Copycat Shake Shack Mac and Cheese Recipe

5

Shake Shack Mac and Cheese has become one of those irresistible indulgences – the ultimate side dish to pair with a ShackBurger or enjoy entirely on its own. With its velvety cheddar and American cheese sauce, perfectly cooked spiral pasta, and that signature crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes.

How to make Shake Shack Mac and Cheese

Shake Shack Mac & Cheese is a creamy pasta side dish that the chain recently added to its seasonal Smoky BBQ menu. It’s made with cavatappi pasta tossed in a rich cheddar-and-American cheese sauce, then topped with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz cavatappi pasta (or any spiraled pasta like elbow macaroni – cavatappi works best for that Shake Shack vibe)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (you can use 2%, but whole milk creates that creamy texture)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded American cheese (if unavailable, Velveeta works as a substitute for creaminess)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• (Optional) A pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gives the topping a crunch without being heavy)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• (Optional) A pinch of garlic powder, for added flavor

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for “al dente” texture. Drain, toss with a little melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this gets rid of the raw flour taste).
3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar and American cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and (optional) a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor.
6. In a small skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toss until they’re lightly golden and crispy. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and (optional) garlic powder for extra flavor.
7. Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls.
8. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture generously over the top for that signature Shake Shack crunch.

Tips for Success

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect how smoothly it melts. Shred your cheese fresh for the creamiest results.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Err on the side of slightly undercooked (al dente), as the pasta will absorb the cheese sauce and soften further.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and American cheese are closest to the original, you can mix in other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even smoked Gouda, to customize the flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Just reheat the sauce gently and stir in the pasta to prevent it from drying out.
• Breadcrumb Hack: If you’re in a rush, try crushing some Ritz crackers or using seasoned breadcrumbs instead of panko.

What to serve with

Shake Shack Mac and Cheese is a star on its own, but let’s face it — it’s even better when paired with the right mains, sides, and drinks to round out the experience.

1. The Classic: Burgers

Since Shake Shack is famous for its burgers, pairing your Shake Shack Mac and Cheese with a juicy burger is a natural choice.

• Make it a ShackBurger Combo: Sear up a homemade beef patty (80% lean, 20% fat for maximum juiciness), season it simply with salt and pepper, top it with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce (a mix of mayo, mustard, ketchup, and a hint of pickle brine). Pair that alongside a bowl of Mac and Cheese for a Shake Shack-style feast right at home.
• Want to go fancy? Try gourmet burgers: Elevate your game with fun toppings like caramelized onions, avocado slices, or crispy bacon to complement the richness of the Shake Shack Mac and Cheese .

2. Crispy or Grilled Chicken

Chicken works brilliantly as a main protein to balance the cheesy richness of the Shake Shack Mac and Cheese.

• Crispy Chicken Tenders: A crunchy, golden-brown chicken tender is a perfect sidekick. Dip them in your favorite sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy mayo to create flavor contrasts.
• Grilled BBQ Chicken: For a smoky, summer-inspired vibe, try flame-grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze. Its charred flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy mac.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Shake Shack’s Mac and Cheese at home is a delight, but sometimes you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand. The good news? This recipe is highly adaptable!

1. Pasta Substitutes

Shake Shack uses cavatappi pasta, but you can easily swap it with other shapes without losing functionality.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic mac and cheese pasta, the short tubular shape is great for holding cheesy sauce.
• Fusilli or Rotini: If you’re looking for another spiral-shaped pasta, these are perfect substitutes.
• Penne: Penne’s hollow middle offers plenty of surface area for cheese sauce to cling to.
• Shells (Conchiglie): Their curved and hollow design makes small shells excellent for trapping the creamy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea, lentil, or rice-based pasta.

2. Cheese Substitutes

Shake Shack’s recipe typically features a blend of sharp cheddar and American cheese. If you’re missing these or want to try something different, here are alternatives:

For Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

• Medium Cheddar: While slightly milder, medium cheddar will still provide good flavor.
• Colby Cheese: Colby is less sharp and creamier, making it a gentler substitute.
• Gruyere: For a gourmet twist, Gruyere melts beautifully and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild and creamy, Swiss cheese adds a smooth texture that complements mac and cheese.

For American Cheese:

American cheese contributes creaminess to the sauce, but here are alternatives:

• Velveeta: A common mac and cheese favorite, Velveeta provides a similar creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy twist and ultra-smooth consistency, sub in softened cream cheese.
• Mozzarella (Low-Moisture): Mozzarella melts well but has a milder flavor. Boost it by pairing with a sharper cheese like Parmesan.
• Monterey Jack: A rich, buttery cheese that melts beautifully, similar to American cheese.

Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives:

• Vegan Cheddar: Available in many supermarkets, vegan shredded cheddar mimics the sharpness of dairy cheddar.
• Cashew Cream: Homemade cashew cream (blended cashews, water, and nutritional yeast) provides a creamy, non-dairy option with subtle nuttiness.

3. Milk and Cream Substitutes

The original recipe calls for whole milk and heavy cream, but here are options suitable for dietary restrictions or alternatives:

For Whole Milk:

• Low-Fat Milk: Lower-fat milk still works, though the sauce may be less rich. Balance this by adding a small pat of butter.
• Evaporated Milk: A rich substitute that adds creaminess without additional fat.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk works well, but ensure it’s neutral-flavored (no vanilla varieties).

For Heavy Cream:

• Half and Half: A lighter option that still provides creaminess.
• Coconut Cream: A dairy-free alternative for richness (note: coconut adds a subtle flavor).
• Greek Yogurt: Can replace cream for tanginess while maintaining thickness (use full-fat for best results).

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the ingredients and tips in hand, it’s time to dig into this gooey, cheesy perfection. Pair it with your favorite burger or enjoy it solo – either way, this Shake Shack Mac and Cheese-inspired dish is bound to win over your taste buds.

More Shake Shack Recipes:

• Copycat Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich Recipe