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{Copycat} Garretts Popcorn Recipe

Want to make famous Garretts Popcorn at home? This simple guide to blending the perfect caramel popcorn recipe and cheese popcorn will make you feel like you're strolling down Michigan Avenue in the windy city!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 quarts
Calories: 753 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Caramel Corn:
  • 3 quarts popped popcorn from about 1/2 cup kernels
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Cheese Corn:
  • 3 quarts popped popcorn from about 1/2 cup kernels
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
  • 2 large paper grocery bags

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pop 6 quarts of popcorn according to package instructions and separate into 2 large clean paper grocery bags. (Based on the size of my largest pot, I do this in two batches.) Be sure to pick out any un-popped kernels.
For the Caramel Popcorn:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and vanilla in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave another 2 minutes, until boiling. Immediately stir in the baking soda and pour over the popcorn in one bag. (The baking soda will cause the caramel to foam up.)
  2. Fold the top of the paper bag over a couple times and shake well. Place the bag in the microwave and cook for 1 minute. Shake the bag vigorously again and microwave for 45-60 more seconds. Check at 45 seconds to make sure it's not burning. Open the bag and pour the caramel corn out on waxed paper. Break up clumps if needed. Cool completely to harden. *Every microwave is a little different. After the caramel corn cools completely, if it does not crisp up, put it back in the bag and microwave for another 30-45 seconds.
For the Cheese Corn:
  1. Open the top of the second bag and shake vigorously as you slowly pour the butter over the popcorn. Then mix the cheese powder and mustard.  Shake vigorously again, as you sprinkle the cheese mixture over the popcorn. Close the bag and fold the top down. Give the popcorn one last hard shake to thoroughly coat. Place the bag in the microwave and microwave for 30-45 seconds to dry out the popcorn. Then allow it to cool before mixing.
  2. Once both popcorns are ready, mix by hand and store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Once the popcorn is cooled, store in airtight containers or zip bags to keep the popcorn fresh. It can last for a while, but will get stale after too much time!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 753kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 147g (49%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 266mg (11%) Potassium 616mg (18%) Fiber 26g (104%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 455IU (9%) Vitamin C 0.6mg (1%) Calcium 28mg (3%) Iron 5.8mg (32%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6quarts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 753

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 753kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 147g 49%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 266mg 11%
Potassium 616mg 13%
Fiber 26g 104%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 455IU 9%
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1%
Calcium 28mg 3%
Iron 5.8mg 32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.