Cheesy Caramel Popcorn

CHEESY CARAMEL POPCORN: THE ULTIMATE SWEET & SAVORY SNACK

If you’re craving the perfect balance of sweet and salty, then look no further than Cheesy Caramel Popcorn. This addictive snack combines rich, buttery caramel with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a crispy, crunchy treat you won’t be able to resist. Best of all, you can make it at home in just a few simple steps!

Now, you might be wondering, does cheese and caramel really work together? Well, absolutely! Surprisingly, the bold, tangy bite of sharp cheddar perfectly offsets the deep sweetness of caramel, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. As the popcorn bakes, the cheese melts into the caramel coating, crisping up into a golden layer that enhances every kernel. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of gooey caramel and savory cheese, making this snack truly unforgettable. When you serve it at a movie night, holiday party, or just as a fun treat, you’ll see how quickly everyone devours it.

Even better, you only need 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients. So, why settle for store-bought popcorn when you can create a homemade version that bursts with flavor? Get ready to make this irresistible recipe today! ✨

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS
8 cups popped popcorn (freshly popped for best texture)
3/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
1 cup shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven: First, set your oven to 300°F so it has time to heat up properly. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Coat the popcorn: Next, in a large mixing bowl, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the popcorn. Then, toss gently to ensure every kernel is lightly coated—this step helps the cheese stick better later.

3. Mix in caramel sauce: Now, pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, stirring with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Make sure to mix thoroughly so the sweetness is distributed in every bite.

4. Add the cheese: After that, sprinkle the shredded sharp yellow cheddar evenly over the caramel-coated popcorn. Toss lightly once again to distribute without clumping, ensuring an even cheesy crunch.

5. Bake to perfection: Spread the popcorn in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through so the cheese melts evenly and turns lightly crispy without burning.

6. Cool and enjoy: Finally, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. As it cools, the caramel firms up, and the popcorn becomes even crunchier, creating the perfect sweet-and-savory snack. Enjoy!

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

• Use fresh popcorn to ensure maximum crunch—stale popcorn won’t hold up well.
• Balance the flavors: Sharp yellow cheddar offers the best contrast, but white cheddar, smoked gouda, or parmesan make great variations.
• Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating, so every bite has a balance of caramel and cheese.
• For extra crispness, bake 1–2 extra minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days for the best crunch.