Gourmet Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn: Your New Favorite Savory Snack Recipe
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary treat! This Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn is not just a snack; it’s a culinary experience that combines the beloved crunch of popcorn with the rich, savory flavors of Irish cheese and crispy bacon. It’s addictively delicious and perfect for any occasion, from a casual movie night to a special celebration like a baby shower.
This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it was crafted for a very special occasion: a surprise virtual baby shower for my dear friend, Ruthy of Omeletta. Ruthy and I first connected at a conference in Philadelphia in 2012, and our online friendship has flourished ever since. When the time came to celebrate her exciting journey into motherhood, a few of us gathered virtually to shower her with love and delicious recipes.
Why a Savory Snack? Celebrating with Irish Flavors
With the festive season’s abundance of Christmas cookies and sugary delights still fresh in our minds, I wanted to contribute something distinctly savory to the baby shower spread. The inspiration for this particular flavor combination came from Ruthy herself. Having spent time in beautiful Ireland, she has a special connection to Irish cuisine, even sharing her own Irish Toffee Apples recipe. It was clear: an Irish-inspired savory snack was the perfect tribute.
This led to the creation of this Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn – a harmonious blend of beloved party snack and authentic Irish flavors. It’s a recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering a unique taste that stands out from the typical sweet offerings.
The Joy of Homemade Popcorn: From Stovetop to Savory Perfection
When searching for the ideal baby shower snack, I stumbled upon the idea of gourmet popcorn. Popcorn always brings back fond memories for me, particularly of my semester abroad in Ireland. Living in campus housing without a microwave, I learned the simple yet satisfying art of making stovetop popcorn. My housemate patiently showed me how to transform unpopped kernels into fluffy, delicious popcorn using just a pot and a little oil. This method produces a wonderfully fresh and crisp base for any topping, far superior to most microwave varieties.
For this recipe, I highly recommend making your own stovetop popcorn. It’s incredibly easy, allows you to control the saltiness, and ensures a pure, unadulterated popcorn flavor that truly lets the cheese and bacon shine. You can find unpopped kernels in the same aisle as microwave popcorn at your local grocery store. If you’re pressed for time or simply prefer the convenience, you can certainly use your favorite brand of plain microwave popcorn – just be sure it’s unflavored to avoid any clashing tastes.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
The star of this savory popcorn is, without a doubt, the Irish cheese. I opted for Kerrygold’s Blarney Castle cheese, a smooth, mild Gouda-style cheese known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. Kerrygold offers a range of exceptional Irish cheeses, including their famous Irish Cheddar and Dubliner, all of which would work wonderfully here. The key is to select a cheese you love, as its flavor will define the popcorn. Finely grating the cheese ensures it melts evenly and coats every kernel beautifully.
For the bacon, choose a good quality smoked bacon. Crispy, crumbled bacon bits provide a delightful textural contrast and a smoky, salty kick that perfectly complements the rich cheese. Cooking the bacon to a crisp perfection and then crumbling it finely is essential for optimal distribution throughout the popcorn.
Tips for Perfect Popcorn & Party Serving
Since this recipe incorporates fresh cheese, I reached out to Kerrygold for their expert advice on storage. They confirmed that if you use a light hand with the cheese, the popcorn does not strictly require refrigeration, though it is always best enjoyed fresh the day it’s made. The warmth of freshly popped popcorn helps the butter and cheese adhere and meld, creating that irresistible coating.
For parties and gatherings, I recommend preparing your ingredients ahead of time. Pop the popcorn, cook and crumble the bacon, and grate the cheese. Then, just before you’re ready to serve, toss everything together. This ensures the popcorn is at its freshest and most flavorful, with the cheese still wonderfully soft and aromatic. This simple, quick assembly makes it an ideal appetizer or snack that can be prepared in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.
Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn
6-8 servings
An addicting savory snack of popcorn tossed with Irish cheese and bacon
Ingredients
- 7 cups salted popcorn (roughly 1/3 cup unpopped kernels – learn how to make stovetop popcorn)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup finely grated Irish cheese*
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the popcorn, melted butter, crumbled bacon, and finely grated Irish cheese until everything is well combined and coated.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. This popcorn is best eaten the day it’s made.
Notes
*I used Kerrygold’s Blarney Castle cheese, which is described as a smooth and mild gouda style cheese. However, you can use your favorite type of Irish cheese, such as a sharp Irish Cheddar or creamy Dubliner, to suit your taste preferences.
This delightful recipe is adapted from Kerrygold, a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of Irish dairy products.
If you loved this Irish Cheese and Bacon Popcorn, you might also enjoy these other savory creations:
More Savory Snack Inspiration from My Kitchen:
- Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust
- Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
Delicious Contributions from Friends for Ruthy’s Baby Shower:
And be sure to explore the wonderful array of recipes shared by other friends for Ruthy’s virtual baby shower:
- Irish Lemon Pudding Tart – Sugar Dish Me
- No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars – Food Babbles
- Beef and Pepperoni Puffs – Food Ramblings
- Smoky Kale and Potato Cakes with Red Kale Salad and Quick Pickled Apples – Joanne Eats Well
To Ruthy and your family, we extend our warmest wishes and the very best of luck as you embark on this exciting new chapter of life! May it be filled with joy, laughter, and many delicious moments.