Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe​

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

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This Joanna Gaines burger and fries recipe​ is simple and easy to make. It includes double smash burgers, a quick homemade sauce, and crispy crinkle fries. The steps are not hard, but they need a little planning.

Most of the prep happens at the start, especially soaking the potatoes for the fries. This step helps the fries turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. After that, cooking is quick because everything is made on a hot surface or in hot oil.

Make sure you start the soaking step early so everything is ready on time. Once the prep is done, you can cook and serve the burgers and fries fresh and hot.

Key Takeaways

• Use 80 Percent Lean Ground Beef: In this Joanna Gaines burgers and fries recipe​, use 80 percent lean ground beef because it has enough fat to keep the burgers juicy while cooking.
• Smash Once Right Away: Smash the burger only once, right after placing it on a very hot skillet or griddle. Pressing it again later can make the burger dry and remove its juices, so it is best to do it quickly at the start.
• Soak Fries in Cold Salted Water: Soak the fries in cold salted water before cooking. This step removes extra starch from the potatoes, which helps them become crisper when fried.

Why You Will Love This Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries Recipe

This Joanna Gaines burger and fries recipe​ gives you classic diner-style flavor in a simple way. You do not need any special tools or hard steps to make it work. The burgers cook quickly in a hot pan, and they turn out juicy inside with a nice crisp outside.

The sauce is very easy to make. You only need one bowl, and it comes together in a few minutes. The fries feel extra special because of the soaking and double-frying steps, which help them turn crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

This Joanna Gaines burger and fries recipe​ also works well when cooking for a group. You can make more burgers and fries without changing much, so it is great for family meals or small gatherings.

Recipe for Joanna Gaines Burgers and Fries

Best Toppings for a Joanna Gaines Style Burger

Classic lettuce, tomato, and onion

Crisp lettuce and thick slices of tomato help keep the burger fresh and balanced. You can add onions based on your taste. Cooked onions taste a bit sweet and soft, while raw onions have a stronger and sharper bite. Pickles are also a good choice if you want to add a little tangy flavor.

Sweet or savory sauce ideas

Smash sauce already adds a lot of flavor to the burger. If you want to try something different, you can mix in a little hot sauce for heat, BBQ sauce for a smoky taste, or a small splash of pickle juice for extra tang. You can also make the sauce a few days ahead, which makes it easy to use when you need it.

Cheese options that melt well

American cheese melts very easily and gives a smooth texture. You can also use cheddar, pepper jack, or Gruyere cheese. Slice the cheese thinly so it melts quickly on the hot burger. If you choose a strong-flavored cheese, keep the other toppings simple so the taste stays balanced.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Burgers turning dry or dense

Do not use very lean beef, because it does not have enough fat to stay juicy. Do not mix the meat too much, or it can become tough. Press the burger only once when it hits the hot pan, then let it cook without touching it. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe, so use a thermometer if you are not sure.

HFries coming out soft instead of crisp

Make sure the potatoes are fully dry before frying. If they have water on them, they will not turn crispy. Keep the oil hot and follow the two-step frying method. Let the fries rest after the first fry so extra moisture can escape. Add salt right away while they are still hot, because it sticks better.

Overcrowding the pan or fryer

Cook in small batches instead of adding everything at once. Too many fries or burgers in the pan will lower the heat of the oil. This traps steam and makes the food greasy and soft. Place cooked fries on a rack so air can move around them and keep them crisp.

Easy Variations You Can Try

Smash burger version

If you want a more classic smash burger, use plain beef balls without mixing in extra ingredients first. Place them on a hot pan, press them down right away, then add salt and pepper on top while they cook. You can also press thin slices of onion into the meat as it cooks. This adds a strong onion flavor and gives the burger a simple diner-style taste.

Drip-jam style burger version

For a richer and slightly sweet burger, add a spoonful of bacon tomato jam or onion jam on top of the melted cheese. This gives the burger a deeper flavor. Use a stronger cheese like Gruyere to balance the sweetness so the burger does not taste too sweet.

Oven-baked fries version

If you do not want to fry the potatoes, you can bake them instead. After soaking and drying the fries, toss them with a little oil. Spread them on a hot baking tray and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip them once while baking, so they cook evenly. They may not be exactly the same as fried fries, but they are easier to make and still taste good.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to store leftover burgers

Keep the cooked burger patties in the fridge for up to 3 days. Put them in a closed container so they stay fresh. Store the buns and toppings like lettuce and tomato separately so they do not get soggy. Keep the smash sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. When you want to eat, reheat the patties in a pan or oven, then use fresh buns for the best taste.

How to keep fries crisp when reheating

Place the fries on a baking tray and heat them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for good results. Do not use a microwave because it makes the fries soft and soggy instead of crispy.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide a reliable estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.

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