Animal Style Fries: In-N-Out Burger Copycat Recipe
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If you’re a fan of tasty, crave-worthy snacks, then you absolutely need to try my homemade Animal Style Fries! This copycat recipe from the iconic In-N-Out Burger never disappoints, and believe me, these loaded fries are going to be your next comfort food obsession.
I’ve made these Animal Style Fries countless times, and they always bring joy to my table.
Whether I’m entertaining friends or just treating myself, this recipe finds its way into my kitchen repertoire quite often.
If you’re into delicious appetizers or sides, you might also love my recipes for loaded chicken nachos and deep fried mozzarella bites!
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Every bite of these Animal Style Fries hits with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The combination of crispy fries, caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and the tangy, creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
It’s a total game-changer for any quick meal or party snack, and it always leaves everyone asking for more.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe and why each ingredient is a must:
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for frying because of their high starch content, giving you that ultimate crispiness.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to achieve golden, crispy fries.
- Yellow onion: Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds that necessary touch of seasoning.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the special sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the sauce.
- Sweet pickle relish: Gives a lovely, tangy crunch to the sauce.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a dash of sharpness to the sauce.
- Distilled white vinegar: Brings a hint of acidity to balance the sauce.
- American cheese: Melts perfectly over the fries to create that gooey layer we love.
How to Make Animal Style Fries
Making these delicious fries is straightforward.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Slice potatoes into shoestring fries.
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add finely chopped onions, season with salt, and cook until starting to soften (about 10 minutes).
- Cover and continue to cook, stirring every 5 minutes, until the onions are dark golden brown (40 to 45 minutes more).
Fry the Potatoes:
- Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
- Deep fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove fries from oil, drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Sauce:
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and vinegar in a small bowl.
Assemble the Fries:
- Sprinkle salt on freshly fried fries, cover them with melted cheese, and drizzle with the sauce.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Caramelized Onions: Be patient—caramelizing onions takes time but it’s worth the wait!
- Crispy Fries: Make sure to soak the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Dry them thoroughly before frying for ultimate crispiness.
- Cheese Melting: To get your cheese perfectly melted, place the fries with cheese under the broiler for a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
These Animal Style Fries are best served hot and gooey.
Pair them with a classic burger or a veggie sandwich for a complete meal.
They also make an excellent snack for movie nights or parties.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Fries: Add a bit of sriracha or hot sauce to the special sauce for a spicy kick.
- Loaded Fries: Top the fries with crispy bacon bits, jalapenos, or even a fried egg to make them even more indulgent.
- Healthier Version: Bake the fries instead of frying and use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for the sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for American cheese, you can feel free to experiment and use your favorite cheese instead. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work wonderfully to create your own cheesy twist on these Animal Style Fries.
Yes, you can definitely make the caramelized onions ahead of time to save some prep time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy the fries, just reheat the onions in a pan before adding them to the dish for that rich, sweet flavor.
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier alternative or don’t have access to a deep fryer, you can bake the fries instead. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Of course! Feel free to customize the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a bit more tang, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. If you like it spicier, you can sprinkle in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. The beauty of homemade sauces is that you can tailor them to your own palate, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
These Animal-style Fries are a delicious homemade treat that’ll satisfy your cravings and transport you to fast-food heaven.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of perfection!
Animal Style Fries (in-N-Out Copycat)
Ingredients
- 4-6 medium Russet potatoes
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 6 slices American cheese
Directions
- Thinly slice potatoes into shoestring fries. Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain well.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Cover and continue to cook, stirring every 5 minutes, until the onions are dark golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes more.
- Heat oil to 350 degrees F. Deep fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy. Remove the fries from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, black pepper and caramelized onion in another bowl.
- To serve, place fries on a plate, season with salt and pepper, top with cheese slices. Allow the cheese to melt then top with the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
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