Chicago style popcorn seems to be addictive not just for locals but for everyone. Well who doesn’t like popcorn, and if mixed with cheddar cheese and caramel, hallelujah a divine combo! 

I’m particularly weak for corn kernels whether they are steamed or popped with some condiments, but this one pars all others with its perfect style and mix.

These Garrett popcorn are a perfect treat for movie nights, holidays, festivities, and casual snacking. If you have a busy day, pop up some kernels and enjoy!

The sweet and salty heavenly combination of flavors is irresistible which you won’t be able to put down.

I love bringing up variations in my favorite delicacies to make them ravishing, and this Chicago Mix style by Garrett’s Popcorn is my absolute favorite.

Stay here with me to learn all about the history of Chicago style popcorn, why you will love it, the ingredients used, storage, and other handy tips along with detailed recipe.

History of Chicago Style Popcorn 

Where do these fantastic Popcorn originate? So, let’s dive into its history, you will be amazed to know that this quick style popcorn is as refreshing as the flavor. These popcorn were introduced by Garrett’s Popcorn,  a gourmet popcorn store in Chicago downtown since 1949. 

The family behind this hit store migrated from Milwaukee to Chicago and opened their store chain in the United States and Madison as well.

One particular thing that appeals me the most is that the idea of mixing up caramel with cheese was inspired by people. I’m amazed they had considered customers’ liking and came up with something that customers totally adore.

So, the idea formed when the customer would come to the store, and ask for three bags of popcorn, one containing cheese corn, the second one caramel corn, and the third one empty for mixing up and shaking the former two.

The store managers and owners became awed by the sweet and salty scintillating flavor and introduced these Chicago style popcorn in 1977.

This crowd-pleasing innovation instantly became a hit and most of all became a staple just like the Italian beef Sandwich and Chicago-style hot dog.

I don’t think anyone would visit Chicago and miss this, well I won’t not even for my life’s sake, lol!

Why You Will Love Chicago Style Popcorn?

I usually get hangovers of things that I love the most and not gonna lie, Chicago style popcorn totally has my heart, here let me tell you why I love it and why you should give it a try as well.

• Do you want to gift someone but are confused as you don’t wanna sound desperate or indifferent? I prefer gifting food and what’s better than a good snack, so gift these delicious Chicago style popcorn.

• I have deviant taste buds and eat randomly so mixing up sweet and salty flavors absolutely satisfies my cravings.

• One thing I admire the most about these Chicago style popcorn is that you can customize it the way you want. Just add some nuts, chocolate chunks, or even some sultanas, or any other thing you like.

• The nostalgic feeling you get by eating these is everything, believe me, it takes me back to the time in childhood when I would devour them guilt-free.

Ingredients Used In Chicago Style Popcorn 

Various ingredients are being used for preparing Chicago style popcorn at home, however, both the types of cheddar cheese and caramel are made separately and then mingled together.

The ingredients breakdown includes:

Popcorn Kernels

You can either use white kernels or yellow kernels both can be used and the taste profile doesn’t change at all.

Oil

For popcorn, usually, plant-based oils having high smoke points are used. You can use grapeseed oil, Olive oil, canola, and avocado oil are used. However, you must make sure that the popcorn doesn’t burn out.

Butter

What’s the popcorn without some rich buttery notes? Use unsalted butter if you are using salt. However, you can use salted butter as well but I’ll suggest you to avoid adding salt. Besides that, it also makes sleek, rich-tasting caramel, my favorite! 

Cheddar cheese

I prefer using cheddar cheese powder instead of cheese block as it gives a better taste.

Brown Sugar

You can use either light brown or dark brown sugar both contain molasses and give strong flavor but the content is slightly less in lighter ones.

Salt

You can either use kosher salt while baking cheese popcorn if you aren’t already using salted butter. Sea salt balances out the flavor of caramel popcorn, just sprinkle some before putting it into the oven.

Light Corn Syrup

It imparts sweetness as a substitute for sugar which usually crystallizes while making caramel. Glucose can also be used instead of it.

Baking Soda

It’s a secret ingredient of Garrett’s Popcorns you must haven’t heard of. When it’s added to caramel it enhances the mixture volume and a thin light coating of caramel spreads out on all the kernels.

Vanilla Extract

It doesn’t just impart a nice aroma but improves flavor as well. Just make sure you are using premium quality vanilla extract as it will significantly decide the ultimate flavor. 

As we are making it at home you can add on some variations as well, so the ingredients can be added and removed accordingly. 

How To Make Chicago Style Popcorn?

A divine combo when cheesy cheese and caramelized popcorn are mingled together and make a perfect treat.

Cheddar Popcorn 

• Heat vegetable oil on medium flame in a Dutch oven or pot kept over a burner with a tight-fitting lid. 

• When the oil starts rippling, add kernels and when they start popping, gently shake the pot.

• When the popping slows down a bit, it happens for two to three minutes. Turn off the heat.

• While tossing the popped kernels, add butter and cheese powder and evenly distribute all over the bowl of popcorn. 

Caramel Popcorn 

• Heat vegetable oil on medium flame in a Dutch oven or pot kept over a burner with a tight-fitting lid. 

• When the oil starts rippling, add kernels and when they start popping, gently shake the pot. Make sure steam isn’t coming out from any groove.

• When the popping sounds dull for a few seconds and it continues for a few minutes, turn off the flame and transfer popped kernels into a bowl.

• Now line the butter paper on the baking tray and preheat the oven to 250⁰.

• In a pot take light corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter and cook for 5 minutes on medium flame while continuously stirring.

• Add vanilla extract and baking soda in the pot and stir till you get a foamy consistency.

• Once the caramel is ready pour it all over the popped kernels and toss gently

• Spread onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour till crisp.

Chicago Style Popcorn 

• Now mix both cheddar cheese and caramel popcorn and devour wholeheartedly.

How To Store Chicago Style Popcorn?

Although Chicago-style popcorn won’t last. But still, if you made it in bulk out of emotion, no worries you can store it and munch on later.

• Completely cool down your popcorn before storing it as it creates condensation and the popcorn becomes soggy.

• Make sure these popcorn are kept in an airtight container whether its made up of plastic, glass, or any other zip lock bag. 

• Homemade popcorn will stay fresh for almost 5 days without going bad and soggy.

For more recipes & blogs, please visit savouristany.com