The SmokeShack from Shake Shack features a juicy all-natural Angus beef patty topped with smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and melted American cheese, nestled inside a soft potato bun for a smoky, spicy, and savory burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Bacon press (optional)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Tray or plate (for assembling/resting ingredients)
- Oven or warming drawer (optional for buns)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground Angus beef
- 4 slices smoked bacon
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 soft potato buns
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled cherry peppers
- Salt
- Black pepper
Choose high-quality ground Angus beef for a juicy and flavorful patty that replicates the SmokeShack's signature taste. Selecting smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky depth essential for that authentic Shake Shack experience. Using pickled cherry peppers provides the perfect balance of heat and acidity, enhancing the burger's spicy and savory profile. Soft potato buns complement the ingredients with their tender texture, helping to hold everything together without overpowering the flavors. Your SmokeShack copycat burger will capture the smoky, spicy, and savory essence that fans of Shake Shack crave.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form Angus beef into two equal-sized patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Place bacon slices on the grill or griddle; cook until crispy, flipping as needed.
- Remove cooked bacon and set aside on a tray or plate.
- Grill both beef patties to desired doneness, flipping once.
- Top each patty with American cheese and allow to melt.
- While cheese melts, slice potato buns and toast lightly on grill, oven, or warming drawer.
- Chop pickled cherry peppers if not pre-chopped.
- Place bottom half of each bun on tray or plate.
- Layer with cheeseburger patty, crispy bacon, and chopped cherry peppers.
- Cap with top half of bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The SmokeShack from Shake Shack copycat menu captures the bold flavors of the original with a smoky, spicy twist. You can substitute smoked bacon with turkey bacon or a smoky plant-based alternative if preferred. If pickled cherry peppers are unavailable, try using pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for a similar tangy heat. Ground Angus beef can be swapped for ground brisket or a beef blend to enhance juiciness and flavor. Toasting the potato buns on a grill or griddle adds extra texture and warmth before assembling your burger.
Tips
Ensure your grill or griddle is fully preheated to medium-high before placing patties to achieve a perfect sear and retain juiciness. Use a bacon press if available to keep bacon slices flat and evenly crispy, which enhances texture without burning. Timing matters: add cheese to patties just before removing from heat to allow it to melt thoroughly without overcooking the beef. Your buns should be lightly toasted to prevent sogginess from toppings while adding a pleasant crunch to complement the smoky flavors.
Nutritions
Your SmokeShack burger offers a rich source of protein from the all-natural Angus beef patty and smoked bacon, supporting muscle repair and growth. The American cheese adds calcium and essential fats, contributing to bone health and energy. Pickled cherry peppers provide a small punch of vitamins and antioxidants, enhancing the burger's nutritional profile without adding many calories. Be mindful of sodium levels, which can be elevated due to bacon, cheese, and pickled peppers, so balance this meal with fresh vegetables or a light side.
Storage
To maintain the freshness of your SmokeShack components, store cooked patties, bacon, and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pickled cherry peppers in a sealed jar to preserve their tangy flavor. When ready to serve, gently reheat patties and bacon on a grill or griddle to retain their smoky, savory taste without drying out.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting smoked bacon with thick-cut pancetta or turkey bacon to change the flavor profile and texture. You can blend finely chopped jalapenos into the ground Angus beef for a spicier kick that complements the cherry peppers. Using smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of American cheese adds a richer, creamier element. Consider toasting the potato buns with garlic butter on the grill for extra aromatic depth, enhancing your overall burger experience.
Allergies
The SmokeShack contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and gluten from the potato buns, which may trigger symptoms for individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The smoked bacon and pickled cherry peppers could also pose a risk to those with meat or spice allergies. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a medical professional if you have specific food allergies before consuming this burger.
Why this recipe?
SmokeShack from Shake Shack features a unique blend of Angus beef patties topped with cherry peppers, smoked bacon, and ShackSauce, creating a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and savory flavors. The quality of ingredients and expert preparation emphasizes mouthwatering juiciness and bold taste, making it a standout choice among burger enthusiasts. By attempting a copycat recipe, you can recreate this gourmet experience at home, customize it to your preference, and save money while enjoying a crave-worthy meal. Your homemade version offers the satisfaction of mastering a popular menu item with restaurant-quality flavors.