
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is critically acclaimed as one of their best menu items. In 2020, the burger chain released a video tutorial on how to make their famous cheese sauce, which includes both American and cheddar cheese, canola oil, white wine vinegar, jalapeño, onion, salt, peppercorns, heavy cream, and white wine. The sauce can be paired with homemade French fries, and the recipe takes just 30 minutes to make.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Sharp Cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Fresh onions, jalapeños, heavy cream, white wine vinegar, canola oil, whole peppercorns, salt |
| Consistency | Smooth, creamy |
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Fries preparation | Boiled, fried |
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What You'll Learn

The cheese sauce recipe includes American cheese
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is a popular choice for its fries, and the recipe was released on Instagram by the company's culinary director, Mark Rosati. The sauce is made with a combination of American and cheddar cheese, along with other ingredients like onions, jalapeños, and heavy cream. The recipe is simple and can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
The cheese sauce has gained a lot of popularity, with people raving about its versatility and flavour. It can be used as a dip for fries, nachos, and pretzels, or as a spread on burgers and hot dogs. The sauce is also suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain any meat products.
To make the Shake Shack cheese sauce at home, you will need the following ingredients: American cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, canola oil or any cooking oil, white wine vinegar, fresh jalapeño peppers, onion, salt, whole peppercorns, and heavy cream. The process begins by heating oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, jalapeño, peppercorns, and salt. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
After removing the saucepan from the heat, add the heavy cream and vinegar, and allow this mixture to steep for about 20 minutes. In a separate, deep heatproof bowl, combine the shredded or grated American and cheddar cheeses. Place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl containing the cheese and then pour the cream mixture through the strainer into the bowl, capturing the cheese and the cream mixture together. Use a wooden spoon to stir the cheese mixture until it becomes smooth and fully melted. If the cheese doesn't melt completely, you can place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and continue stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
The cheese sauce can be served immediately or kept warm in a slow cooker. It is a versatile and flavourful addition to any dish, and its simple preparation makes it a convenient option for those looking to recreate the Shake Shack experience at home.
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The sauce also includes sharp cheddar cheese
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is a fan-favourite, and the recipe is simple. The sauce includes sharp cheddar cheese, which is combined with other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy dip. The sauce is perfect for fries, and the recipe was released by Shake Shack during the 2020 lockdown so that people could recreate the famous cheese fries at home.
The sharp cheddar cheese is combined with American cheese, fresh onions, jalapeños, heavy cream, canola oil, white wine vinegar, white wine, salt, peppercorns, and other spices to create the signature Shake Shack cheese sauce. The sauce is heated and whisked until it becomes thick and creamy, with no lumps of cheese remaining.
The sharp cheddar cheese brings a distinct flavour to the sauce, and its sharpness is balanced by the richness of the cream and the mildness of the American cheese. The sauce is versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes, but it is particularly famous for being the perfect dip for fries.
The recipe for the Shake Shack cheese sauce is easily accessible, and people can recreate the iconic taste at home. The sauce is simple to make, and the sharp cheddar cheese is a key ingredient that gives it its unique flavour. The combination of cheeses, spices, and cream creates a smooth, rich, and flavourful sauce that has become a signature item for the fast-food chain.
The sharp cheddar cheese in the Shake Shack cheese sauce adds a tangy and savoury note to the overall flavour profile. The sharpness of the cheddar is a defining characteristic, and it elevates the sauce from a simple cheese dip to a complex and addictive condiment. The sauce has a cult following, and the release of the recipe allowed people to satisfy their cravings during the lockdown.
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Jalapeños and onions add flavour
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is a fan favourite, and for good reason. The sauce is packed with flavour and is incredibly versatile. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, Shake Shack has released a simplified version for people to make at home. The recipe includes American cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, canola oil, white wine vinegar, jalapeños, onions, salt, peppercorns, and heavy cream.
The jalapeños and onions are essential to the flavour profile of the cheese sauce. The jalapeños add a subtle kick and spice to the sauce, while the onions bring a savoury depth of flavour. The combination of these two ingredients creates a complex and delicious taste that has made Shake Shack's cheese sauce so popular.
