• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spread the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once during cook time. If your fries call for cooking longer, make sure to follow the instructions. I like the 450 degrees for extra crispiness though.
• Season the ground beef all over with salt and pepper. While the fries cook, heat the butter in a skillet (cast iron is best for this) until melted. Once it’s sizzling, break the ground beef into 6 even portions. Press each one down into the butter in the skillet, using the back or a glass or jar to smash them into the skillet. Cook until browned, then flip over and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until browned. Turn off the heat.
• Next, make the cheese sauce! Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux - cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s golden, fragrant and nutty. Slowly stream in the milk while whisking the entire time. Whisk and stir until the milk thickens, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheese 1 handful at a time, stirring until melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
• Assemble the fries! Do a drizzle of cheese sauce on the fries, then top with the smashburger pieces - you can break them apart further if needed. And another drizzle of cheese all over the fries and burgers. Stick the sheet pan back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until everything is warmed together and hot.
• Remove from the oven and drizzle with the thousand island, top with pickles and jalapeños and anything else you love!

thousand island

• Whisk everything together until combined and creamy. You can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge!