Copycat Smashburger Smashfries Recipe
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| Crispy, golden, and tossed with garlicky rosemary flavor, these copycat Smashburger Smashfries bring that hot-from-the-restaurant bite straight to your kitchen. |
If you love Smashburger Smashfries, you are in for a treat. These fries are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and packed with bold flavor from garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. They are the kind of fries that disappear fast, especially when they hit the table hot.
This copycat Smashfries recipe is made for home cooks who want that restaurant-style fry experience without leaving the house. The best part? You do not need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can make a batch of seasoned fries that tastes like your favorite burger-and-fries run.
What Are Smashburger Smashfries?
Smashburger is known across the USA for its smashed burgers, rich toppings, and crave-worthy sides. One of its most talked-about side dishes is Smashfries, a fry tossed with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil for a savory twist on classic fast-casual fries.
There is a reason these fries stand out. They smell warm and herby the second they hit the plate. The garlic gives them a deep, savory kick, while the rosemary adds that fresh, earthy note that makes them taste just a little more special than regular fries. They are crispy, salty, fragrant, and seriously hard to stop eating.
For this post, we are sharing a copycat version inspired by the restaurant favorite. We are not claiming this is the original recipe, only a homemade version that brings a similar flavor and texture to your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Smashfries Recipe
- Big flavor from garlic and rosemary
- Crispy texture with a fluffy center
- Easy ingredients you can find at most grocery stores
- Flexible cooking methods for oven or air fryer
- Perfect side dish for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or wraps
I love making these on burger night because they make a simple dinner feel like takeout, but better. You get that same comfort-food feeling, and your kitchen smells amazing while they cook.
Ingredients
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, very finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cold water, for soaking
- Optional for serving: grated Parmesan, fry sauce, ranch, or ketchup
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
How to Make Copycat Smashburger Smashfries
Step 1: Wash and cut the potatoes.
Scrub the russet potatoes well under cool running water. Since fries often look and taste great with some skin left on, you can peel them or leave the skin on for a more rustic fry. Cut each potato into thin fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the pieces about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Soak the potatoes.
Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps remove extra starch, which can make a big difference in how crispy the fries get. Think of it like giving the potatoes a quick rinse from the inside out.
Step 3: Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If your oven runs cool, let it fully heat before baking so the fries start crisping right away.
Step 4: Dry the potatoes very well.
Drain the soaked potatoes and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or layers of paper towels. Pat them very dry. Do not rush this step. Water is the enemy of crispy fries, so the drier they are, the better the final texture will be.
Step 5: Season the fries.
In a large bowl, toss the dry fries with olive oil. Then add the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create that light, crisp outside layer.
Step 6: Bake the fries.
Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Do not crowd the pan. If the fries are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of crisp. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip them with a spatula. Bake for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crisp on the edges.
Step 7: Make the garlic-rosemary finish.
While the fries are baking, mix the minced garlic and chopped rosemary in a small bowl with 1 extra teaspoon of olive oil if needed. This helps the herbs spread more evenly over the hot fries.
Step 8: Toss while hot.
As soon as the fries come out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Toss immediately with the garlic and rosemary mixture. The heat from the fries will wake up the rosemary and slightly mellow the raw garlic flavor. Taste and add a little more salt if needed.
Step 9: Serve right away.
Serve the fries hot while they are still crisp. If you like, top with a light sprinkle of Parmesan or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Method
If you want an even easier homemade Smashfries recipe, the air fryer works great.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Prepare the fries the same way by soaking, drying, and seasoning.
- Place the fries in the basket in a single layer or light batch.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- When the fries are crisp and golden, toss them with the garlic and rosemary mixture while hot.
This is a great option for weeknights, especially if you do not want to heat up the whole kitchen.
Tips for the Best Smashfries at Home
- Use russet potatoes. They have the right balance of starch for crispy fries.
- Do not skip the soak. It really helps with texture.
- Dry well. This matters just as much as the soak.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Give the fries space.
- Toss with garlic after cooking. This keeps the garlic from burning in the oven.
- Serve immediately. Fries are always best fresh and hot.
If your first batch is not quite crispy enough, do not worry. Fries can be a little like pancakes. The first round teaches you how your oven behaves, and the second round is usually perfect.
What to Serve with Smashfries
These fries pair well with so many meals. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Smash burgers
- Turkey burgers
- Grilled chicken sandwiches
- Hot dogs or chili dogs
- Patty melts
- Crispy chicken tenders
- Veggie burgers
Want to turn them into a snack plate? Add a few dipping sauces and call it dinner. No judgment here.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Swaps
One thing I love about making copycat restaurant recipes at home is how easy it is to adjust them for your needs. Here are some helpful swaps if you are cooking for allergies, sensitivities, or different food preferences.
Gluten-Free:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check your seasoning labels, cornstarch, and dipping sauces to make sure they are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Serve with gluten-free condiments or homemade dipping sauces.
Dairy-Free:
- Skip the Parmesan topping.
- Use dairy-free ranch or vegan dipping sauce if serving with a dip.
Vegan:
- The fries themselves are easy to keep vegan.
- Skip cheese toppings and choose vegan dips like vegan mayo-based fry sauce, ketchup, or mustard.
Garlic Sensitivity:
- Reduce the fresh garlic or use roasted garlic for a softer flavor.
- You can also use only garlic-infused oil for a gentler option.
Low-Sodium:
- Cut the added salt in half.
- Use more rosemary, black pepper, and a little onion powder to boost flavor without relying on salt.
Paleo:
- Replace the cornstarch with arrowroot starch.
- Make sure any dipping sauces fit your paleo needs.
Whole30-style:
- Use compliant oil and skip cornstarch if needed, though arrowroot may work depending on your plan.
- Pair with Whole30-friendly ketchup or homemade mayo.
Herb swaps:
- If you do not have rosemary, try thyme or parsley for a different but still tasty version.
- It will not taste exactly like Smashfries, but it will still be delicious.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
This is based on 4 servings and may vary depending on potato size and how much oil is used.
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
Food Safety Notes
Even simple side dishes deserve safe kitchen habits.
- Wash potatoes well before cutting.
- Use a clean cutting board and knife.
- Do not let cut potatoes sit out for too long without soaking or refrigerating.
- If serving these fries with burgers, chicken, or other proteins, make sure those foods reach safe internal temperatures. Ground beef should be cooked to 160°F, and chicken should reach 165°F.
- Leftover fries should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, if you want a shortcut. Bake or air fry them according to the package, then toss with garlic, rosemary, and a little olive oil after cooking. It will not be exactly the same, but it is a great time-saver.
Can I make these ahead?
Fries are best fresh, but you can cut and soak the potatoes ahead of time. Keep them covered in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Why are my fries soggy?
Usually it comes down to too much moisture or overcrowding the pan. Dry them well and give them room to crisp up.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it softens them.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Smashburger Smashfries recipe is one of those simple side dishes that feels a little special. The rosemary and garlic make basic fries taste bold and memorable, and once you try them at home, they may become part of your regular dinner rotation.
If you make these fries, I would love to hear how they turned out. Did you bake them or use the air fryer? Did you add Parmesan or keep them classic? Leave a comment and share your twist. And if you know someone who loves restaurant copycat recipes, send this one their way.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by Smashburger Smashfries. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of Smashburger’s proprietary recipe or preparation methods is implied. This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Smashburger.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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