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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Fries: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- 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.
- 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
