(Family Features) Cool air settling in and football games kicking off mean it’s time for tailgating, homegating and enjoying favorite snacks with your fellow fans.

Celebrate Popcorn Poppin’ Month this October with a combination of two favorite tailgate foods in this Bacon Cheeseburger Popcorn recipe. It calls for a mixture of spices that mimic the cheeseburger experience along with hearty bacon and ground beef for a filling snack that gets you ready for kickoff.

Made by combining cheese popcorn and dill pickle popcorn with hamburger and bacon, along with a dash of spices, it’s a perfect game day recipe worth tackling to indulge your family’s and friends’ taste buds and elevate your tailgate experience.

Bacon Cheeseburger Popcorn

Recipe courtesy of The Popcorn Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 4 ounces ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup popcorn kernels (unpopped)
• 3 tablespoons cheese powder
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle powder
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  

1. In small bowl, whisk mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In large skillet over medium-low heat, cook bacon and ground beef 8-10 minutes, or until fat renders and mixture is golden brown and crispy. Transfer to plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
3. In large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat, combine vegetable oil and reserved bacon fat. Add popcorn kernels; stir to coat then spread in even layer. Cover with lid. Shaking saucepan, cook 2-4 minutes, or until popcorn starts to pop, then shake less frequently, at about 2-second intervals, until popping sounds have almost stopped. Remove from heat. Safely open lid.
4. Transfer half the popcorn to large bowl and toss with cheese powder. Toss popcorn in saucepan with dill pickle powder; transfer to large bowl of cheese popcorn. Add bacon mixture and reserved seasoning; toss to combine.
5. Garnish with green onion.

Tips: For beefy flavor, sprinkle popped popcorn with 1/4 teaspoon beef bouillon powder or steak spice, if desired.

For extra-cheesy popcorn, sprinkle popped popcorn with 1/2 cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese.