Description
Smash Burger Fries are loaded crispy fries topped with juicy smash-style ground beef, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, and a tangy special sauce. Finished with pickles and jalapeños, this easy comfort food recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fries & Beef
- 1 (26 oz) package frozen crispy fries
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pickles, whole or diced (for garnish)
- Thin jalapeño slices (for garnish)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
For the Special Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly shredded onion
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp dill relish
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Bake the Fries
Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. - Cook the Smash Beef
Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Divide beef into 6 portions. Place in hot skillet and smash thin with a spatula. Cook until browned and crispy on edges, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat. - Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. - Make the Special Sauce
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, shredded onion, ketchup, relish, vinegar, smoked paprika, and honey until smooth. - Assemble
Spread baked fries on an oven-safe platter. Drizzle with cheese sauce. Break up cooked beef and scatter over fries. Add more cheese sauce. Return to oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through. - Garnish & Serve
Top with pickles and jalapeños. Drizzle with special sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother sauce.
- For extra crispy fries, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer at 400°F for best texture.
- Add tomatoes or lettuce after baking for a fresh burger-style finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking + stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg