In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

Introduction

These In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries capture the iconic flavors of the popular fast-food treat right at home. Crispy fries are topped with melted cheese, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce for a mouthwatering snack or side.

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
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat and add the neutral oil.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onions and salt to the pan. Stir every few minutes, cooking gently until the onions caramelize, about 30 minutes or longer. Reduce heat if the onions start to burn.
3. Step 3: While the onions cook, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl to make the special sauce. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Cook the frozen fries according to the package instructions—either baking or frying.
5. Step 5: Once the fries are done, top them with grated cheddar or sliced American cheese. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, add the caramelized onions evenly over the cheese, pour the special sauce on top, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp cheddar or a melty American cheese to closely mimic the texture and flavor.
• For extra crispiness, double fry the fries before topping.
• Add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Storage

Store leftover fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to retain crispness. The special sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes, freshly cut potatoes work well. Just be sure to soak and dry them thoroughly, then bake or fry until crispy before assembling.

What can I substitute for sweet relish in the special sauce?

If you don’t have sweet relish, finely chopped pickles mixed with a little sugar can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

Enjoy a delicious homemade version of the famous In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, featuring crispy fries topped with melted cheddar or American cheese, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce crafted to mimic the iconic burger joint’s flavor.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

In-N-Out Inspired 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 (approximately 12–16 ounces)
• Cheddar cheese or American cheese, grated or sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a pan over medium low heat and add the neutral oil. Stir in the diced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. Continue until onions are deeply browned and caramelized, which should take at least 30 minutes or longer. Reduce heat if onions begin to burn.
2. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice or white vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Fries: Bake or fry the frozen fries following the package instructions until crispy and golden.
4. Melt the Cheese: Once fries are cooked, place them on an oven-safe tray and evenly sprinkle grated cheddar or lay slices of American cheese on top. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
5. Assemble the Animal Style Fries: Remove the cheesy fries from the oven, top generously with the caramelized onions, then drizzle the prepared special sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade In-N-Out Animal Style Fries!

Notes

• Cooking onions low and slow is key to achieving rich, sweet caramelization without burning.
• Use freshly grated cheddar for best melting results, or American cheese slices for authenticity.
• Adjust chili flakes in the sauce according to your spice preference.
• If you prefer, you can deep fry or air fry the fries depending on your equipment and taste.
• The special sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Keywords: In-N-Out, Animal Style Fries, copycat recipe, caramelized onions, special sauce, cheesy fries, snack, appetizer