In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

Introduction

Experience the iconic flavors of In-N-Out straight at home with these copycat Animal Style Fries. Crispy french fries are topped with melted American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade special sauce for a truly satisfying snack or side dish.

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 slices
• 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 until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Reduce the heat if they start to burn.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix together all the special sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
4. Step 4: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy.
5. Step 5: Place the cooked fries on a baking sheet, top evenly with grated cheddar or slices of American cheese, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, add the caramelized onions on top, drizzle with the special sauce, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Caramelizing onions slowly is key for sweetness — don’t rush the process and keep the heat low to avoid burning.
• Chili flakes in the sauce add a nice spicy kick but are completely optional.
• Use American cheese slices for a classic taste or shredded cheddar for a sharper flavor.
• Try air frying the fries for extra crispiness without added oil.

Storage

Store leftover fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fries in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, then add warmed caramelized onions and sauce before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes, you can cut fresh potatoes into fries and bake or fry them, but frozen fries save time and usually have consistent crispiness.

What can I substitute for sweet relish in the sauce?

If you don’t have sweet relish, finely chopped pickles or a small amount of pickle juice can work as a substitute to give a similar tangy sweetness.

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

An easy In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries recipe featuring crispy french fries topped with melted American or cheddar cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade special sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack that recreates the iconic fast food favorite at home.

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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 (about 4–5 cups)
• Cheddar cheese or American cheese slices (enough to cover fries)
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat and add neutral oil. Add diced onions and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and caramelize. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat.
2. Prepare Special Sauce: While the onions cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and optional chili flakes in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cook Fries: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
4. Melt Cheese: Once fries are cooked, spread grated cheddar or layer American cheese slices on top. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Assemble Animal Style Fries: Remove cheese-melted fries from the oven, top generously with caramelized onions, and drizzle the special sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic flavors.

Notes

• Use medium-low heat and patience to properly caramelize onions; it takes at least 30 minutes for rich, sweet flavor and deep color.
• Chili flakes in the sauce are optional and add a subtle heat not found in the original In-N-Out sauce.
• American cheese slices replicate the original closely, but shredded cheddar cheese is a tasty alternative.
• Fries can be baked or fried according to your preferred method or package instructions for convenience.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, Copycat Recipe, Animal Style Sauce, Caramelized Onions, American Cheese Fries, Homemade Special Sauce, Copycat Fast Food