Copycat Garretts Popcorn Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Why We Love This Copycat Garrett’s Popcorn Recipe

When you think of Chicago, what food comes to mind? Chicago Dogs? Chicago Deep Dish Pizza? What about Chicago Popcorn? I spent a few days in Chicago this summer and the one food that seemed to be on everyone’s mind (and lips) was Garrett’s Popcorn. Chicago’s famous gourmet popcorn shop makes several varieties of decadent popcorn, from cheese popcorn to macadamia nut corn. Yet the biggest seller, by far, is the acclaimed Chicago-style popcorn, mixing salty cheesy popcorn with a classic caramel popcorn recipe. I was sold. In fact, I bought a bag to bring back to Lt. Dan, and only a small portion of it made it home. You can order Garretts Popcorn online as gifts, or for yourself. But you know me… I wanted to try to make a copycat version at home. And let me tell you, this Chicago style popcorn did not disappoint!

Ingredients You Need

Let’s make Garret’s popcorn two ways! Here’s what you’ll need:

For Caramel Corn

Popped Popcorn – from about 1/2 cup kernels Brown Sugar – for that caramel flavor Butter – to help everything stick Corn Syrup – for a crusty crunch Sea Salt – to balance the flavors Vanilla – for added flavor Baking Soda – to help the caramel foam up

For Cheese Corn

Popped Popcorn – from about 1/2 cup kernels Melted Butter – to help the powders stick Cheese Powder – use your favorite cheese powder Mustard Powder – for a depth of savory flavor

This copycat Garretts popcorn recipe is the perfect snack to make for this season’s holiday parties. Just think how your friends will respond on Halloween if you hand them a bag of salty-sweet Chicago Popcorn, instead of stale mini chocolate bars. Or what about edible gifts for Christmas? I’d be thrilled to receive a tin of homemade garretts popcorn around the holidays. Today’s recipe is actually two easy popcorn recipes that you will mix at the end. My classic caramel popcorn recipe, made in the microwave for convenience, and a simple cheddar cheese popcorn recipe. I posted this microwave caramel popcorn recipe last year. Here we’re mixing it with homemade cheese corn. The only special ingredient you’ll need for the Chicago popcorn is cheddar cheese powder. There’s really no other way to make cheese-coated popcorn that’s still crisp. You can find cheese powder in specialty grocery stores, online, or you could open up a bunch of mac and cheese packets. wink Honestly, you will not believe how quick and easy making caramel corn can be. Especially if you’ve made the old fashioned labor-intensive variety in the past. Once the two popcorn recipes are mixed together you have that salty-sweet flavor everyone loves.