Description
Loaded smash burger fries topped with crispy fries, juicy ground beef, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and a tangy special sauce, finished with pickles and jalapeños for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen crispy fries
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Pickles, for garnish
- Thin jalapeño slices, for garnish
- For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, grated
- For the special sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- 2 tablespoons freshly shredded onion
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F and bake frozen fries according to package instructions, about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy.
2. While fries cook, season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and divide beef into small portions.
3. Press portions into thin patties in the hot skillet and cook until browned and crispy on one side, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in cheese until melted to form a sauce.
5. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, onion, vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika until combined to make the special sauce.
6. Spread baked fries on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Drizzle with cheese sauce, crumble cooked beef over the top, and add more cheese sauce.
7. Return to oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through.
8. Remove from oven, drizzle with special sauce, and top with pickles and jalapeños before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, cook fries slightly longer before adding toppings.
Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
Cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk.
Add lettuce or tomatoes after baking for a fresh contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 2650
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1800 mg
- Fat: 160 g
- Saturated Fat: 60 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 90 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 210 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 110 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg