The Shack Stack from Shake Shack features a juicy all-beef burger paired with a crispy, golden-fried Portobello mushroom stuffed with melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, delivering a savory blend of hearty and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Fryer or deep pot for frying
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (optional, for shredding cheese)
- Spoon (for stuffing)
- Sheet pan or plate (for breading/prep)
- Spatula
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 2 large Portobello mushroom caps
- 2 slices Muenster cheese
- 2 slices Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 buttered hamburger buns
- Leaf lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- For ShackSauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 garlic clove
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for juiciness and flavor in your Shack Stack burger. Large Portobello mushroom caps need to be sturdy and fresh to hold the cheese stuffing without collapsing during frying. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier, lighter coating compared to regular breadcrumbs when frying the mushrooms. Ensure your vegetable oil reaches the proper temperature (around 350degF/175degC) for frying to achieve a golden, non-greasy crust. Your homemade Shack Stack from Shake Shack copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying crunch and savory richness as the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill/griddle and fryer oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare ShackSauce: mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, cayenne, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Shred or break cheese slices into smaller pieces.
- Stuff Portobello mushrooms with Muenster and Cheddar cheeses.
- Set up breading stations: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, panko in the third.
- Season mushrooms with salt and pepper.
- Dredge stuffed mushrooms in flour, dip in egg, coat with panko.
- Fry mushrooms until golden and cheese is melted (about 3-4 mins); drain on paper towels.
- Form beef into a burger patty; season with salt and pepper.
- Grill patty to desired doneness (2-3 mins per side for medium); add cheese if desired.
- Toast buttered buns on griddle.
- Assemble burger: spread ShackSauce on both buns, bottom bun with lettuce and tomato.
- Place grilled beef patty on bottom bun.
- Top patty with fried, cheese-stuffed mushroom.
- Cover with top bun; serve immediately.
Substitution
Making a Shake Shack Shack Stack copycat at home allows for customization based on available ingredients and kitchen tools. You can substitute Portobello mushrooms with large, sturdy button mushrooms if Portobellos are unavailable, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. If deep frying equipment is limited, shallow frying the mushroom caps in a skillet with enough oil to cover halfway will still achieve a crispy crust. When mixing the ShackSauce, adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance to keep the balance as close to the original or milder. Using a digital thermometer ensures the oil stays at the optimal 350degF (175degC) for frying to prevent greasy or undercooked breading.
Tips
Ensure your oil is consistently heated to 350degF (175degC) before frying the stuffed mushrooms to achieve a crispy exterior without sogginess. When stuffing the Portobello mushrooms, distribute the cheese evenly to ensure thorough melting during frying and prevent leakage. Season your beef patty well with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors and use a thermometer if needed to avoid overcooking. Always toast the buttered buns on the griddle last for a warm, slightly crispy texture that balances your burger's juicy and crunchy elements perfectly.
Nutritions
The Shack Stack from Shake Shack provides a rich source of protein primarily from the 8 oz ground beef patty and the cheese-stuffed Portobello mushroom, which also adds essential minerals like potassium and antioxidants from the mushroom. The fried mushroom contributes additional calories and fat due to the panko breading and frying oil, while the cheese enhances calcium and vitamin D content for bone health. Your meal includes fresh lettuce and tomato, supplying dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and hydration. Expect a balanced combination of macronutrients with moderate sodium mainly from the ShackSauce and seasoning.
Storage
Store any leftover Shack Stack components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Wrap the grilled beef patty and fried Portobello mushroom individually in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Your buns, lettuce, and tomato should be stored separately to prevent sogginess and kept in a cool environment until ready to reassemble.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the Muenster and Cheddar cheeses for mozzarella or fontina to give the mushroom filling a creamier texture and milder flavor. Try using a blend of ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner burger option while maintaining juiciness by adding diced onions or mushrooms to the patty mix. For frying, consider using an air fryer set to 375degF for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil use and retain crunchiness. If you prefer a tangier sauce, mix in a teaspoon of pickle relish or a dash of hot sauce to your ShackSauce blend.
Allergies
The Shack Stack contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (Muenster and Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise), and wheat (all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs). If you have allergies to mushrooms or soy, you should also be cautious as Portobello mushrooms and some processed ingredients in the sauce may contain soy derivatives. Your dietary restrictions should be clearly communicated when ordering to avoid allergic reactions from these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
Shack Stack from Shake Shack features a juicy cheeseburger topped with a crispy fried portobello mushroom filled with melted cheese, creating a unique combination of textures and flavors that appeal to many. The blend of savory, cheesy, and crunchy elements offers a memorable taste experience that stands out among typical burger options. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this gourmet treat at home, controlling the ingredients for freshness and customization. Your homemade Shack Stack can deliver the same indulgent satisfaction without the restaurant price or wait time.