Name: In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar; 2 tbsp sweet relish; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tbsp chili flakes (optional); 1/2 bag frozen fries; Cheddar cheese or American cheese (amount as desired for topping); 2 onions, diced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g. vegetable or canola oil); 1/2 tsp salt

Introduction

These In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries bring the iconic burger joint’s famous fries to your kitchen. Crispy fries are topped with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. They make a delicious snack or side dish that’s sure to impress.

The image shows a close-up of a pile of crispy golden brown fries as the base layer, topped with a smooth, melted bright yellow cheese sauce evenly spread over the fries. On top, there is a thick layer of creamy, light beige gravy with visible green herb flakes and small red chili flakes scattered throughout. The fries and toppings cover a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface partially covered by a piece of newspaper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Special Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
2 tbsp sweet relish
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp chili flakes (optional)

Main Ingredients:

1/2 bag frozen fries
Cheddar cheese or American cheese (grated or sliced)
2 onions, diced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat, then add the neutral oil.

Step 2: Add the diced onions and salt to the pan. Stir every few minutes and let the onions caramelize slowly, lowering heat if they start to burn. This process will take at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: While the onions cook, mix all the special sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to the package instructions until crispy.

Step 5: Once fries are cooked, top them with grated cheddar or sliced American cheese, then broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Remove from the oven, add the caramelized onions on top, drizzle with the special sauce, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Stir the onions frequently to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.

If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the chili flakes or adjust the amount to your taste.

Use fresh-cut fries or homemade fries for an even better texture.

Try adding chopped pickles or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the special sauce for extra depth.

FAQs

Can I use fresh onions instead of diced for the caramelized onions?

Yes, fresh onions are ideal for caramelizing. Just make sure to dice them evenly so they cook consistently and release their sweetness slowly.

What cheese works best for animal style fries?

American cheese melts smoothly and closely replicates the original In-N-Out flavor, but sharp cheddar also works well if you prefer a stronger cheese taste.