Shakey's Mojo Potatoes Recipe: A Copycat Recipe for the Beloved Side Dish
Shakey's, the popular pizza chain, has been serving its signature mojo potatoes as a side dish for decades. The crispy, flavorful potatoes are a staple on their menu, and fans of the restaurant have been trying to recreate the recipe at home. After some trial and error, we've managed to reverse-engineer the Shakey's mojo potatoes recipe, and we're excited to share it with you.
A Brief History of Shakey's Mojo Potatoes
The origins of Shakey's mojo potatoes date back to the 1950s, when the restaurant first opened its doors in California. The dish quickly became a favorite among customers, who loved the combination of crispy potatoes, savory spices, and tangy sauce. Over the years, the recipe has remained largely unchanged, although the chain has experimented with various toppings and flavor combinations.
The Secret to Shakey's Mojo Potatoes
So, what makes Shakey's mojo potatoes so special? The key is in the combination of ingredients and cooking techniques used to create the perfect potato. Here's a breakdown of the essential elements:

- Crispy potatoes: Shakey's uses a special type of potato called the Russet Burbank, which has a high starch content and yields a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Savory spices: The potatoes are seasoned with a blend of spices that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Tangy sauce: Shakey's uses a proprietary sauce that's a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices. We'll provide a recipe for a similar sauce below.
- Crispy topping: The potatoes are topped with a mixture of crispy fried onions and paprika, which adds texture and flavor.
Shakey's Mojo Potatoes Recipe
Now that we've covered the secrets of Shakey's mojo potatoes, it's time to get to the recipe. Here's a copycat version that we've tested and perfected:
Ingredients:
- 4 large Russet Burbank potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Shakey's-style sauce (see below)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (see below)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:

- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the potato cubes in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss to coat.
- Season the potatoes with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the Shakey's-style sauce (see below).
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and toss with the sauce until coated.
- Top the potatoes with crispy fried onions, parsley, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Shakey's-Style Sauce Recipe
This sauce is a crucial component of the mojo potatoes recipe. It's a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices that adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Here's a recipe for a similar sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
- Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
The crispy fried onions are a key component of the mojo potatoes recipe. Here's a simple recipe for crispy fried onions:
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced onions to the bowl and toss to coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion slices to the pan and fry until crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain the onions on paper towels and use immediately.
With these recipes, you'll be able to recreate the Shakey's mojo potatoes at home. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory spices, tangy sauce, and crispy fried onions is a match made in heaven. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of Shakey's without leaving your kitchen!