In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These fries are the ultimate comfort food indulgence. They combine crispy textures, sweet-savory onions, gooey melted cheese, and a burger-inspired secret sauce that ties it all together. This recipe is easy to recreate at home, customizable to your taste, and way better (and hotter!) than takeout. It’s the perfect game-day snack, party side, or late-night craving crusher.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fries:

• Russet potatoes (or use frozen fries)
• Neutral oil (for frying or baking)
• Salt

For the caramelized onions:

• Yellow onion (finely chopped)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Water (to deglaze)

For the spread (Animal Style sauce):

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle relish
• White vinegar
• Sugar (optional, to taste)

Toppings:

• American cheese slices (or cheddar)

Directions

1. Make the fries:
   • From scratch: Peel (optional) and cut russet potatoes into thin fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and pat dry. Fry at 325°F (163°C) for the first cook, then fry again at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crisp. Season with salt.
   • Shortcut: Bake or air fry frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
2. Caramelize the onions:
   In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in olive oil or butter with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized. Add a splash of water as needed to prevent sticking and deglaze the pan.
3. Make the spread:
   In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, a dash of vinegar, and sugar (if using). Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust ratios to your liking.
4. Assemble the Animal Style fries:
   Place hot fries on a plate or tray. Lay slices of American cheese on top so they melt. Spoon over the warm caramelized onions and drizzle generously with the spread.
5. Serve immediately:
   Enjoy while hot and gooey, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled burger crumbles or chopped grilled onions for a heartier version.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo, cheese, and butter.
• Loaded Style: Top with crumbled bacon or jalapeños for added texture and spice.
• Cheese Sauce: Swap slices for a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce for pourable cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Sauce: Add hot sauce or chopped pickled jalapeños to the spread.

Storage/Reheating

Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the components separately when possible. Reheat the fries in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy, then top with cheese, onions, and sauce before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible, as fries will become soggy.

FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use?

Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy, fluffy fries. Their high starch content gives the best texture.

Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, using frozen fries is a great time-saver and still delivers delicious results.

What cheese is best for Animal Style fries?

Classic American cheese melts best, but cheddar or processed cheese slices also work well.

Can I caramelize the onions faster?

True caramelization takes time for the best flavor. If you’re in a rush, sauté over medium-high heat, but the flavor won’t be as deep.

What’s in the In-N-Out spread?

It’s similar to Thousand Island dressing—mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, and a touch of vinegar and sugar.

How do I keep the fries crispy?

Serve immediately after assembly. If needed, re-crisp fries in the oven or air fryer before adding toppings.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the onions and sauce ahead, but fries should be made fresh for best texture.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, if using gluten-free mayo and cheese. Double-check labels and avoid cross-contamination.

Can I bake the fries instead of frying?

Yes, toss cut potatoes with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Is it possible to make this healthier?

Use baked or air-fried potatoes, low-fat mayo, and a lighter cheese for a slightly healthier version.

Conclusion

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries are everything you love about the iconic fast food version—but better at home. With crispy fries, melty cheese, deeply caramelized onions, and that signature spread, this recipe delivers flavor and indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re recreating drive-thru favorites or just want a killer snack, these fries are sure to hit the spot.

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

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In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries are a homemade version of the West Coast fast-food favorite. Crispy fries are topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy spread for the ultimate indulgent snack or side dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
• Total Time: 45–55 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. For the fries:
   • 2 large russet potatoes (or frozen fries)
   • Neutral oil, for frying or baking
   • Salt, to taste
2. For the caramelized onions:
   • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
   • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
   • Pinch of salt
   • 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
3. For the spread:
   • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
   • 2 tbsp ketchup
   • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
   • 1 tsp white vinegar
   • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
4. Toppings:
   • 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)

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Instructions

Make the fries: Peel (optional) and cut potatoes into thin fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and pat dry. Fry once at 325°F (163°C) until soft, then again at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy. Season with salt. For a shortcut, bake or air fry frozen fries until golden.

1. Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook onions with olive oil or butter and a pinch of salt for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden. Add splashes of water as needed to deglaze.
2. Make the spread: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Adjust taste to preference.
3. Assemble: Place hot fries on a plate or tray. Top with cheese slices so they melt, then spoon over caramelized onions and drizzle generously with the spread.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot and gooey, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

• Best enjoyed fresh—fries lose crispness as they sit.
• Prep onions and spread in advance to save time.
• Reheat fries in an air fryer or oven before topping; avoid microwaving.
• Vegan option: use plant-based cheese, mayo, and butter.
• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for a healthier version if skipping frying.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 recipe)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg