What is ShackSauce made of?

Shake Shack's ShackSauce is a mayo-based burger sauce with Dijon mustard, ketchup, dill pickle brine, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. The pickle brine is the key ingredient that distinguishes it from generic burger sauces — it adds a sharp, fermented tanginess that vinegar alone can't replicate. Shake Shack has confirmed the basic ingredients publicly, though their exact ratios are proprietary.

What does ShackSauce taste like?

ShackSauce is creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy with a pale pinkish-orange color. It's richer and more complex than plain mayo or ketchup-mayo combinations — the Dijon adds sharpness, the pickle brine adds tang, and the cayenne adds a background warmth that you notice but can't quite identify. It tastes similar to a refined Thousand Island or burger sauce but with more savory depth and less sweetness.

How long does homemade ShackSauce keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade ShackSauce keeps for up to 1 week. Because the base is mayo (which is already an emulsion), it holds together well and doesn't separate. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as the pickle brine and spices fully infuse into the mayo. Do not freeze it — the emulsion breaks when frozen.

What else can I use ShackSauce on besides burgers?

ShackSauce works as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders; as a spread for chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, and wraps; and as a dressing for coleslaw or potato salad. It's essentially a well-seasoned burger sauce with enough acidity to cut through rich or fatty foods. The spiced mayo base pairs particularly well with anything fried.

Shake Shack ShackSauce

Name: Shake Shack ShackSauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 2 teaspoons dill pickle brine; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Pinch of cayenne pepper

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: None Servings: About 3/4 cup (enough for 8 burgers)

ShackSauce is the secret weapon behind every Shake Shack burger. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and adds that “what is that?” factor that makes their burgers taste different from anything you’d make at home with regular ketchup and mustard. Shake Shack actually revealed the basic recipe publicly a few years ago — it’s essentially a dressed-up mayo-based sauce with Dijon, ketchup, and pickle brine.

The whole thing takes about two minutes to make. The hardest part is waiting the 30 minutes for the flavors to come together in the fridge.

Why Make It at Home?

You can buy bottled ShackSauce, but it runs about $8 for a small bottle. This recipe makes the same amount for less than $1 in pantry staples you probably already own. It also tastes fresher than the bottled version.

Tips & Variations

Pickle brine is the key ingredient. It adds a sharp tanginess that you can’t replicate with vinegar alone. Use brine from dill pickles, not sweet pickles.
Let it rest. The sauce right after mixing is good. The sauce after 30 minutes in the fridge is great. The sauce the next day is perfect. The flavors need time to merge.
Use it on everything. This sauce works on burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, and as a dip for onion rings. It’s the ultimate all-purpose burger sauce.
Spice it up. Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a half teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky, spicier version.

More Shake Shack Recipes to Try

The sauce is what you need — here’s what to put it on:

Copycat Shake Shack ShackBurger Recipe — the smash-style burger the sauce was designed for. Smash hard within 30 seconds for maximum crust.
Shake Shack ‘Shroom Burger — the crisp-fried portobello stuffed with muenster and cheddar. ShackSauce works just as well on the vegetarian option.
Copycat Shake Shack Chicken Shack Sandwich — the ShackSauce works equally well on chicken. Buttermilk-brined, crispy fried.

See all Shake Shack copycat recipes →

Shake Shack ShackSauce