The Ultimate In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

Tucking into a homemade animal style fries brings that iconic west coast fast food magic right to your kitchen.

Crispy golden potatoes get a serious flavor upgrade with secret sauce and caramelized onions.

Passionate burger enthusiasts know this copycat recipe captures every delicious detail of the original.

California’s beloved drive-through classic becomes accessible with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Melted cheese, tangy sauce, and perfectly grilled onions create a mouthwatering combination that rivals the restaurant version.

Restaurant-quality comfort food awaits with just a few smart cooking tricks.

Grab your skillet and prepare to wow everyone at the table.

Store Animal Style Fries Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the fries separate from sauce and onions to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Oven: Spread fries on a baking sheet, warm at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle sauce and sprinkle caramelized onions after reheating to maintain crispiness.
• Microwave Option: Heat fries in 30-second intervals, checking texture. Add sauce and onions after warming to prevent rubbery texture.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap components separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze caramelized onions and sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Animal Style Fries FAQ Guide

• What are caramelized onions and how do they enhance the fries?

Caramelized onions are onions slowly cooked until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor. They add depth and sweetness to the fries, creating a more complex taste profile compared to raw onions.

• Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating my own?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine. However, freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly and has a better texture. If using pre-shredded, choose a high-quality cheddar for the best flavor.

• Is there a healthier alternative to the sauce?

You can modify the sauce by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or reduce the amount of sauce. Using a lighter cheese or baking instead of frying can also make the dish slightly healthier.

Why In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Are A Must-Try

• Savor Restaurant-Quality Taste: Recreate the legendary In-N-Out Animal Style Fries at home with this simple recipe that captures the iconic fast-food flavor without leaving your kitchen.
• Master Gourmet Comfort Food: Transform ordinary frozen fries into a restaurant-worthy dish by adding caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a special signature sauce that elevates the entire experience.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or spontaneous gatherings where everyone craves something indulgent and delicious that feels like a treat.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by choosing different cheese types, adjusting sauce ingredients, or experimenting with additional toppings to make it uniquely yours.

What You Need For Animal Style Fries

• Frozen Fries: Crispy potato strips that serve as the base for this delicious dish.
• Cheddar Cheese or American Cheese: Melty cheese that adds rich, creamy flavor to the fries.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides a smooth texture for the sauce.
• Ketchup: Tangy condiment that adds a classic burger-style flavor.
• Mustard: Sharp ingredient that gives a zesty kick to the sauce.
• Pickle Relish: Sweet and tangy condiment that adds complexity to the sauce.

• Onions: Fresh onions that will be caramelized to create a sweet and golden topping.
• Butter: Rich ingredient used to help caramelize the onions.
• Neutral Oil: Cooking oil that prevents butter from burning during caramelization.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

How To Make In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Start by melting butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add neutral oil and minced onions with a pinch of salt.

Stir the onions occasionally, allowing them to slowly transform into golden, sweet caramelized goodness. This process takes patience – expect to spend at least 30 minutes watching and stirring.

Lower the heat if the onions begin to burn, ensuring a rich, even color.

Step 2: Prepare Signature Sauce

Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Create a creamy, tangy mixture that will become the hallmark of these incredible fries. Set the sauce aside while you continue preparing the dish.

Step 3: Cook Crispy Potato Base

Follow the package instructions to bake or fry your frozen french fries. Aim for a golden, crispy exterior that will hold up to the toppings.

Ensure the fries are cooked to a perfect crunch.

Step 4: Add Melty Cheese Layer

Sprinkle grated cheddar or layer sliced American cheese over the hot fries.

Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Generously scatter the caramelized onions over the cheesy fries.

Drizzle the prepared sauce liberally across the top, creating a mouthwatering finish that mimics the legendary In-N-Out Animal Style Fries.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Transfer the fries to a serving plate and dig in immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness!

Tips To Level Up Animal Style Fries

• Slowly caramelize onions on low heat to prevent burning and achieve a rich, sweet flavor without bitterness.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Use high-quality frozen fries or make homemade fries for a crispier base that can hold the toppings.
• Prepare sauce ingredients in advance and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
• Keep a close eye on cheese during broiling to prevent burning and ensure perfect melting consistency.

Creative Spins On Animal Style Fries

• Spicy Jalapeño Animal Style: Add diced jalapeños to the caramelized onions for a fiery kick, and mix sriracha into the sauce for extra heat.
• Bacon Lover's Edition: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the melted cheese and caramelized onions, creating a savory and crunchy layer.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Top the fries with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
• Truffle Gourmet Style: Sprinkle truffle oil over the fries after melting the cheese, and garnish with shaved parmesan and chopped chives for a luxurious version.

Tasty Matches For In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

• Perfect Drink and Food Pairings
• – Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or crisp lager that cuts through the rich, cheesy fries and complements the tangy sauce.
• – Classic Burger Sidekick: Pair with a juicy cheeseburger or grilled beef patty to create a complete fast-food style meal that echoes In-N-Out's signature combo.
• – Zesty Coleslaw Partner: Serve alongside a creamy, slightly tangy coleslaw that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, cheesy fries.
• – Milkshake Match: Enjoy with a classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake that balances the savory, cheesy flavors and provides a smooth, sweet counterpoint.

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Legendary California burger chain inspires these mouthwatering In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries loaded with caramelized onions and secret sauce. Crispy golden fries smothered in melted cheese and signature tangy dressing create a west coast comfort classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 bag frozen fries
• 2 onions, diced

Cheese:

• Cheddar cheese
• American cheese

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) neutral oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

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Instructions

1. Place minced onions in a skillet with butter and neutral oil over medium-low heat, sprinkling with salt to enhance caramelization.
2. Slowly cook onions for approximately 30-40 minutes, stirring periodically and reducing heat if they begin to darken too quickly, until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
3. Prepare the signature sauce by thoroughly blending all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy, then set aside at room temperature.
4. Cook frozen fries according to package directions, aiming for a crispy golden exterior and tender interior at 425°F.
5. Once fries are perfectly cooked, distribute grated or sliced cheese evenly across the surface.
6. Transfer the cheese-topped fries to the broiler, heating for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops slight bubbling.
7. Generously layer the caramelized onions over the melted cheese, creating a robust and flavorful topping.
8. Drizzle the prepared sauce liberally across the fries, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
9. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the harmonious blend of crispy fries, melted cheese, sweet onions, and tangy sauce to create a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Patience is key when caramelizing onions, as rushing the process can lead to burning instead of developing rich, sweet flavor.
• Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet to prevent onions from sticking and ensure even browning during the long cooking process.
• For a lighter version, substitute regular cheese with low-fat cheese and use baked fries instead of deep-fried for reduced calorie content.
• Prepare caramelized onions in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the final dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg