Don’t Throw Out Leftover Popcorn! See What It Can Do.

Leftover popcorn? I know, I know, but it happens. So if you somehow find yourself staring down half a bowl of popcorn at the end of movie night (or even a few handfuls), don’t be so quick to toss it. That snack still has plenty of life left in it, and it’s totally worth saving. Here are a few smart ways to give it a second chance to curve your salty, crunchy cravings.

The trick to getting the most out of leftover popcorn is knowing the key to unleashing its hidden potential. It’s true that popcorn loses some of its irresistible crunch and takes on a softer, chewy texture by day two, or even slightly sooner. But it’s worth saving because when it comes to putting these leftovers to work, texture doesn’t always matter.

If you just want to enjoy your day-two popcorn by the bowlful and crave the same crisp bite, there’s an easy trick to revive it. Not only is it possible to experience the crispness you enjoyed when that batch of popcorn was freshly popped, but it’s also easy to achieve. Revive stale popcorn by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a 250°F oven for about five minutes.

Learn more: This Is the Best Way to Revive Stale Popcorn

Plain or even lightly buttered popcorn is the most versatile when it comes to repurposing popcorn, although don’t discount flavored versions. There are plenty of fun ways to put those flavored versions to work.

So you’ve decided to reimagine your popcorn into an entirely new snack or dessert. We’re on board! The easiest way to go about it starts with a bowl and spoon because you’re going to eat your popcorn like cereal! Is this sounding familiar to you? Perhaps you recall this from Little House on the Prairie? It will get mushy, so it’s an acquired taste, but it’s really no different than unsweetened puffed cereals. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try.

More conventionally, you can add your leftover popcorn to party mix, shape it into popcorn balls, bake it into wafer cookies, or even use it as a topping for fruit crumbles and crisps.

Get inspired: 5 Quick Snacks with Popcorn

• Chocolate & Pistachio Popcorn Trail Mix
• Maple-Cinnamon Popcorn Wafers
  
• Halloween Popcorn Balls
• Popcorn Drop Cookies
• Honey-Mustard Snack Mix (add one to two cups popcorn)

How do you use leftover popcorn when you have it?