Introduction

Hearty Smash Burger Fries combine crispy baked fries with juicy, thinly pressed burger patties and a rich cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for game days, casual dinners, or any time you crave a satisfying and flavorful meal. Topped with pickles and spicy jalapeño slices, it’s a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

A metal baking tray holds a layered dish starting with a base of golden, crispy French fries spread evenly. Over the fries is a layer of melted orange cheese, partially visible beneath the toppings. Ground beef, crumbly and browned, is scattered generously over the cheese. Thick, creamy sauce with a pale beige color and specks of black pepper is drizzled over the ground beef and fries. Large, round slices of green jalapeño peppers are arranged in a line down the center, adding a vibrant green contrast. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Thin jalapeño slices, for garnish (for a spicy kick)
Pickles, whole or diced, for garnish
1 package frozen crispy fries
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 lean preferred for juiciness)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
2 tbsp freshly shredded onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp dill relish
1 tsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the frozen crispy fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once during cooking to ensure even crispiness. If the fries’ package suggests different instructions, you may follow those instead.
Step 2: While the fries bake, season the ground beef generously with kosher salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil if desired. Divide the beef into 6 even pieces. Press each piece into thin patties using a spatula or jar, then cook until browned on the underside. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until browned on the other side. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Arrange the baked fries on an oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Drizzle with cheese sauce (see below on how to make it), then break the cooked burger patties into pieces and spread evenly over the fries. Drizzle more cheese sauce on top. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until everything is hot and flavors meld.
Step 4: Remove from oven and garnish with pickles and thin jalapeño slices. Optionally, drizzle with special sauce made from mayonnaise, shredded onion, vinegar, smoked paprika, ketchup, dill relish, and honey for extra flavor. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra juiciness, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
If you prefer a milder dish, omit the jalapeño slices.
Try swapping white cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick in the cheese sauce.
Make the special sauce ahead and refrigerate to let flavors deepen.
Use homemade fries if you have time for an even fresher taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a metal tray filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is golden-yellow French fries, some with crispy edges, scattered unevenly across the tray. Above the fries is a layer of browned, crumbled ground meat with a slightly coarse texture. The top layer features a creamy sauce with a light pinkish-beige color drizzled in wavy lines across the dish, along with several rings of bright green jalapeño slices placed on top. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, cheese sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent clumps.

What type of ground beef is best for smash burgers?

An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal because the higher fat content ensures juicy and flavorful patties that brown nicely when cooked.