Shake Shack Sauce
Shake Shack is a beloved burger chain renowned for its mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs, fries, and of course, its signature Shake Shack sauce. This creamy, tangy sauce is a key ingredient that elevates their burgers and keeps customers coming back for more.
Keep reading to discover everything about Shake Shack’s signature sauce—from its history and ingredients to a DIY copycat recipe you can try at home.
The History of Shake Shack Sauce
It all began in 2004 when the first Shake Shack Menu opened in New York City’s Madison Square Park. What started as a small stand quickly became a hot spot, and by 2008, founder Danny Meyer expanded the business into a full-fledged restaurant chain.
The iconic Shake Shack sauce was created by culinary director Mark Rosati and executive chef Randy Garutti. Their mission? To develop a sauce that would perfectly complement the chain’s signature burgers. After experimenting in the kitchen, they finally landed on the unique blend of creamy and tangy ingredients we now know and love. The sauce became an instant hit and has remained a staple on Shake Shack’s menu ever since.
Ingredients in Shake Shack Sauce
While the exact recipe for Shake Shack’s signature sauce is a closely guarded secret, the company has shared a few key ingredients, giving fans a chance to recreate it at home:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, providing richness and a creamy texture without the use of eggs.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a zesty tang, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of tomato flavor and sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the mustard.
- Relish: Green relish made from chopped pickles contributes a crunchy texture and a bit of vinegar and dill flavor.
- Onions: Finely chopped white onions bring a subtle, savory flavor to the mix.
- Garlic: Minced or powdered garlic adds a delicious, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Spices and Seasonings: A blend of paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and other spices rounds out the flavor profile, giving it a little kick.
When these ingredients come together, they form the perfect creamy, tangy sauce that elevates any burger or fries.
Shake Shack Sauce Nutrition Facts
A 2-tablespoon serving of Shake Shack sauce contains approximately:
- 90 calories
- 10 grams fat
- 1 gram protein
- 2 grams carbohydrates
- 135 mg sodium
Most of the calories come from the oil and egg yolks in the mayonnaise, and the sauce is lower in carbs compared to many other burger sauces because it doesn’t contain sugar. However, it does pack a decent amount of sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, consider using a lighter hand. For most diets, a couple of tablespoons of Shake Shack sauce should fit in just fine.
How to Make Shake Shack Sauce Copycat at Home
Craving that iconic Shake Shack sauce but don’t feel like leaving the house? You can easily recreate it with this simple copycat recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup eggless mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp relish
- 1 tbsp finely minced white onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until fully mixed.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more cayenne for heat or extra minced onion for a bolder flavor.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Use it on burgers, hot dogs, fries, or as a dip for anything needing a creamy, tangy twist.
This homemade Shake Shack sauce is highly customizable and will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make a batch for your next burger night!
Where to Buy Shake Shack Sauce
Don’t want to make it yourself? You can buy the original Shake Shack sauce online or at select stores:
- Shake Shack’s Online Shop – Get the real deal directly from Shake Shack’s website. They offer single bottles or packs.
- Amazon – Search for “ShackSauce” on Amazon to find the official Shake Shack sauce.
- Goldbelly – This site, known for delivering foods from popular restaurants, carries Shake Shack’s signature sauce.
- Select Grocery Stores – Some major grocery stores like Publix, Kroger, and Fresh Direct now stock Shake Shack sauce in the condiment aisle.
While the homemade version is great, nothing beats the real Shake Shack sauce. But for convenience, these options will bring the Shack flavor straight to your kitchen.
Creative Uses for Shake Shack Sauce
Shake Shack sauce isn’t just for burgers and fries—its versatility knows no bounds! Here are some ideas to spice up your meals:
- Burgers and Sandwiches
- Hot Dogs
- Chicken Fingers and Nuggets
- Fries and Tater Tots
- Onion Rings
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Fried Pickles
- Grilled or Fried Shrimp
- Fish Sticks or Filets
- Grilled or Fried Chicken
- Baked Potatoes
- Jalapeno Poppers
You can even use Shake Shack sauce as a base for other dips or dressings:
- Shake Shack Ranch Dip – Mix with ranch dressing for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Shack Sauce – Add hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Barbecue Shack Sauce – Blend with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Blue Cheese Shack Sauce – Combine with blue cheese dressing for a tangy variation.
Shake Shack sauce is one of those condiments you’ll want to keep stocked in your fridge for all sorts of occasions!
Shake Shack Sauce vs. Other Burger Sauces
How does Shake Shack’s sauce compare to other popular burger sauces? Here’s a quick rundown:
- McDonald’s Special Sauce: Creamy and tangy with a lot of pickle flavor but sweeter and lacking the heat Shake Shack sauce brings.
- In-N-Out Spread: Similar mayo base with relish but thinner and more ketchup-forward.
- Wendy’s Secret Sauce: Creamy with a hint of sour cream, but sweeter and not as spiced as Shake Shack’s.
- Whataburger Fancy Sauce: A creamy, pepper-flavored sauce, but it doesn’t have the same complex tanginess as Shake Shack’s.
- Five Guys Sauce: A simple blend of mayo, ketchup, and relish that’s milder in spice.
Shake Shack’s sauce stands out for its balanced combination of creaminess, tanginess, and spice—giving it more depth than many other burger sauces.
Shake Shack Sauce Variations
Once you’ve mastered the original Shack sauce, why not get creative? Here are a few tasty variations:
- Honey Mustard Shack Sauce: Add honey mustard for an extra zing.
- Chipotle Shack Sauce: Stir in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Ranch Shack Sauce: Blend in sour cream and ranch seasoning for a creamy, cool variation.
- Blue Cheese Shack Sauce: Mix in crumbled blue cheese for a rich, bold twist.
- Avocado Shack Sauce: Add creamy avocado for a smooth, rich texture.
- Bacon Shack Sauce: Crumbled bacon adds a savory crunch.
- Pizza Shack Sauce: Combine with mozzarella, tomato, and Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired version.
- Shack Sauce Gravy: Use it as the base for a rich gravy over meats or potatoes.
You can keep experimenting with different ingredients to create your own personalized Shack sauce!
Shake Shack Spicy Sauce Options
Shake Shack has occasionally released spicy versions of its signature sauce. These fiery options show how well Shake Shack’s creamy base pairs with heat:
- Shack Hot Sauce: A buttery, garlicky sauce with heat, similar to spicy sauces from Chick-fil-A or Popeyes.
- Spicy Korean-Style Sauce: A sweet and spicy ginger sauce, introduced in 2022.
- Spicy Black Bean Sauce: A bold, spicy sauce with a black bean flavor, launched in 2022 for a limited time.
Though these sauces are not permanent on the menu, they demonstrate how the Shake Shack sauce can adapt to different flavors while maintaining that signature creamy texture.
Shake Shack Cheese Sauce
Along with the famous Shack Sauce, Shake Shack offers a smooth, creamy cheddar and American cheese sauce at select locations. This velvety cheese sauce adds a mild, melted cheese flavor to burgers and fries. Whether drizzled over crispy fries or slathered on a burger, it creates a rich and indulgent topping. While the exact recipe is kept under wraps, there are plenty of homemade cheese sauce recipes that can replicate the decadent texture and cheesy goodness.
Shake Shack Truffle Sauce
For a gourmet twist on your Shake Shack meal, try the limited-edition Shake Shack truffle sauce. Available during special promotions, this luxurious sauce is made with a mayonnaise base, black winter truffles, truffle oil, salt, and pepper, giving it an earthy, umami-packed flavor. The creamy truffle essence perfectly complements the juicy burger, elevating the whole experience. The sauce is so beloved that, at times, they’ve even sold it in bottles, so fans can drizzle it on everything they please.
How to Order a Shake Shack Burger with Sauce
Craving the full Shake Shack sauce experience? Here’s how you can maximize your sauce indulgence:
- Every burger comes with ShackSauce, but you can always request extra on the side for dipping your fries or adding more sauce to each bite.
- For a true Shack lover, order a “Shack stack,” which comes with an extra beef patty and even more ShackSauce.
- Pair your ShackStack with crinkle-cut fries and ShackSauce for a tangy dip with every bite.
- Upgrade to a SmokeShack for an extra layer of flavor, featuring ShackSauce, cherry peppers, and crispy bacon.
- Go for a cheeseburger topped with ShackSauce and melty American cheese for a creamy and cheesy combo.
- You can switch it up with a chicken or crispy chicken sandwich drizzled with ShackSauce.
- Try the vegetarian ‘Shroom Burger, featuring a fried portobello mushroom patty and ShackSauce for a savory twist.
No matter what you order at Shake Shack, ShackSauce is a must-try. It’s the finishing touch that makes each burger or fry order feel extra special!
