These In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries bring the iconic flavors of the West Coast fast food chain right to your home. Crispy golden fries are topped with a luscious layer of melted cheese, perfectly caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of tangy, sweet special sauce. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more.
What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, using frozen fries for convenience and a homemade special sauce that tastes just like the real deal. Whether you’re a fan of In-N-Out or simply a lover of loaded fries, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family at any gathering.
Full Recipe:
- 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
- Cheddar cheese/American cheese
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat and pour in neutral oil. Add the minced onions and salt to the pan.
- Stir every few minutes until the onions caramelize. If the onions look like they are burning, turn down the heat. This will take at least 30 minutes or longer.
- Mix all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
- Bake/Fry the frozen fries as per the package instructions.
- Once the fries are cooked, add grated cheddar cheese or sliced American cheese on top and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Once the cheese melts, add the caramelized onions and pour the sauce on top.
- Enjoy your In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Recipe Background and History
In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries are a beloved secret menu item from the iconic West Coast fast-food chain. This savory side dish has garnered a cult following for its delicious combination of crispy fries, gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a special sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. Recreating this recipe at home allows fans to enjoy a taste of this California classic anytime, anywhere.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Frozen Fries: Using frozen fries provides convenience and ensures consistency in texture. For an even more authentic experience, you can use crinkle-cut fries, which hold the toppings better due to their wavy shape.
- American Cheese: The classic choice for Animal Style Fries, American cheese melts smoothly and gives that signature creamy texture. Cheddar cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a slightly sharper flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: This is what sets the fries apart. The onions are slowly cooked over medium-low heat until they turn golden brown and sweet, adding depth and richness to every bite.
- Special Sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, and sugar, this sauce mimics the taste of In-N-Out’s signature spread. Adding a hint of chili flakes gives it a little kick, though this is optional.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key. Cooking the onions slowly over low heat allows them to caramelize properly, developing their sweet flavor without burning. Stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed.
- Cheese Options: While American cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a new dimension to the dish with their creamy and slightly spicy notes.
- Homemade Fries: For a more hands-on approach, make your own fries by slicing potatoes into thin strips and frying or baking them until crispy. This adds a homemade touch to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these fries as a side dish to burgers or as a hearty snack on their own. They’re perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or casual get-togethers.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of this recipe may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a general estimate for one serving of these loaded fries (half of the recipe) contains around 450 kcal, with a mix of carbohydrates from the fries, fats from the cheese and sauce, and protein from the cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
Animal Style Fries pair wonderfully with classic fast-food staples like:
- Burgers: Serve alongside your favorite homemade burgers for a complete In-N-Out-inspired meal.
- Milkshakes: A cold, creamy milkshake (chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry) complements the savory, salty flavors of the fries.
- Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the rich and cheesy fries.
Fun Facts
- Secret Menu: The “Animal Style” option isn’t just limited to fries. In-N-Out’s secret menu also features Animal Style burgers, which include extra spread, pickles, grilled onions, and mustard fried into each patty.
- Origins: In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. The Animal Style Fries became popular as part of their “not-so-secret menu,” which offered customers creative ways to customize their meals.
Serving and Presentation
For the best presentation, serve the fries on a large platter or in individual serving baskets lined with parchment paper. Pile on the cheese, caramelized onions, and drizzle the special sauce generously over the top. To add a pop of color, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Storage: Store any leftover fries, cheese, onions, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Heat the cheese, onions, and sauce separately and assemble the dish before serving.
Why Make This Recipe?
Recreating In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries at home is not only fun but also gives you control over the ingredients. Customize the sauce to your liking, choose the type of cheese, and decide how crispy you want your fries. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a fast-food classic without leaving your kitchen.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
- Caramelizing the Onions:
- Start by dicing the onions into small, even pieces. The key to perfect caramelized onions is patience. Heat the butter and neutral oil in a pan over medium-low heat, allowing the fat to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the diced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. This helps to draw out moisture and aids in the caramelization process.
- Stir the onions every few minutes, ensuring they cook evenly and don’t burn. Over time, they will turn a rich golden-brown color, developing a sweet, savory flavor. This process takes around 30 minutes, but the result is worth the effort.
- Making the Special Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, and sugar in a bowl. This combination creates a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that mimics the original In-N-Out spread.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, add the optional chili flakes. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Mix until well combined and set aside to let the flavors meld together.
- Cooking the Fries:
- While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the fries. Use frozen fries for convenience, cooking them according to the package instructions. For a crispier texture, bake them in the oven or use an air fryer.
- If you prefer making fries from scratch, slice russet potatoes into thin strips, soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, then fry or bake them until crispy.
- Assembling the Dish:
- Once the fries are cooked and golden brown, transfer them to a serving dish. Layer grated cheddar cheese or American cheese slices over the hot fries.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Top the cheesy fries with the caramelized onions, then drizzle the special sauce generously over the top.
Tips for Perfect Animal Style Fries
- Choose the Right Cheese: American cheese is classic for its smooth melting quality, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Broiling the Cheese: Broiling the cheese-covered fries is crucial to achieve that bubbly, melty cheese layer. Make sure to watch closely while broiling to prevent overcooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of water to the mixture to achieve your desired consistency. This can help make drizzling easier.
- Fries Texture: For extra crispy fries, cook them a little longer than the package instructions suggest, or double fry them if you’re making fries from scratch.
Dietary Adaptations and Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayonnaise for the special sauce. There are several plant-based cheese options that melt well and mimic the creamy texture of American cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the frozen fries you use are gluten-free, as some brands coat their fries with flour for crispiness. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels for hidden gluten sources.
- Spicy Variation: For those who love a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the special sauce mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of American cheese for a spicy twist.
- Loaded Fries: Elevate this recipe further by adding toppings such as crispy bacon bits, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of green onions for added texture and flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Classic Diner Style: Serve the Animal Style Fries in a paper-lined basket for a nostalgic diner experience. This makes it feel like an authentic fast-food treat.
- Party Platter: For gatherings, serve the fries on a large platter with the special sauce on the side. This allows guests to drizzle or dip as they prefer.
- Individual Portions: For a more refined presentation, serve the fries in small ramekins or bowls, topped with a dollop of caramelized onions and a drizzle of sauce.
Healthier Alternatives
- Air-Fried Fries: Use an air fryer to make your fries crispier with less oil, cutting down on the fat content while still achieving that satisfying crunch.
- Baked Fries: Opt for oven-baked fries instead of frying to reduce the oil. Simply toss potato slices with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until crispy.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: For a lighter version of the special sauce, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This still provides a creamy texture while adding a slight tang and reducing the calorie content.
Conclusion
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries bring the beloved flavors of the iconic fast-food chain right to your kitchen. With crispy fries, gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy special sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic or put your own spin on it, these loaded fries are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Enjoy a taste of the West Coast at home!