Copycat Shack Sauce Recipe

Name: Copycat Shack Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons dill pickle brine; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; pinch of cayenne pepper, or to taste

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount per Serving
Calories	100
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	6mg
Sodium	211mg
Total Carbohydrate	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	0g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	3mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	19mg

Servings Per Recipe: 8

% Daily Value*

Total Fat: 13%
Saturated Fat: 8%
Cholesterol: 2%
Sodium: 9%
Total Carbohydrate: 1%
Protein: 1%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Important: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. If you're following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Copycat Shack Sauce

Copycat Shack Sauce is inspired by the legendary sauce served at Shake Shack, an iconic American burger chain that began in New York City in 2004. Shake Shack originally started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, and over time, its burgers and signature sauce became a culinary phenomenon. Enthusiastic home cooks and food bloggers have developed numerous "copycat" versions to recreate the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that made the original famous. This sauce has become a symbol of modern American fast-casual cuisine, bringing restaurant-quality flavor into kitchens worldwide.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although the original Shake Shack sauce originates in New York, regional adaptations have emerged across the United States. Some variations emphasize a smokier taste with paprika or chipotle, while others enhance the sweetness using honey or brown sugar. In the South, the sauce may include a touch of hot sauce for extra heat, reflecting local flavor preferences. Despite these variations, the core combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice remains consistent, giving the sauce its signature creamy tang.

Differences from Similar Sauces

Copycat Shack Sauce stands out from other burger condiments due to its balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Unlike standard burger sauces or thousand island dressings, it incorporates dill pickle brine, which adds a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness of mayonnaise. Its texture is smooth and creamy, making it versatile for dipping, spreading, or drizzling. While other sauces may lean heavily on ketchup or mustard, this sauce achieves a delicate harmony that enhances, rather than overpowers, the taste of the burger.

Common Places of Service

This sauce is most commonly paired with burgers and fries, staying true to its fast-casual roots. However, its versatility extends to chicken sandwiches, onion rings, and even as a dipping sauce for vegetables or as a salad dressing base. It is frequently served in both casual dining restaurants and homemade settings, where it elevates simple meals with its rich flavor. Some creative chefs even use it as a topping for loaded fries or as a component in gourmet sliders.

Interesting Facts

Shake Shacks sauce has inspired numerous online food challenges where home cooks attempt to perfect the flavor.
The inclusion of pickle juice is a secret that many consider key to replicating the original taste.
Despite being a fast-food sauce, its composition is simple enough to be prepared at home in under five minutes.
The sauce has become a cultural icon, often featured in culinary articles about the best burger accompaniments in America.
It pairs exceptionally well with both fried and grilled foods, making it a favorite beyond just burgers and fries.

FAQ about Copycat Shack Sauce Recipe

You can store the Copycat Shack Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best flavor, use within this time frame.

It is not recommended to freeze this sauce. Freezing may alter the texture of the mayonnaise, which is a primary ingredient in the sauce.

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can omit it entirely, or add a little hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can make substitutions. For example, you can use vegan mayonnaise or a different mustard type if you prefer. Some people also use sweet pickle juice instead of dill pickle juice for a sweeter variation.

This sauce is versatile! You can use it as a dip for fries, onion rings, or chicken fingers. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and wraps.

If the sauce turns out too thick, you can add a small amount of pickle juice or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly, keeping the same ratio for the best flavor.

The Copycat Shack Sauce aims to mimic the flavor profile of Shake Shack’s sauce, but there may be slight differences based on individual preferences or ingredient substitutions. Some users have adjusted the recipe to better match their taste.

Comments

Love2CookMommy

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I first need to give credit to the recipe creator and disclose that I have never had Shake Shack sauce, so my opinion maybe invalid since I cannot say if it’s a genuine copy of their recipe. What I can say is, my family OFTEN makes up sauces for fun when having burgers. I gave this recipe 4 stars because I’m accounting for not knowing what Shake Shack Sauce tastes like and my opinion of it being a more of a base start to a good burger/fry sauce. We tried making this recipe as listed with as little alteration as possible. We wound up adding quite a bit but it made a really, really tasty sauce. Our family suggests, make this as directed and try it first. If you feel it needs more, add 1 tbsp Siracha, 2 tbsp ranch dressing, and 1 tbsp whatever burger seasoning you use on your burgers. Those adds made the sauce insanely good and we really couldn’t have enough of it. I’d pair that sauce with salads, burgers, chicken fingers… the sky is the limit!

DANP3

01/03/2025 12:42:07 AM

This is a really tasty sauce, I've made it several times, great on burgers and fries.

Dallas mosque48

11/13/2024 05:08:31 PM

I used vegan myo in recipe

Jessica Williams

04/11/2024 02:36:28 PM

Tried it for the first time — perfection.

DREGINEK

04/28/2023 02:02:05 AM

While I have had Shake Shack burgers…it’s been too long since I had one and no longer remember flavor details other than I liked them. And But! This sauce is great! Super easy! Made to dip with our French fries tonight! Great! Can see this great with onion rings or cheeseburgers! Will make again! Thanks Pat!

Cook Time: 10 minutes