The Best Shake Shack Burger Is For Mushroom Lovers

While it may have started as a hot dog cart, Shake Shack is likely best known for its burgers (and its controversial buns). The smashburger patties, nestled between the crown and heel of a Martin's Potato Roll, are popular in their classic format — the Shackburger — with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and ShackSauce, but there are many more versions to try. Food Republic decided to rank all of its burgers, and while our taste tester had no beef with any of the options, there was a clear favorite: the Shake Stack.

What set it apart from the other burgers in the ranking and helped propel it to the top of the list was its layers of both flavors and textures. The Shake Stack combines the best of both worlds, bringing one of its classic American cheese-topped beef patties together with the cheddar- and muenster-stuffed fried portobello that serves as the primary ingredient in the chain's vegetarian 'Shroom Burger. The veggies (lettuce and tomato) were also an added bonus.

Online reviews reflect the same enthusiasm about the Shack Stack. Many say it's their favorite burger at the chain, with one TikToker advising, "If you can only order one item from Shake Shack, it has to be this." One of the most popular parts of the sandwich is the stuffed fried mushroom, which one Yelp reviewer says "oozes cheesy goodness when you bite into it." The only downside to the sandwich seems to be its cost, with some saying that it's expensive, but the popular burger joint has been known for being a little pricey in general.

What helped propel the Shack Stack to the top of the list was its layers of both flavors and textures. Food Republic's tester noted that the burgers in the bottom two slots — the hamburger and the bacon cheeseburger — tended to be dry, and that neither was served with the chain's signature sauce. In contrast, the review praised the soft texture of the meat in the Shack Stack, the crunch of the fried mushroom, and the way the ShackSauce complements the combo.

If you're looking to whip up a burger at home that rivals the moist-yet-crunchy goodness of the Shack Stack, there are a few simple steps to follow. First, start with the perfect beef blend for smashburgers. For the richest flavor, combine short rib and chuck at a ratio of 20/80, respectively, or, for maximum juiciness, replace the short rib with brisket. Then, form your patties and refrigerate them while you're prepping the rest — cold meat is one of the keys to crafting the perfect crust.

The second most important component is the cheesy fried mushroom. To successfully pull off this culinary endeavor, halve and stuff your portobellos with a seasoned cheese and egg yolk mixture. A thorough dredge through flour, eggs, and panko ensures a crispy exterior that contrasts with the molten center.

A well-balanced sauce is also essential for keeping the sandwich moist. A jazzed-up, Utah-approved fry sauce made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles would work. Spread it on a toasted bun, and stack on the cooked meat and mushroom for a believable at-home copycat.