Sweet, savory, crunchy, and totally addicting. These homemade Chicago Mix Popcorn Balls have it ALL going on. Make some today. I'll show you how!
*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2014. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
What I like about these Chicago Mix popcorn balls is that they can be considered portion control (I know it's a stretch, but play along), for when you're looking for a little something sweet but you don't want to ruin your entire day of eating healthy my chowing down on a big bowl of ice cream or a huge slice of cake.
Of course, that all depends on how big you make your balls...and yes, in this application, size does matter! LOL
Now, you'd think with me living fairly close to the city of Chicago that I would have purchased my Chicago Mix popcorn from Garrett's Popcorn Shops, (the originator and manufacturer of THE best Chicago Mix popcorn in all the world). But, sadly I didn't. I purchased my knock-off, Chicago Mix, at Costco while I was there shopping there for something else entirely. Go figure.
It was only on my way to the register (to pay my always mega bill) that I spotted the giant bag of Costco's Chicago Mix popcorn.
I stopped and pondered for only a moment. Within seconds, I'd tossed the enormous bag of Chicago Mix popcorn into my cart, shrugged my shoulders, and chalked it up to "yummy food blogging potential." Doesn't everyone? LOL
Yield: 20-24 3" balls Prep Time: 20 minutes
20-22 cups Chicago Mix Popcorn
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups light corn syrup
½ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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-Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
-Place the popcorn in a large oven-safe container and place in the preheated oven while you prepare the syrup.
-In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reaches 235 degrees (soft-ball stage).
-Place some ice cubes in a large bowl and fill with water. Set aside.
-Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
-Remove the popcorn from the oven and pour the hot syrup over the popcorn.
-Using a wooden spoon, quickly stir the popcorn and syrup together.
-Dip your hands in the ice water and quickly shape the popcorn into 3" balls. *Note - this is not something for kids to do as the mixture is extremely hot and sticky. The ice water will help cool your hands and also prevent sticking.
-Once cooled, they can be wrapped for individual gift giving or set out in a bowl.
-Serve and enjoy!
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Place the Chicago Mix popcorn into a large ovenproof pan. Place it in a preheated oven while making the syrup.
Heat the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to 235 degrees on a candy thermometer (stirring occasionally). Once the syrup reaches soft ball stage (235) remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popcorn and quickly stir it so all the popcorn is coated in the syrup. Have a large bowl of ice water nearby to use on your hands to prevent burning and sticking and quickly roll the popcorn into 3" balls.
There you have it. That was easy, don't you think?
These will make terrific treats for your little ones at Halloween and as a fun lunchbox snack beyond that. Wrap these balls tightly in some cellophane bags or plastic wrap and they should keep fresh for 7-10 days.
Rita says
Love the Popcorn painting. How much does it cost. I would like one for my daughter and new hubby. Wedding gift.
Renée says
Hi Rita,
I sell them in my shop on Etsy. Here is the link if you're interested: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240372223/large-painted-popcorn-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_15
Thanks so much for your interest!
Renee
Jesus is Lord says
MmMmMm, Looks Goooooood! 😉
Melissa Bailey says
I've never seen popcorn balls but I now think they are the bomb!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
Oh my heavens - you had me at the first glance at these sweetly salty lovelies.
Nutmeg Nanny says
I cannot stop myself around caramel corn. These little treats look amazing.
Karissa K. says
Portion Control, hehe. Caramel corn is my weakness. I hope someone buys me one of those popcorn tins again this year.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
Oh. Em. Gee!! Garrett's Chicago Mix Popcorn is by far the best popcorn on the planet. I scoffed the first time someone tried to get me to eat cheese corn + caramel corn...but only for a minute. I'm a total convert! Your popcorn balls must be deadly addictive!
Anita says
I've never heard of Chicago popcorn either - another reason for me to make a visit in the future! Your recipe looks great - it makes me want some now!
Lauren says
I've never heard of Chicago pop corn, but these little balls are so cute!
Lauren Kelly Nutriton says
My kids would love these!! I need to try Chicago popcorn, I've never head it!
foody schmoody says
These popcorn balls look great. I love sweet and salty together and they do sound easy enough. BTW, I love that painted bowl!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Popcorn balls are so much fun! I've never heard of this Chicago pop corn - need to try!!!
Paula says
Looks like a great treat! Love your personalized painted popcorn bowls too 🙂
Amy @Very Culinary says
Popcorn is my absolute favorite snack. I make it every day. Would eat every one of those balls with reckless abandon!
RJ Flamingo says
I love G.H. Cretors' Chicago Mix! In fact, I reviewed it last year before Halloween and I've been an addict ever since. Portion control, eh? Yeah, that might work. LOL! Maybe.