If you’ve ever had In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries, you know they’re pure magic—crispy golden fries smothered in melty cheese, caramelized onions, and that signature creamy, tangy sauce. But guess what? You don’t need a drive-thru to get your fix! With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate that ooey-gooey deliciousness right at home.
Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for them. They’re the perfect indulgent snack, game-day treat, or side dish for your next burger night. So grab your favorite fries, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Versatile Serve them as a snack, a side dish, or even a full-on meal if you’re feeling bold!
Budget-Friendly No need to spend extra cash at a fast-food joint when you can whip these up at home with simple ingredients.
Quick and Easy Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.
Customizable Make them extra cheesy, add more sauce, or throw on some crispy bacon for an epic upgrade.
Crowd-Pleasing Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, these fries are always a hit. One bite, and you’ll see why they have a cult following!
Ingredients
Ingredients in In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
The secret to these fries? Simple ingredients that come together in the most indulgent way.
French Fries The base of it all! Use frozen fries for convenience, or make your own from scratch for an extra crispy touch.
American Cheese Melts perfectly over the hot fries, creating that classic creamy, gooey texture.
Caramelized Onions Slow-cooked to perfection, adding a deep, slightly sweet, savory flavor.
Animal Style Sauce The magic ingredient! A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and a touch of vinegar for that signature tangy-sweet goodness.
(Note The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Fries
Bake or fry the French fries according to the package instructions or until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, air fry them at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Caramelize the Onions
In a pan over medium-low heat, cook finely chopped onions with a little butter and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until they turn soft, golden brown, and caramelized—this takes about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Animal Style Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and vinegar until smooth. This sauce is what brings everything together, so don’t skip it!
Assemble the Fries
While the fries are still hot, place the American cheese slices on top, allowing them to melt slightly.
Add the Toppings
Spoon the caramelized onions over the fries, then drizzle generously with the Animal Style sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Grab a fork (or just dig in with your hands) and enjoy every cheesy, saucy, crispy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Calories per serving 650
(Note These values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
How to Serve In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
These fries are best served fresh, hot, and loaded with toppings. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:
- As a Side Pair them with a homemade burger or grilled sandwich for the ultimate fast-food experience.
- With a Milkshake Classic In-N-Out vibes! A thick vanilla or chocolate shake balances the salty, cheesy goodness.
- With Extra Toppings Want to take things up a notch? Try adding crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even pulled pork.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh-cut fries If you have time, cut russet potatoes into fries, soak them in water for 30 minutes, then fry or bake them for extra crispiness.
- Don’t rush the onions Caramelizing them slowly is key to getting that deep, rich flavor.
- Melt the cheese properly If needed, pop the fries in the oven for a minute to help the cheese fully melt before adding the sauce.
- Make extra sauce Trust me, you’ll want to dip everything in it!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can prep the sauce and onions in advance and reheat them before serving.
2. What kind of cheese should I use?
American cheese is the best choice for that classic melty texture, but you can also use cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in the fridge, then reheat the fries in the oven or air fryer before assembling.
4. Can I use frozen fries?
Yes! Frozen fries make this recipe super easy and quick. Just cook them until extra crispy.
5. What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Low and slow! Cook them over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add a little hot sauce, sriracha, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
7. What’s the best way to reheat these fries?
Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as they’ll get soggy.
8. Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
9. What type of fries work best?
Thin-cut fries are the closest to In-N-Out’s, but crinkle-cut or waffle fries also work great.
10. Can I add protein to make this a meal?
Definitely! Try adding grilled chicken, ground beef, or crispy bacon for an extra hearty version.
Conclusion
There you have it—In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries that are crispy, cheesy, saucy, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a party, or just because you’re craving that fast-food classic, this recipe hits the spot every time.
So grab a fork (or don’t), dig in, and enjoy!
Print
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries bring the iconic fast-food experience right to your kitchen! Crispy golden fries are topped with gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy secret sauce. A must-try for all fast-food lovers!
Ingredients
**For the Fries:**
– 2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
**For the Caramelized Onions:**
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
**For the Secret Sauce:**
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
**Additional Toppings:**
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
**Caramelized Onions:**
4. In a pan over medium-low heat, melt butter and add chopped onions.
5. Stir in sugar and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
**Secret Sauce:**
7. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
**Assembling the Fries:**
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot fries and allow it to melt.
9. Top with caramelized onions and drizzle the secret sauce generously.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra crispy fries, soak the potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
– You can also air fry the fries at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes for a faster, crunchier result.
– If you prefer classic fast-food fries, use frozen French fries instead of fresh potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg