Hearty Smash Burger Fries Recipe
Hearty Smash Burger Fries features crispy baked fries topped with juicy, thinly smashed ground beef patties, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and a zesty special sauce. Garnished with pickles and thin jalapeño slices, this dish is a deliciously indulgent combination perfect for casual meals or game day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-3 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fries and Burger Topping
- 1 (26 oz) package frozen crispy fries
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Thin jalapeño slices, for garnish
- Pickles, whole or diced, for garnish
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
Special Sauce
- 2 tbsp freshly shredded onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp dill relish
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Bake the Fries: 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 halfway through to ensure even crispiness. If package instructions differ, follow those for best results, but 450°F provides an extra crunchy texture.
- Cook the Smashburger Ground Beef: While fries bake, season the ground beef generously with kosher salt and pepper. Heat a skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to enhance browning if desired. Divide the beef into 6 equal portions and press each thinly onto the hot skillet using a spatula or jar. Cook until the underside develops a brown crust, then flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until browned. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Heat the Smashburger Fries: Once fries and burger patties are ready, spread the fries on an oven-safe platter or remain on the baking sheet. Drizzle cheese sauce over the fries, then break up the cooked burger patties and distribute evenly on top. Add more cheese sauce over the assembled fries and burger pieces. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes to warm everything through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Drizzle with special sauce, then top with pickles and thin jalapeño slices for a pop of tang and heat. Add any additional desired toppings before serving. The pickles provide a crunchy, tangy contrast that complements the rich burger fries.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of jalapeño slices used as garnish.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best results in cooking the smashburger patties to achieve a perfect crust.
- For a crispier fry texture, do not overcrowd the fries on the baking sheet.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before drizzling.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based beef for variations, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Keywords: smash burger fries, baked fries, cheese sauce, ground beef patties, comfort food, easy dinner, game day food
Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/hearty-smash-burger-fries-recipe/
