Get ready for serious flavor overload with Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack! This isn’t just a plate of fries—it’s a mountain of crispy spuds, juicy tiny smashburgers, gooey cheddar cheese sauce, and all your favorite burger garnishes, all piled together for the most indulgent snack experience ever. Whether you’re serving them at game night, family movie hour, or just treating yourself on a Friday, you’ll find that every bite is packed with craveable textures and classic burger-shop flavors. Best of all, these epic loaded fries are surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight!

Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack is how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients become so much more when layered together. Each item brings its own personality to the party—crispiness, creaminess, tang, heat, or that signature burger richness!

Frozen, crispy french fries (1 26-ounce bag): Choose your favorite fries—the crisper, the better, since they need to stand up to all the toppings!
Ground beef (1/2 pound): Smash and sear it into crisp, flavorful mini patties—this is where the “smashburger” magic happens.
Kosher salt and pepper: Don’t be shy! These basic seasonings highlight all the meaty flavor in your smashburger crumbles.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): For the cheese sauce, it helps everything blend into a perfectly smooth dip.
Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness to both the burgers and the luxurious cheese sauce.
Milk (1 cup): Helps create a creamy, dreamy base for your cheddar sauce.
Freshly grated white cheddar (2 ½ cups): Don’t skimp on grating it yourself—it melts so much better and gives that classic tangy depth.
Pickles: Brings a crunchy, zesty pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Thinly sliced jalapeños: For a fresh, slightly spicy bite; use as much or as little as you like.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base for your game-changing homemade Thousand Island dressing.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Gives the dressing its signature color and a touch of sweetness.
Dill relish (2 tablespoons): For bursts of tang and crunch in every drizzle of dressing.
Freshly grated onion (2 tablespoons): Adds a little bite and plenty of classic burger flavor to the sauce.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a hint balances all those savory, tangy flavors.
Apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the dressing with acidity.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness that takes your dressing from basic to boss.

How to Make Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 450 degrees F. Giving your oven enough time to reach full temperature ensures those fries get golden and crispy—not limp or soggy. A hot oven is the secret sauce for that epic crunch!

Step 2: Bake the Fries

Spread your frozen fries onto a baking sheet in a single, even layer. This prevents them from steaming and guarantees the best possible texture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or as directed on the package, flipping halfway so every fry gets perfectly crisp. Don’t crowd the pan—the more space, the crunchier the results!

Step 3: Season the Ground Beef

While the fries are working their magic, take your ground beef and give it a generous seasoning of kosher salt and pepper. Toss and mix it gently so every bite gets a good hit of flavor. Seasoning now means every burger bit will taste amazing when you bite into these Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack.

Step 4: Cook the Smashburgers

Heat half the butter in a skillet—cast iron is best if you have one. Once sizzling, divide your beef into six even hunks. Drop them straight onto the skillet, then smash each down flat with a heavy glass or jar. Cook until browned on one side, flip, and do the same on the other—about 1–2 minutes per side. Break them up as needed so they’ll be easy to scatter over the fries. Safety tip: Make sure the beef hits 160°F inside!

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter on medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for a few minutes until it turns golden and smells nutty. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and keep stirring as it thickens (about 5 minutes). Lower the heat and add your cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until dreamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want this soft, only-in-diners cheddar flavor!

Step 6: Make the Thousand Island Dressing

Add the mayo, ketchup, dill relish, grated onion, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika into a bowl. Whisk it all together until you have the creamiest, most luscious sauce. You can even do this a day or two in advance—the flavors get even better!

Step 7: Assemble the Fries

Once your fries are golden, drizzle over some cheese sauce, then scatter the smashed burger pieces on top (break them up more if you like). Add another swoop or two of cheese sauce for the ultimate gooey factor. Slide the whole pan back into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes—just until everything’s hot and melty, tying those Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack together beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Pull the pan out and go wild with your toppings: drizzle with Thousand Island, then add plenty of pickles and jalapeños. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Pile it high, snap a pic, and watch everyone dive in.

How to Serve Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack

Garnishes

The best part? Customizing your Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack with fun garnishes! Give them a fresh pop with diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce for a “burger salad” vibe. A shower of sesame seeds or a dash of hot sauce can really make them memorable.

Side Dishes

With so much flavor packed into each bite, you’ll want to keep sides simple. Try serving with crisp celery sticks, a tangy coleslaw, or some juicy tomato wedges. For a party spread, offer a bowl of extra pickles or extra Thousand Island on the side for dipping—because more is always more with Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this snack attack into a showstopper by loading your fries onto a sheet pan and letting everyone dig in “nacho-bar” style. For parties, portion them into little baskets or parchment cones for single servings—super cute and ultra-easy to serve. If you’re feeling extra, try a cast iron skillet for that sizzling diner look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a little Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack left? No problem! Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep any extra dressing separately to keep things from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you love planning ahead, you can freeze the cooked burger crumbles and cheese sauce separately for up to 2 months. French fries, sadly, lose their best texture in the freezer once cooked, but prepping the beef and cheese means a lightning-fast snack is just minutes away!

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, spread your loaded fries out on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F until hot and crispy again (about 10–12 minutes). Warm your cheese sauce separately and then drizzle it over top—extra decadent, just like freshly made Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack!

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of fries for Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack?

Absolutely! Waffle fries, steak fries, or even tater tots all work surprisingly well. Just adjust the baking time as needed, and always go for maximum crispiness so your fries can handle all that delicious cheese and burger topping.

Is there a vegetarian version of this snack?

You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, or skip the smashburger step and pile on more toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or black beans. The cheese sauce and dressing are already veggie-friendly, making Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack easy for everyone to enjoy!

What’s the best way to make ahead for a party?

Prepare the cheese sauce and dressing in advance; both keep well refrigerated. Cook the burger patties and crumble them, then quickly re-warm them while your fries bake. Everything comes together in a snap, keeping your snack as fresh and crispy as possible.

How spicy are these with jalapeños?

That’s all up to you! Fresh jalapeños bring a nice kick but aren’t overwhelming. For more heat, use pickled jalapeños or even a drizzle of your favorite spicy sauce. And for zero heat, leave them out or swap in bell peppers for crunch instead.

What’s the secret to the best cheese sauce?

Freshly grated cheese is the real game-changer! Pre-shredded cheeses often have additives that can make sauces gritty instead of smooth. Whisking constantly and adding the cheese slowly ensures a creamy, restaurant-worthy result every time.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait another minute to dive into Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack—this is the kind of fun, flavor-packed comfort food that just begs to be shared and devoured! Whether you pile them high for a crowd or treat yourself to a solo snack feast, you’ll taste why this recipe gets rave reviews every time. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself to the ultimate snack attack—you deserve it!

Smashburger Fries: An Epic Snack Attack Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Smashburger Fries are a deliciously indulgent snack that combines crispy french fries with seasoned ground beef, cheesy sauce, and tangy Thousand Island dressing for an epic flavor explosion.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Bake the Fries: Spread the fries out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
Season the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
Cook the Smashburgers: Cook the ground beef portions in a skillet until browned.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Create a roux, add milk, and cheese to make the sauce.
Make the Thousand Island Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
Assemble the Fries: Drizzle cheese sauce on fries, top with smashburger pieces, and more cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing, top with pickles, jalapeños, and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the toppings on these Smashburger Fries to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add additional toppings like bacon, onions, or avocado for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer/Snack
Method: Baking, Frying, Sauteing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Smashburger Fries, Loaded Fries, Appetizer, Snack, Comfort Food