In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

This homemade In-N-Out Animal Style Fries recipe brings the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, tangy, and savory to your table. The combination of golden fries topped with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a flavorful homemade sauce turns simple fries into a crave-worthy treat.

I first recreated this recipe for a movie night with friends. It quickly became a go-to snack that everyone raves about whenever they visit.

Ingredients List

• Mayonnaise: makes the sauce creamy and smooth for that classic tang
• Ketchup: adds a touch of sweetness and tomato flavor to the sauce
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar: adds acidity to brighten the sauce
• Sweet relish: brings in texture and a hint of sweetness balancing savory notes
• Sugar: gently enhances the sauce’s sweetness without overpowering
• Chili flakes: add a mild kick if you enjoy a little spice adjust to taste
• Frozen fries: are the convenient base for a crispy finish choose your favorite style for texture
• Cheddar cheese or American cheese: melts beautifully creating that gooey cheesy layer
• Two onions diced: for caramelizing select firm onions with a strong aroma for the best flavor
• Butter: provides a rich base for caramelizing onions smoothly
• Neutral oil: helps prevent sticking and supports slow onion caramelization
• Salt: to season onions and fries for proper flavor balance

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Caramelized Onions:

Melt butter and add neutral oil in a pan over medium low heat. Stir diced onions and sprinkle salt. Let onions cook slowly stirring every few minutes until golden, soft, and deeply caramelized. This process takes at least 30 minutes and builds the signature sweetness. If onions brown too quickly, reduce heat to avoid burning.

Mix The Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise ketchup rice vinegar sweet relish sugar and optional chili flakes in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until smooth and set aside. This sauce will add tangy and slightly sweet flavors that complement the fries perfectly.

Cook The Fries:

Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package directions or your preferred method until crispy and hot. Properly cooked fries provide the perfect crispy texture to hold toppings.

Top The Fries:

Once fries are ready spread grated cheddar cheese or place slices of American cheese evenly over them. Place under a broiler briefly for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Assemble The Dish:

Add a generous amount of warm caramelized onions over the melted cheese. Drizzle the prepared tangy sauce liberally on top and serve immediately for best enjoyment.

My favorite part is the caramelized onions; they remind me of the afternoons spent slow cooking together in the kitchen and sharing stories. This recipe always brings that cozy feeling to any gathering.

Best Storage Practices

Store leftover fries separately from the sauce and onions in an airtight container to prevent sogginess. Reheat fries in an oven or toaster oven to retain crispness while warming caramelized onions gently on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving as it softens fries too much.

Ingredient Swaps

Try sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter take on this dish. Use gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile that melts nicely. For a vegan version substitute mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese while caramelizing onions in olive oil or vegan butter.

Serving Pairings

These fries make an excellent side for burgers grilled sausages or just as a snack with cold beer or soda. A fresh green salad or coleslaw pairs well to balance the richness with crisp refreshing greens.

This recipe delivers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress. It’s a comforting treat worth sharing with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I caramelize onions properly?

Cook diced onions slowly over medium-low heat in butter and oil, stirring occasionally. This process may take 30 minutes or more to develop a deep, sweet flavor without burning.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes, fresh potatoes can be cut into fries and baked or fried. Ensure they are cooked until crispy before adding toppings for the best texture.

→ What type of cheese works best for melting on fries?

Cheddar and American cheese melt well and complement the bold flavors. Choose mild or sharp varieties based on your preference.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Modify the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely to suit your heat tolerance. The sauce also balances sweetness and tanginess.

→ Is broiling the only way to melt the cheese?

Broiling is effective for quick melting. Alternatively, you can use a microwave or cover fries with a lid on low heat until the cheese melts evenly.

→ What is the key element for authentic flavor?

Slowly caramelized onions add a rich depth and sweetness that define the character of these fries. Patience during this step is essential.