcorns to prevent from spilling over inside the microwave. The cover should be vented to prevent the bowl from exploding if intense steam builds up on the inside.

Most importantly, keep listening for the slowdown of the popping to prevent the popcorn from burning. If you overcook the kernels, the popcorn will scorch and all the popped kernels could burn.

How do you microwave popcorn in a glass bowl?

In order to microwave popcorn in a glass bowl, it requires two essential gadgets, a large microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to hold all the kernels once they are popped and a vented lid. 

Approximately a ¼ cup of kernels produce about 6 cups of popped popcorn. 

Use a glass bowl that is glass tempered to make sure the bowl can withstand high heat and double check there is a microwave safe symbol at the bottom of the bowl. 

The next item is a vented microwave food cover. It must be vented to prevent the bowl from sudden intense heat. 

If you do not have a microwavable lid, cover the bowl top with parchment paper, tighten it with a rubber band, and then make holes at the top with a knife.

Put a pinch of salt and a couple tablespoons of olive oil into the glass bowl, then add the popcorn kernels and stir to mix well. Continue stirring until the salt and olive oil completely cover the popcorn kernels. 

Next, cover the bowl with the vented microwave lid or parchment paper, remembering to secure it and make some holes. 

Microwave the popcorn kernels until popping slows down to 2 or 3 second intervals, or microwave on high for about 3 to 4 minutes. The timing depends on amount of popcorn and the wattage of microwave. 

Once the popped popcorn is ready, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave oven. Remember, the bowl is very hot so use oven glove. 

Toss herbs and drizzle with butter, or popcorn seasoning of your choice and enjoy.

How long do you microwave popcorn in a glass bowl?

In general, microwave popcorn takes for 2 to 4 minutes. The indication of doneness is when the popping slows down to a constant 2 or 3 second interval. 

The time it takes to turn popcorn kernels into fluffy popcorn via a microwave will depend on the power wattage of microwave and amount of popcorn in the glass bowl. 

However, the cooking time for ¼ cup of popcorn kernels varies depending on the microwave wattage: 

  • For 1000 watts, it take 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes. 
  • For 700 watts, 2 minutes 15 seconds to 3 minutes 15 seconds. 
  • For 650 watts, it takes 3 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds. 
  • For 500 watts, to microwave popcorn completely takes 4 minutes 30 seconds.
Microwave popcorn in glass bowl

Tips & Tricks

When using a glass bowl to make popcorn in microwave, use a Pyrex glass instead of a thin bowl that might not be safe for microwave use. It is much easier to cook and serve right a way. 

To make perfectly fluffy popcorn, there are tools and proper method to pop most kernels. 

To help you achieve the best results, here are microwave tips to make popcorn in a glass bowl:

  • Get a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to hold the popped popcorns once the kernels puff.
  • Get to know your microwave. Adjust the time accordingly to the wattage to avoid burning.
  • Use a vented microwave food cover or parchment paper to cover the bowl. Secure the paper with a rubber band and poke holes at the top.
  • Stay close to the microwave until the popcorn is ready. Look for the popping sound to slow down to intervals of 2 to 3 seconds. 
  • Stop the microwave once the popping slows.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully. Remember, the bowl is hot, and you could get burnt so use towel or oven glove to remove and lift the lid to slowly vent the steam.

Best Method

It is best to microwave popcorn in a glass bowl rather than using a paper bag. 

Manufactured microwave popcorn bags are coated with perfluorinated compounds, which prevents water and oil from leaking out of the paper bag. Upon exposure to heat, the chemicals change to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are toxic. 

When you eat popcorns, the chemicals get into your bloodstream, where they can stay for long and potentially lead to cancer and other diseases.

Therefore, the best way to microwave popcorn is using a glass bowl. 

Start by adding a quarter cup of popcorn kernels, two tablespoons of olive oil or clarified butter, and a teaspoon of salt into a glass microwave-safe bowl and cover the top with a vented microwave food cover.

Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes on high, depending on your microwave wattage and the amount of popcorn. Stop the microwave once the popping slows down to intervals of 2 to 3 seconds.

Remove the bowl and cover carefully. Add the desired spice, butter, salt and seasonings, then serve.

How to microwave popcorn in glass bowl

Final Thoughts

Microwave popcorn in a glass bowl is the easiest and most convenient way compared to stove top popping. While using a microwave, there are different tools to use such as paper bag or microwave popcorn popper, but a glass bowl is the best tool due to it can resist high heat and be served right away after cooking. 

Place the ¼ cup of kernels in the microwave-safe bowl and cover with a lid, plate or parchment paper with few holes to release steam heat and avoid from exploding.

Microwave the bowl and set it on high power for 4 minutes. There will be popping sounds around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Once the popping slows down to 2 or 3 second intervals, stop the microwave.

Let it sit for a while to ensure the heat is evenly distributed and observe if there is any unpopped kernels  at the bottom. Remove them by placing a cooling rack on top of the bowl and flipping upside down to separate the unpopped kernels.

Remove them and re-microwave if needed to finish the popping without burning the rest of the popcorn. Season to taste and enjoy the fluffy and burn-free microwave popcorn in a glass bowl.

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