Shake Shack at home

I love a good burger, but also can be picky about what that means. I usually want something classic and not too crazy, and I definitely don’t want the patty to be too thick. So generally, when we’re craving this, Shake Shack is the best option. The crispy, smashed patty is not only delicious, but it’s a great size so you don’t need a nap afterward. That paired with creamy, tangy sauce on a potato bun with lettuce and tomato - what more could anyone want or need?

Naturally, we set out to recreate this at home. I’ll go ahead and share that I forgot to add the American cheese after too much wine at our virtual happy hour, and the store was out of Martin’s Potato Buns. But we pressed on.

Shack Sauce from Serious Eats | Smash burger guidance from Bon Appetit

We did carrot fries on the side because we’ve been loving them lately, and making french fries at home either doesn’t turn out, makes a huge mess, doesn’t live up to your expectations, or all of the above.

Pro tip: If there are only two of you eating, divide the ground beef into four balls as instructed, but freeze the other two along with two buns so you can enjoy these another time. I strongly suggest avoiding doing a double patty here. It’s just too much meat.

Note: Yes, those are two bags of clothes I need to donate when stores reopen. Thank you portrait mode.