Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty serving of cheese fries, especially the beloved Shake Shack style. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s consider what dishes tantalize your taste buds when paired with this culinary delight.
A classic cheeseburger is an obvious choice. The juicy patty against the crispy fries creates a satisfying balance. My personal favorite is a spicy chicken sandwich. Trust me, when you take a bite of the sandwich followed by a forkful of cheesy fries, it’s a burst of flavors that could earn a round of applause.
For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness beautifully and adds a refreshing element to your meal. Throw in some fresh lemonade or a chilled iced tea, and you have yourself a complete feast.
As a registered dietitian and a total foodie, I’ve spent more time than I care to admit perfecting the art of indulgent dishes. Today, I’m super excited to share my version of the famous Shake Shack cheese fries that you can whip up right in your own kitchen.
This recipe isn’t just any old recipe; it’s designed to make your taste buds dance and your heart happy. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to replicate this iconic flavor. Prepare yourself—you’re about to embark on a delicious journey.
What is Shake Shack Cheese Fries?
So, what’s the deal with Shake Shack’s cheese fries? They are crinkle-cut fries, crisped to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce blessed with a touch of smokiness and a mild kick from jalapeños. The beauty lies not just in the flavors but also in the textures—think crispy, gooey, and downright irresistible.
If you’ve ever visited a Shake Shack, you might have felt a tingle of excitement at the thought of devouring these fries. Well, you no longer have to wait for your next visit. In minutes, you can recreate that experience at home.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Let’s dive deeper into the flavor profile of these heavenly fries. The first bite hits you with the crunch of the crinkle fries, followed closely by the creamy, velvety cheese sauce. The sharp cheddar sings out, while Velveeta lends its classic smoothness.
And then, the subtle heat from the jalapeños and the warm smokiness of paprika elevates the dish to another level. It strikes a perfect balance—rich yet not overwhelmingly so. You’ll notice a slight tang from the champagne vinegar, which brightens the dish like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Shake Shack Cheese Fries Recipes?
The uniqueness of my Shake Shack cheese fries recipe lies in the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients. While many recipes simply combine cheese and some spice mix, I go all out to ensure layers of flavor are added throughout the process.
The use of fresh ingredients like jalapeños really makes a difference. Plus, there’s a technique to make the cheese sauce not just flavorful but also silky smooth. Trust me; once you taste this version, you won’t look back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, here’s what you will need for the ultimate Shake Shack cheese fries:
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups rich cream
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 2 cups creamy Velveeta cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Crinkle Fries:
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into crinkle shapes
- 6 cups peanut oil, for deep-frying
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step by Step Directions
Now that we’ve assembled our ingredients, let’s make these delicious cheese fries! Follow these steps closely for cheesy perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start with your russet potatoes. Peel them and cut them into crinkle shapes. If you don’t have a crinkle cutter, you can opt for traditional fries, but crinkle adds character. Remember to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying; this helps remove excess starch and makes for crispier fries.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy pot or a deep fryer, pour in the peanut oil and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Too hot, and your fries will burn; too cool, and they’ll become soggy. While the oil is heating, we can move on to the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and diced jalapeño until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the black peppercorns and sea salt—let those flavors mingle! Pour in the rich cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Once the cream starts to bubble, add the Velveeta and cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until fully melted and combined. Toss in the smoked paprika and champagne vinegar. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, don’t worry; a splash of cream can bring it back to life.
Step 5: Fry the Potatoes
By this time, your oil should be hot. Carefully add a handful of the crinkle-cut fries into the oil, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and garlic powder while they’re still hot.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
Now comes the best part—assembly! Place a generous serving of fries in a bowl or on a platter. Drizzle that gorgeous cheese sauce all over. Feel free to go wild! If you’re feeling adventurous, throw some extra diced jalapeños on top for that added kick. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Making Shake Shack Cheese Fries
Making these cheese fries can be a breeze with a few helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for fries. They have the right starch content for the perfect texture.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Frying at the right temp ensures even cooking.
- Season Your Fries Again: Adding salt immediately after frying allows it to adhere better to the fries.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While Velveeta and sharp cheddar are a classic combo, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
- Serve Fresh: Cheese fries are best served immediately. If you must prepare them in advance, reheat the cheese sauce separately before assembling.
Nutrition Information
How Can I Store This Shake Shack Cheese Fries?
If you happen to have leftovers (highly unlikely), you can store the cheese fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that fries will lose their crispness once refrigerated. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) until warmed through and crisp again.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
1. For Velveeta Cheese:
Instead of using Velveeta, you can opt for American cheese. It mimics the same creamy texture.
2. For Heavy Cream:
If you want to cut back on calories, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce with decent creaminess.
3. For Jalapeño Pepper:
If you don’t have jalapeños, banana peppers add a similar tang without the heat.
4. For Peanut Oil:
Substitute with canola or vegetable oil if you are worried about allergies or want a neutral taste.
Shake Shack Cheese Fries Recipe
Equipment
- deep fryer
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper deseeded and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups rich cream
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 2 cups creamy Velveeta cheese shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cut into crinkle shapes
- 6 cups peanut oil for deep-frying
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Start with your russet potatoes. Peel them and cut them into crinkle shapes. If you don’t have a crinkle cutter, you can opt for traditional fries, but crinkle adds character. Remember to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying; this helps remove excess starch and makes for crispier fries.
- In a large, heavy pot or a deep fryer, pour in the peanut oil and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Too hot, and your fries will burn; too cool, and they’ll become soggy. While the oil is heating, we can move on to the cheese sauce.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and diced jalapeño until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the black peppercorns and sea salt—let those flavors mingle! Pour in the rich cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once the cream starts to bubble, add the Velveeta and cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until fully melted and combined. Toss in the smoked paprika and champagne vinegar. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, don’t worry; a splash of cream can bring it back to life.
- By this time, your oil should be hot. Carefully add a handful of the crinkle-cut fries into the oil, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and garlic powder while they’re still hot.
- Now comes the best part—assembly! Place a generous serving of fries in a bowl or on a platter. Drizzle that gorgeous cheese sauce all over. Feel free to go wild! If you’re feeling adventurous, throw some extra diced jalapeños on top for that added kick. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for fries. They have the right starch content for the perfect texture.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Frying at the right temp ensures even cooking.
- Season Your Fries Again: Adding salt immediately after frying allows it to adhere better to the fries.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While Velveeta and sharp cheddar are a classic combo, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
- Serve Fresh: Cheese fries are best served immediately. If you must prepare them in advance, reheat the cheese sauce separately before assembling.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
And there you have it! You now know how to make Shake Shack-style cheese fries that are sure to impress at your next gathering or simply satisfy that late-night craving. This recipe is more than just food—it’s an experience filled with flavor, nostalgia, and joy. Enjoy every crispy, gooey bite and remember that cooking at home can be just as exciting as dining out. So get that apron on and dive into this cheesy goodness!
