popcorn
pecorino
mary giuliani
holiday
party
entertaining
snacks
quick + easy

Party and lifestyle expert Mary Giuliani loves to host a holiday movie party this time of year, and one of her favorite snacks to serve viewers is cacio e pepe popcorn. The combo of grated pecorino Romano cheese, salt and lots of cracked black pepper is just as good on popcorn as it is on pasta! 

Pro Tip from Mary: For a fun way to serve the popcorn, put it in clean old vases (yes, the ones that are probably in your cupboard collecting dust!) and place them around the room. 

For party drinks, Mary suggests serving her festive non-alcoholic Finding Rudolph Punch or Pomegranate Paloma Cocktail—or both!

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons oil
  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper

Yield

Serves: 6 to 8

Preparation

Heat a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the oil and popcorn kernels, cover and allow popcorn to pop. Sprinkle with cheese, salt and pepper and toss to combine.