Shake Shack Sauce Recipe: Copycat Version

Making restaurant-style food at home seems difficult but with the help of Shake Shack Sauce, it’s easy and simple for you. Having the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy the tasty, tangy flavour of your favourite Shack Sauce right in your own business.


This creamy and tasty sauce is what makes the ShackBurger amazing. Whether you want the classic Shack sauce or something according to your way, learning this recipe will make your homemade meal better. 


In this article, we will help you to learn about the original Shake Shack sauce recipe. We also show you how to make this tasty cheese sauce and share expert tips and creative ways to use it in everyday dishes. 

What Is Shake Shack Sauce?

Shake Shack sauce is the special option that offers their burgers a creamy, bold flavour with a little tang. It is a mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and spices that are perfect for beef patties, chicken sandwiches, and even fries.

It is not like the regular burger sauces. This sauce has a great flavour that hits all the right tastes, which includes sweet, savoury, smoky, and tangy flavours. Its popularity has made it a must-try for home cooks and food lovers who want to recreate the Shake Shack experience at home.

Shake Shack Sauce Recipe

Shake Shack Sauce Recipe (Cheese Sauce)

The main thing that makes every ShackBurger flavorful is its sauce. While the original recipe is a secret, this Shake Shack sauce recipe is pretty close to the real thing. It is creamy, tangy, and a little smoky. You can easily make it at home with common ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Classic Shack Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (go for Duke’s or Kewpie for the best texture)
  • 4 teaspoons ketchup (adds a mild sweetness and tang)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard or Dijon (choose based on your flavour preference)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for a mellow depth)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (adds colour and warmth)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (or a drop of hot sauce for some heat)
  • 1 dill pickle spear, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dill pickle brine (this ties everything together)

Optional Add-ins: A small drop of lemon juice or white vinegar can make it even tangier. You can also add a little amount of truffle oil or black pepper if you want to make it according to your preferences.

How to Make It?

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Shake Shack Sauce recipe at home. This easy and delicious sauce will give your food that authentic restaurant-style flavour.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

You can start by chopping the dill pickles into small pieces. You want it as small as possible so it mixes well into the sauce. Get all your measured ingredients ready so you can mix everything.

Step 2: Blend it Up

Put everything into a small food blender or mixer. If you are using a hand blender, pour the ingredients into a tall container. Blend for about 30 to 45 seconds or until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and a little fluffy.

No blender? No problem. 

Just mix everything in a bowl until it is well combined. The texture won’t be as fluffy, but the flavour will still be perfect.

Step 3: Let it Rest

For the best taste, put the sauce in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavours mix and makes the sauce even better.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spread it on your burger bun, pour it on the fries, or use it as a dip for almost anything. It is also great in burger bowls or as a side sauce for grilled meats.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Shack Sauces

Making your Shack-style sauce is all about the little things. The basic recipe is easy, but these tips can make your homemade sauce go from good to amazing:

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat mayo and good-quality mustard and pickles. Cheap ingredients can make the sauce taste bad and mess up the texture.
  • Chill Before Serving: Put your sauce in the fridge to help the flavours mix. Let it be for at least 20 minutes. Keeping it in the fridge is better. 
  • Blend for Texture: A quick turn in the blender makes it light and airy, just like the real deal. If you are mixing by hand, whisk it well to keep the sauce smooth.
  • Balance the Tang: Too much pickle juice or mustard can make the sauce too strong. Start with a little, taste it, and add more slowly. 
  • Customize to Taste: Want it spicier? Add a little more cayenne or some Sriracha. If you want it sweeter, then try more ketchup or sweet pickle relish.  
  • Store it Right: Store leftovers in a closed container in the fridge. It stays good for 3–5 days, and the taste gets better after a while.

Sauce Pairing Ideas

Now that your homemade Shack sauce is ready, it’s time to use it. This tangy, creamy sauce isn’t just for burgers. It makes everything taste better.

  • Smash Burgers: This one is easy. Spread the sauce on both buns and even put a little on the beef patty for a nice, crispy sear. 
  • Cheese Fries: Drizzle it on hot fries or use it as a dip. It is perfect with melted cheese for the classic Shake Shack combo. 
  • Chicken Sandwiches: Put a big amount on fried or grilled chicken sandwiches. It makes the crunch better and adds a tasty twist. 
  • Burger Bowls: Skip the buns and go low-carb with a burger bowl. Use the sauce as a creamy topping. It’s a better way than the ranch. 
  • Veggie Options: Whether it is a grilled portobello burger or zucchini fries, this sauce makes the plant-based meals taste so much better. 

FAQs

Yes, you can make this sauce earlier. When it gets created, keep it in a closed container and place the sauce in the fridge, and it will last for up to a week. The taste gets better over time.

Yes, kewpie Mayo is great for its rich and creamy texture, but you can use any good mayo. Duke’s mayonnaise is another good option for a stronger taste.

If you love to try spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or a little sriracha. Change the heat to match your taste.

If you want a tangy flavour to the sauce, then try Pickle brine. You can also use a little bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. It might change the flavour a little, but it will still taste good.

It is necessary to keep the sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 5 to 7 days. 

SHAKE SHACK logo

Final Verdict

Homemade Shake Shack sauce is the best option that makes the burger more delicious and flavorful. With the help of a few ingredients, you can make this classic sauce at home. The recipe for Shake Shake sauce is easy and simple, and you can change it however you like. 
Whether you’re putting it on a burger, fries, or chicken sandwich, Shake Shack Sauce will become a favorite. Enjoy this creamy, tangy, and a little spicy sauce anytime.