What is on Smashburger fries? A Culinary Deep Dive

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Smashburger's signature 'Smashfries' are coated in a distinctive blend of fresh rosemary and garlic. This unique seasoning profile sets them apart from the standard fast-food french fry, offering a more elevated and aromatic flavor experience.

Quick Summary

This article explores the iconic seasoning on Smashburger's standard fries, detailing the key ingredients of fresh rosemary and garlic. It also covers the components of the brand's popular loaded fries, offering insights into how to replicate these delicious menu items at home.

Key Points

Signature Seasoning: The defining feature of Smashburger's standard fries is a flavorful combination of fresh rosemary and garlic.
Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh, rather than dried, herbs is critical for achieving the bright, aromatic taste of Smashfries.
Loaded Options: Smashburger offers loaded fries topped with creamy cheese sauce, seasoned beef, and their special house sauce.
Distinct Flavor Profile: The seasoning gives the fries an earthy, savory, and aromatic character that differentiates them from competitors.
Copycat Potential: The signature taste can be recreated at home by tossing cooked fries in a mixture of infused oil, fresh rosemary, and garlic.
Cooking Method: To maximize flavor, the fries are often tossed with the seasoning post-frying, ensuring the herbs and garlic don't burn.

What Defines Smashburger's Signature Fries?

Smashburger's approach to the humble french fry is anything but standard. While most fast-food chains opt for a simple salt-only seasoning, Smashburger elevates its fries with a unique aromatic blend of fresh rosemary and garlic. This distinctive seasoning, applied just before serving, infuses each fry with a potent, savory aroma and an earthy, herbaceous taste.

The Anatomy of a Smashburger Fry

The base of Smashfries starts with thin-cut, high-quality potatoes that are cooked to a perfect golden crisp. The secret to their flavor lies in the finishing process, where the fries are tossed in a mix of finely chopped fresh rosemary and minced garlic. Some sources and copycat recipes also suggest that the fries are tossed in olive oil or a similar oil to help the herbs and spices adhere evenly. The use of fresh ingredients is a key differentiator, providing a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried alternatives.

The Loaded Fries Experience

While the classic Smashfries are a menu staple, Smashburger also offers more decadent, loaded versions, which feature toppings far beyond the traditional burger and fries combo.

The Smashburger Fries Topping Breakdown

For those who prefer a more indulgent side, Smashburger's loaded fries are a popular choice. A standard loaded version often includes:

Cheese Sauce: A rich, creamy, and melty cheese sauce, often white cheddar-based, is drizzled generously over the crispy fries.
Smashed Burger Pieces: Tiny bits of perfectly seasoned and grilled beef, the same kind used in their signature smash burgers, are scattered across the top.
Secret Sauce: A signature, Thousand Island-style house sauce adds a tangy and creamy element, tying all the flavors together.
Pickles and Jalapeños: Sliced pickles and, for an extra kick, jalapeños add a briny, acidic contrast to the richness of the cheese and beef.

Making Your Own Smashburger Fries at Home

Recreating the Smashburger fries experience is simpler than you might think. With the right ingredients and technique, you can capture the essence of their unique flavor.

Comparison Table: Smashburger Fries vs. Classic Fast-Food Fries


Feature	Smashburger Fries	Classic Fast-Food Fries
Seasoning	Distinctive rosemary and garlic blend	Primarily simple salt seasoning
Appearance	Coated with visible green rosemary flecks	Plain, golden-brown
Flavor Profile	Aromatic, earthy, savory with a garlicky kick	Salty, classic potato flavor
Loaded Options	Extensive, with cheese sauce, burger pieces, and sauce	Typically limited to cheese sauce or chili cheese
Potato Cut	Thin-cut, offering maximum crispiness	Varies by chain, from shoestring to thicker cuts

A Simple Copycat Recipe

To make your own Smashfries, you will need:

Frozen crispy french fries or freshly cut Russet potatoes.
Fresh rosemary, finely chopped.
Garlic, minced.
Olive oil.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Cook your fries according to package directions or your preferred method until golden brown and crispy.
In a small pan, gently heat olive oil, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic over low heat to infuse the oil.
Toss the hot, cooked fries with the infused oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and crispiness.

Conclusion: The Secret Behind the Superior Fry

The success of Smashburger's fries is not just a happy accident; it's a deliberate culinary choice. By moving beyond the standard salt-based seasoning and introducing fresh, flavorful ingredients like rosemary and garlic, the brand has created a memorable and crave-worthy side dish. Whether you are enjoying the simple aromatic 'Smashfries' or the indulgent loaded version, the experience is a testament to the fact that even a side order can be a star player. The meticulous attention to detail, from the preparation of the fries to the distinct toppings, is what keeps fans coming back for more. For those who can't get to a restaurant, the availability of copycat recipes means this unique taste can be replicated and enjoyed at home, bringing a premium fast-food experience into your own kitchen.

For more insight into the brand, you can explore their official website to see current menu offerings and nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smashburger's signature 'Smashfries' are tossed in a blend of fresh rosemary, garlic, and oil, often olive oil or canola oil, to help the seasoning adhere and infuse the flavor.

The standard Smashfries, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, are typically vegetarian. However, loaded versions containing beef pieces are not. It's always best to confirm with the restaurant for specific dietary concerns.

Loaded fries at Smashburger start with a base of crispy fries, which are then topped with a warm cheese sauce, crumbled pieces of smash burger, and often drizzled with a house sauce, pickles, and jalapeños.

Smashburger's special 'Smash Sauce' is often described as a house sauce with tangy and creamy flavors, similar to a Thousand Island dressing, and is used on some of their burgers and loaded fries.

Smashburger's fries are thin-cut and seasoned with fresh rosemary and garlic, while Five Guys fries are hand-cut, cooked in peanut oil, and typically only salted, offering a different flavor and texture profile.

Yes, many locations can prepare a version of their fries without the signature rosemary and garlic seasoning upon request, although this should be verified at the time of ordering.

Due to the use of shared cooking surfaces and ingredients like dairy in cheese sauce, cross-contamination is a possibility. The standard fries may contain allergens depending on cooking methods, so individuals with allergies should consult the restaurant directly.