How to Make a Copycat Shake Shack Sauce
Can’t get enough of the tangy, creamy ShackSauce from Shake Shack? You can make your own version at home! This popular recipe is made with ingredients that are easy to find, so you can enjoy the same flavor in your own kitchen.
Reverse Engineering the ShackSauce Recipe
While the exact ShackSauce recipe is a closely guarded secret, food enthusiasts have reverse-engineered it over time by tasting and analyzing the flavor. The trick to recreating the sauce is balancing creamy, spicy, sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The base is mayonnaise, with mustard, ketchup, relish, spices, and seasonings to add complexity and flavor.
Clone the Original Shake Shack Sauce
To mimic ShackSauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Ketchup
- Relish
- White wine vinegar
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
The key ingredient here is mayonnaise, which forms the rich, creamy base of the sauce. Use a high-quality mayo like Duke’s for the best result.
Yellow mustard provides the tangy bite, while ketchup brings sweetness. Relish adds crunch and sweetness, and a touch of white wine vinegar brightens up the whole mix. Spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder round out the flavor profile.
Recreate the ShackSauce Formula at Home
Here’s how to get started on your copycat recipe:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and taste-test. Adjust the proportions of mustard, ketchup, and vinegar if needed to get that perfect ShackSauce flavor.
Recreate the Secret ShackSauce at Home
Once you’ve perfected the proportions, here’s how to prepare it:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more mustard for tang, more ketchup for sweetness, or more relish for crunch.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Store the sauce in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or stir before serving.
This copycat ShackSauce is perfect for burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, or anything that needs an extra burst of flavor.
Emulate Shake Shack’s Signature Sauce
Recreating Shake Shack’s signature ShackSauce may seem challenging, but with simple ingredients and the right proportions, you can replicate this delicious sauce at home in no time. The mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, relish, and vinegar are all easy to find, and spices like paprika and garlic powder can be added to taste.
This sauce takes just minutes to prepare and, once chilled, gives your dishes that unmistakable creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor that Shake Shack fans adore. Drizzle it over your favorite burgers or use it as a dip for fries to enjoy the Shack experience in your own kitchen.
Imitate the ShackSauce Flavor at Home
The ShackSauce is what truly sets Shake Shack’s burgers apart, and now, with this easy copycat recipe, you can enjoy the same crave-worthy flavor at home. Get the balance just right, and you’ll have a sauce that takes your meals from ordinary to extraordinary—just like the original!
Recreate Shake Shack’s Legendary ShackSauce at Home
Shake Shack’s ShackSauce is one of the most iconic fast-food condiments ever created. Its irresistible combination of tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors has made it a fan favorite for years. While the exact recipe has remained a well-guarded secret, you can now recreate the magic in your own kitchen using simple ingredients from your pantry.
By combining mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, relish, vinegar, and a blend of spices, you can easily mimic the signature ShackSauce flavor that Shake Shack customers crave. The key is getting the proportions just right to balance the creaminess, tanginess, and sweetness.
How to Make Your Own ShackSauce
You’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients to recreate Shake Shack’s famous sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp relish
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- A dash of garlic and onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and fully blended.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more mustard for extra tang or a little more ketchup for sweetness.
- Chill the sauce for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once chilled, your homemade ShackSauce is ready to be slathered on burgers, fries, sandwiches, or anything else that could use a flavor boost.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to ShackSauce’s success lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while mustard and ketchup bring tang and sweetness. Relish adds texture and a bit of tartness, and vinegar brightens everything up. The paprika, garlic, and onion powder deepen the flavor and give the sauce its signature kick.
Tips for Perfecting Your ShackSauce
- Adjust to Taste: The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to match your personal preference. Add more vinegar for an extra tang, or a bit more relish for a zesty crunch.
- Chill for Best Results: Letting the sauce sit for a while after mixing enhances the flavor, so don’t rush the chilling process. For even better results, refrigerate overnight!
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your condiments, the better the sauce will taste. Go for the best mayo and mustard you can find for an authentic flavor.
Enjoy That Iconic ShackSauce Flavor Anytime
Once you’ve perfected this recipe, you’ll have the legendary ShackSauce ready whenever you need it. Whether you’re serving it on burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, or even as a dip for vegetables, this homemade version will deliver the tangy, creamy goodness you love from Shake Shack’s iconic sauce.