Bring the iconic taste of In-N拦-Out’s Animal Style Fries right to your kitchen with this simple, flavor-packed recipe. Crispy golden fries are smothered in a tangy, savory sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and finished with caramelized onions for the ultimate indulgence. The combination of textures—crunchy, gooey, and rich—creates a party in every bite. Perfect for game nights or a weekend treat, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying option for any occasion.
The bold, umami flavors of the secret sauce blend seamlessly with the sweetness of the onions, while the melted cheese adds a luscious creaminess. Each forkful is a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, designed to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or trying them for the first time, these fries are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Dive into this comforting, crave-worthy dish and experience the magic of Animal Style Fries from the comfort of your home.
What You’ll Need
- 32 ounces frozen french fries (1 bag, any brand you prefer)
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (medium-sized works best)
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (substitute with sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons pickle relish (sweet or dill, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the fries according to the package instructions (usually about 20 minutes).
- While the fries are baking, heat the oil and brown sugar in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until caramelized (about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally).
- Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return the fries to the oven and broil on high for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the fries begin to turn golden.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, sugar, pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar to make the sauce.
- To serve, top the cheesy fries with the caramelized onions and drizzle generously with the sauce.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the classic Animal Style sauce is a must, feel free to get creative! Try adding a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra indulgence. If you’re a fan of heat, diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor. For a tangy twist, swap the sweet pickle relish for dill relish or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce.
Serve It Right: Presentation and Pairings
These fries are best served fresh and piping hot! Plate them on a large platter for sharing or portion them into individual bowls for a fun, casual snack. Pair them with a crisp soda or a cold beer for the ultimate comfort food experience. For a full In-N-Out-inspired meal, serve alongside a grilled burger or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness.
Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success
Short on time? Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-chopped onions to cut down on prep. If you’re in a rush, skip caramelizing the onions and opt for store-bought caramelized onion jam instead. To speed up cooking, bake the fries on a preheated baking sheet for extra crispiness. And don’t forget—the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days!
Storage and Reheating: Keep It Tasty
While these fries are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy. Pro tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating for that gooey, melty texture!
Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. For a healthier twist, use sweet potato fries or air-fried fries. If you’re vegan, try dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo for a plant-based version. The possibilities are endless—make it your own!
Animal Style Fries In-N-Out Burger Copycat
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen french fries 1 bag
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons pickle relish (we used sweet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake fries according package (usually 20 minutes)
- While fries are baking, heat oil and brown sugar in frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped yellow onion and cook onions until caramelized.
- Remove fries from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and broil on high for three minutes until cheese has melted and fries begin to golden around edges.
- In a separate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients for the sauce.
- To serve, top cheese fries with caramelized onions and sauce.