The process of making the sauce begins with heating oil in a pan and adding the jalapeños and onions, along with peppercorns and salt. This mixture is cooked until the onions are softened, releasing their natural sugars and adding a subtle sweetness to the sauce. The cream and vinegar are then added, and the mixture is allowed to steep, infusing the cream with the flavours of the other ingredients.
The cheese is then added to the mixture and stirred until smooth and melted, creating a rich and creamy sauce. The result is a decadent and flavourful cheese sauce that is perfect for fries, but also versatile enough to be used on a variety of other dishes.
The addition of jalapeños and onions to the cheese sauce takes it to the next level, adding depth and complexity to the flavour profile. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy American cheese, and the savoury kick from the jalapeños and onions creates a unique and irresistible taste that has made Shake Shack's cheese sauce a signature item.
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White wine vinegar is an ingredient
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is a popular choice for its fries, and the good news is that the recipe is available for all to try at home. The sauce is made with a combination of American cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, with additional ingredients to add flavour and texture.
White wine vinegar is one of the key ingredients in Shake Shack's cheese sauce. It is added to the cream base, along with other ingredients such as onions, jalapeños, and peppercorns. The cream and vinegar are allowed to steep together for 20 minutes before the cheese is added. This steeping process infuses the cream with the flavours of the vinegar and other ingredients, creating a complex and tasty sauce.
The vinegar adds a tangy and sharp flavour to the cheese sauce, cutting through the richness of the cream and cheese. It also adds a depth of flavour and helps to balance the overall taste profile. The acidity of the vinegar also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the sauce.
The amount of vinegar used in the recipe is carefully measured to ensure that it enhances the flavour of the sauce without being overpowering. This balance is crucial to the success of the cheese sauce, as too much vinegar could make the sauce too sharp and acidic.
By including white wine vinegar as an ingredient, Shake Shack has created a cheese sauce that is not only delicious but also has a unique and memorable flavour. This tangy and creamy sauce is the perfect topping for their famous fries, and the recipe has become a favourite for many to recreate at home.
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Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth
Shake Shack's cheese sauce is a cult favourite, and for good reason. The sauce is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavour. While the sauce is versatile and goes with a variety of dishes, it is particularly famous for being the perfect dip for fries.
The sauce is made with a combination of fresh onions, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese, which give it a sharp kick. However, it is the heavy cream that truly makes the sauce rich and smooth. The cream is heated until just warm, and then allowed to stand for 20-30 minutes. This process helps to develop the sauce's flavour and texture. After standing, the cream is strained to separate it from the solid ingredients. It is then returned to the heat and brought to a low simmer. This slow and gentle cooking allows the cream to thicken and develop a rich, velvety texture.
The cheeses are then added to the cream, and the mixture is cooked over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. The heavy cream provides a base for the cheese to melt into, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce, making it seem indulgent and decadent. The cream also helps to temper the sharpness of the cheddar and the spice of the jalapeños, creating a well-rounded and balanced flavour profile.
The addition of heavy cream to the cheese sauce is what makes it so indulgent and crave-worthy. It adds a depth of flavour and a richness that keeps people coming back for more. The cream also ensures that the sauce is smooth and easy to dip, pour, or spread onto your favourite dishes.
The recipe for Shake Shack's cheese sauce is simple yet effective, and the use of heavy cream is a key factor in its success. By following this recipe and using heavy cream, you can recreate the rich and smooth texture of Shake Shack's iconic cheese sauce at home.
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Frequently asked questions
Shake Shack uses a combination of American cheese and sharp cheddar cheese for its cheese sauce.
The sauce also includes heavy cream, white wine vinegar, jalapeños, onions, salt, peppercorns, and canola oil.
The recipe involves heating oil in a saucepan, adding onions, jalapeños, peppercorns, and salt, and cooking until the onions are softened. Then, add cream and vinegar and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Combine the cheeses in a separate bowl, strain the cream mixture over the cheese mixture, and stir until smooth.
The sauce is known for its smooth, creamy consistency.
The sauce is versatile and can be used on veggies, nachos, burgers, pretzels, hot dogs, and more.

























