Copycat Garretts Popcorn Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Feb 19, 2025 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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make caramel corn without burning the sugar, you have to watch the popcorn carefully in the bag. So you will pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and microwave carefully. Shake the bag and check on it periodically to make sure the caramel is even distributed and not burnt! Be careful when handling the hot caramel popcorn because it will be very hot.
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!
More Snack Recipes To Try
- Baked Zucchini Chips
- Baked Beet Chips
- 5 Ingredient Party Mix
- Homemade Trail Mix
- Ranch Oyster Crackers
{Copycat} Garretts Popcorn Recipe
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
- 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:
- 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.)
- 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:
- 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.
- Once both popcorns are ready, mix by hand and store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.
I’ve been wanting to make cheddar and caramel popcorn for the past few weeks and you just gave me the push to do it. Trying out this recipe tomorrow!
I love that you can use cheese powder! Woot, woot! Super easy! :) When we lived in Chicago, it was such a treat to share this favorite with guests. Love that I can make it at home here in Mississippi now!
I only the love the cheese popcorn at Garrett’s because I am not a sweet eater. Can’t wait to make it!!
Such a delicious treat! Can’t wait to make it at home. When I moved to Chicago I thought everyone that loved this was nuts. When I finally Garretts Chicago Mix a try I was kicking myself that I hadn’t done it sooner. Thanks for sharing!
I have a serious craving and my boy whose sitting next to be is bugging to get down to make it, looks so so good.
My two favorites! I always went for the cheese popcorn first and the caramel second! YUM!
What a fun popcorn mix – I’ve never heard of it before – sweet and salty!
I’ve never had the original, but I want this!!
Now I have a massive popcorn craving! This looks so good!
Unfortunately, this is nothing like Garrett’s. That’s because Garrett’s does not use a powdered cheese, they use real cheese and create a sauce. Powdered cheese just doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to be Garrett’s! Sorry. :-( I love cheese popcorn, but I REALLLLLLLY love Garrett’s cheese popcorn! lol
Ah yes, if only we all had Garrett’s Equipment in our homes. Cheese powder is real cheese that has been dehydrated and is a pretty good substitute if you don’t have the ability to spray cheese sauce at home. Why don’t you try it? You might be impressed! :)
I don’t remember the first time I had it but I fell for that killer combination right away!
We are a popcorn family! Thanks for this recipe. Thanks also for posting about eating places in Asheville. We ate our way through this past weekend, trying a couple of new places. The Gourmet Chips were fantastic! We loved the Italian flavored ones and the
B-B-Q ones were good also. Thanks. So many places… So many trips to Asheville……great!
Hi Shelby, so glad you had fun in Asheville. Hope you try the popcorn… it’s pretty great!