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Shake Shack Cheese Sauce

Shake Shack Cheese Sauce Recipe

Cora Garcia
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for easy yet delicious recipes that don’t skimp on flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Extra 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rich heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar freshly grated (8 ounces)
  • 2 cups cubed American cheese 8 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
  • 6 fresh jalapeño slices seeds intact
  • 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the thinly sliced sweet onions. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. This base is essential for creating depth in your sauce.
  • Once your onions have reached that beautiful translucent state, add the jalapeño slices and black peppercorns. Sauté for another 2 minutes. This step brings out the flavors of the jalapeños and gives your sauce that extra kick.
  • Next, pour in the cream. Switch to a low flame and stir gently. Allow the mixture to heat slowly for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want to see tiny bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  • Gradually whisk in the cheddar and American cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and blends smoothly into the cream. This might take about 5 to 7 minutes. The enchanting aroma coming from the pot will tempt you to dive in early.
  • Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, add sea salt, white balsamic vinegar, dry white wine, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Stir these ingredients in thoroughly. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Pour the sauce into a serving bowl or use it straight from the pot. Drizzle it over your favorite burger, dip your fries, or even ladle it over fresh veggies. Enjoy the rich satisfaction of your homemade Shake Shack Cheese Sauce.

Notes

  • Quality Cheese Matters: Always use freshly grated cheese. Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
  • Low and Slow: Keep the heat low when simmering the cream. High heat can lead to curdling instead of smoothness.
  • Taste as You Go: The best part of cooking is adjusting flavors to suit your own palate. Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt or spice levels.
  • Storage: If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Reheat with Care: When reheating, do it slowly over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal
Keyword Shake Shack Cheese Sauce Recipe
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