Ultimate Cheese Sauce (Shake Shack Copycat)
Ultimate Cheese Sauce (Shake Shack Copycat) is a rich, creamy, and silky cheese sauce inspired by the famous Shake Shack topping. Made with cheddar, American cheese, milk, and simple seasonings, this easy 10-minute sauce is perfect for burgers, fries, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels. It delivers smooth texture and bold cheesy flavor just like the restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup American cheese chopped or sliced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a few drops of hot sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking and whisking for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the American cheese, stirring until it melts completely.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until the sauce is fully combined and silky.
- If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve warm over your favorite foods.
Notes
- Shred cheddar cheese from a block for the smoothest sauce.
- Keep heat low once cheese is added to prevent the sauce from separating.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm milk.
- For an extra smooth finish, whisk continuously while adding cheese.