Revive Stale Popcorn In Just A Few Minutes With This Kitchen Appliance

There are very few snacks that are better when they're stale. Popcorn gets soft and chewy, a texture most people don't enjoy very much. But if you're not on the stale popcorn train yet, there is a method to revive it after it's been sitting out to make it light and crunchy once again. 

All you have to do in order to revive your popcorn is to spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat and heat it up in an oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for five to 10 minutes. The low temperature and quick cooking time are key because popcorn will burn if the temperature is too high or if it's left in the oven for too long. And burnt popcorn is among the greatest snack disappointments out there.

You also want to make sure to spread the popcorn out in a single layer to ensure even crisping. And be mindful of your toppings! If your popcorn just has salt, you probably have more wiggle room, but if you used fresh or dried herbs or even sugar for kettle corn, those ingredients can go from good to burnt in seconds, so keep a close, watchful eye on your popcorn as it bakes. 

Heating your popcorn back to life in the oven is a great method to revive your stale popcorn, but it's not the only option at your disposal. Stale popcorn makes for great caramel corn or chocolate-covered popcorn, since the sweet additions provide that crunch it could be missing. You can also mix it with sugar and corn syrup to achieve festive popcorn balls.

If you want to completely avoid the problem of stale popcorn to begin with, try putting your freshly popped kernels straight into the freezer for a frozen popcorn treat. Some swear that freezing your popcorn makes it extra crispy, and cold popcorn seems like a novelty that you just shouldn't miss out on trying at least once. If you want to transform your stale popcorn into a totally new dish, try popcorn grits or popcorn cornbread, in which popped kernels get pulverized into savory corn crumbs and incorporated into the recipe.

There are tons of other things you can do with leftover popcorn. Think outside the kitchen and get crafty with your kernels! Popcorn garlands don't have to be reserved for Christmas, and marshmallow-popcorn sculptures or necklaces are the perfect intersection of fun and delicious. Popcorn really is one of the most delicious, versatile snacks, so don't be afraid to bust out the oven or a needle and string and get creative with your leftovers.