5 min
15 Mins
4–6 snack bowls
Fingerfood
Introduction
Our house-style Honey Chipotle Popcorn with Pancetta builds on the crowd-pleasing sweetness of honey–chipotle corn snacks, folds in the crisp indulgence of candied bacon popcorn ideas, and leans on best-practice stovetop techniques that keep kernels light and evenly popped in olive oil.
Baking the pancetta separately means every shard stays crunchy when tossed through the warm, honey-glossed popcorn. The result is a balanced bowl: smoky heat from CHIPOTLE+ , floral depth from Florale No 1 honey , grassy richness from OLEA432 early-harvest olive oil, and salty-umami pops of pancetta in every handful.
Ingredients
100 g diced pancetta (about 6 slices)
2 Tbsp OLEA432 extra-virgin olive oil, divided
½ cup popcorn kernels (~120 g)
2 Tbsp Florale No 1 honey , warmed
1 tsp CHIPOTLE+ seasoning (chipotle, smoked paprika, citrus peel)
Pinch sea salt, to taste (optional)
Directions
Crisp the pancetta
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss pancetta in 1 tsp OLEA432 , spread in a single layer, and bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 12–15 minutes until deep golden and glass-crisp, turning once. Drain on paper towel.
Pop the corn
In a heavy pot over medium heat, warm 1 Tbsp OLEA432 with three kernels. When they pop, add the remaining kernels and cover. Shake occasionally until popping slows to one pop every few seconds. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.
Season
Drizzle hot popcorn with the remaining OLEA432 and the warmed Florale No 1 honey , tossing quickly to coat
Finish
Sprinkle CHIPOTLE+ evenly, add the crisp pancetta, toss again, and taste for salt — the pancetta usually provides enough
Serve
Serve warm in a wide bowl so the pancetta shards stay on top, or portion into paper cones for cocktail hour. Pair with a dry Riesling or a smoky mezcal to echo CHIPOTLE+’s warmth
Why It Works
Honey + chipotle delivers the proven sweet-heat profile that is loved by many.
OLEA432 early-harvest olive oil withstands stovetop temps without oxidising, keeping flavours bright.
Baked pancetta stays crisp and intensely savoury.
Florale No 1 honey binds seasoning while layering orchard-floral depth, a hallmark of La Botanique Sacrée’s sweeteners.
CHIPOTLE+ adds smoky capsicum heat, citrus high notes, and a russet tint that reads appetising against the golden kernels.
Serving Suggestions:
Game-night bowl: Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a second dusting of CHIPOTLE + just before serving
Garnish upgrade: Scatter shaved Manchego or aged Gouda over warm popcorn for a cheese-and-smoke twist.
Cocktail pairing: Pour with a dry Riesling or a minty Mojito; the touch of sweetness tames chipotle heat.
