Chicago Style Snack Mix: An Addictive Party Treat
Did you ever make a recipe that everyone loved and immediately labeled “addictive?” It’s the one dish everyone is crowded around during the party. Your friends assume its something only you can make, so it’s requested for every event. For me, it’s this Chicago Style Snack Mix.
The funny thing about this recipe is that even though it isn’t complicated, even my best friend thought it was a special treat when I made it! She finally attempted it herself and was shocked at how easy it was! So, since my bff figured it out, I thought it was time to share it with everyone else.
What is “Chicago Style” popcorn…
This might sound crazy, but Chicago Style popcorn is caramel popcorn and cheddar cheese popcorn, combined. Like, in the same bag, touching. Together. Forever. Or at least until you devour it. (Because you will.)
Most people know about the deep dish pizza named after the windy city, but this sweet and salty popcorn mix is a bit less notorious. The Garrett Popcorn Shop is one of the best known makers of this style popcorn, though it’s said to have been created by their customers! People would buy a bag of each flavor and ask for an extra bag to mix it into. When the employees noticed this phenomenon, they decided to produce this fan favorite as a new flavor that they now call The Garrett Mix. There is some controversy around who exactly first created this irresistible snack, but once you try it, all you’ll care about is if you should hide it all for yourself.
When I was first offered some I was just like you probably are right now, scoffing at the mere idea that cheddar cheese popcorn could possibly go with caramel corn… until my first bite. That’s all it took. It shouldn’t work, but it totally does.
Your popcorn options…
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s flexible. If you don’t want or can’t find the cheddar popcorn, use your favorite buttered popcorn instead. Instead of leaving some of the cheddar out, you can coat it all with the caramel! Any brand, type or method of popcorn will work! (But, I still vote for the cheddar/caramel combo!)
Speaking of popcorn, there’s nothing worse than biting down on an un-popped kernel. If you’re using microwave popcorn, open the bag slightly, only at the very top, then shake it upside down over an empty bowl. The seeds will find their way to the bottom and out the hole, while the popcorn will stay in the bag. No more damaged dentistry!
Customizing the Snack Mix…
You determine what flavors and textures you want in your snack mix. You can add peanuts, M&M’s, or Cheez-its. Use pretzel sticks instead of squares, make it with all popcorn, or sprinkle it with coarse sea salt! There’s no wrong way to do this! Ultimately, you want about 5-6 cups of add ins in addition to the bag of popped popcorn. Have fun with it!
This week’s Dessert Bar…
A movie night is the best way to sneak in a date, without having to pay a sitter, or a great way to spend the night after a dinner party with a few friends! This Chicago Style Snack Mix has something for everyone, and when paired with homemade truffles and adult gumdrops, it’s guaranteed to be a good night, even if the movie is a bust! Check back for the rest of the recipes for this exciting series, and don’t forget to check out my Sweet and Salty Bacon Bar, too!
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Chicago Style Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 85 g cheddar microwave popcorn (any flavor can be substituted)
- 100 g pretzel squares
- 120 g chex mix rice, corn, wheat, or a combination
- 113 g butter
- 187 g brown sugar
- 122 g corn syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300*
- Pop popcorn according to instructions, reserving 2 cups once popped (if making Chicago style)
- Combine popcorn, cereal and pretzels in large stainless steel bowl and mix together gently.
- In large saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until melted.
- Once mixture starts to boil, set timer for 3 minutes and leave to boil undisturbed.
- Turn off heat, add in baking soda, and mix well (and quickly) until completely incorporated.
- Pour caramel over mix ins, and stir gently (and still quickly) to coat as much as possible.
- Spread onto prepared sheet pan (sprayed if metal, plain if stoneware) and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Transfer on to large pieces of parchment paper, using a spatula to gently separate pieces.
- Once cooled completely, put back in bowl, breaking into bite size pieces if needed.
I can’t wait to try this!
I hope you love it, Colleen! 🙂