If you’re wondering what cheese Shake Shack uses, the answer is simple: Shake Shack mainly uses American cheese on its classic burgers like the ShackBurger. It’s creamy, melts perfectly, and brings out the juicy flavor of the beef. For their cheese fries and cheese sauce, they blend American cheese and sharp cheddar. This combo makes their cheese sauce rich, smooth, and tangy. Some special menu items may feature other cheeses like pepper jack, but American cheese is the go-to choice at Shake Shack.
Now, let’s explore all the details about the cheeses used, their characteristics, and what makes Shake Shack’s cheese so special.
Why Does Shake Shack Use American Cheese?
Main Reason: Creaminess and Melting
American cheese is:
- Smooth
- Mild in flavor
- Perfectly melty
It complements the beef patties without overpowering them.
Cheese Used in Shake Shack Burgers
Primary Cheese: American Cheese
American cheese is used in:
- ShackBurger
- Double ShackBurger
- SmokeShack
- Shroom Burger (vegetarian option)
Characteristics:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and creamy |
| Melting point | Low – melts easily |
| Flavor | Mild and slightly salty |
| Visual | Bright yellow-orange slice |
Occasional Special Cheeses
Some limited-time burgers use different cheeses, such as:
- Pepper Jack Cheese — Used in BBQ burgers for a spicy twist
- Aged Cheddar — Sometimes featured in premium options
People search for : Which Burger Is Bigger Five Guys or Shake Shack
What Cheese is in Shake Shack’s Cheese Sauce?
Combo of American + Sharp Cheddar
Shake Shack’s cheese sauce is made in-house using:
- American cheese (creamy base)
- Sharp white cheddar (adds tangy depth)
Cheese Sauce Preparation Includes:
- Simmering:
- White wine
- White wine vinegar
- Onions
- Peppercorns
- Jalapeños
- Straining the infused cream
- Adding cheese blend (American + Cheddar)
- Stirring until smooth
Where is Cheese Sauce Used?
Shake Shack uses this sauce for:
- Crinkle-cut cheese fries
- Toppings for specialty hot dogs
- Occasionally in limited-time burgers
Read more : Is Shake Shack Sauce Gluten Free
Shake Shack Burger Cheese vs. Other Fast Food Chains
| Chain | Cheese Type Used | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Shake Shack | American | Mild, creamy, melty |
| McDonald’s | Processed American | Mild, slightly salty |
| Five Guys | Kraft-style American | Rich, classic melt |
| In-N-Out | American | Slightly sharper |
Shake Shack sticks to quality melt and smooth taste, making its cheese stand out.
Can You Buy the Same Cheese at Home?
Yes. While Shake Shack hasn’t disclosed the exact brand, you can replicate the flavor using:
Cheese Alternatives for Home Cooks
| Store-Bought Cheese | Taste Match to Shake Shack |
|---|---|
| Velveeta slices | Very similar, melts smoothly |
| Land O’Lakes American | Mild and creamy |
| Kraft Singles | Close flavor, budget-friendly |
Shake Shack Cheese Sauce Recipe and Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp white wine
- Salt, pepper, jalapeños (optional)
Steps:
- Simmer onion, vinegar, wine, pepper, and jalapeños in cream
- Strain the mixture
- Add cheeses
- Stir until fully melted
Must read : What Oil Does Shake Shack Use?
FAQs
What cheese is used in Shake Shack burgers?
American cheese – creamy, mild, and melts perfectly.
Is Shake Shack cheese sauce real cheese?
Yes. It’s a blend of real American and sharp cheddar cheeses.
Does Shake Shack use cheddar cheese?
Yes, in the cheese sauce. Not usually in their burgers unless it’s a special edition.
Can I make Shake Shack cheese sauce at home?
Absolutely. Use American cheese plus sharp cheddar with cream and flavorings.
Is the cheese spicy?
No, American cheese is not spicy. But pepper jack is used occasionally in limited-time burgers.
Final Thoughts
Shake Shack cheese choice might seem simple, but it’s intentionally selected for flavor, texture, and melt quality. American cheese does the job best—especially for their signature ShackBurger. And when it comes to their cheese sauce, the addition of sharp cheddar brings it up a level. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, now you know exactly what cheese Shake Shack uses and why.
