Recreate the iconic In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe. Enjoy crispy fries topped with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a savory special sauce for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This homemade version brings the flavor of your favorite fast-food classic right to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Special Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Toppings:
2 cups shredded American cheese or cheese slices
Directions:
Prepare the Fries:
Peel and cut the potatoes into fries. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Drain and pat the fries dry. Fry them in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, sugar, and salt.
Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Animal Style Fries:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the cooked fries on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese or cheese slices.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and top with caramelized onions and generous drizzles of the special sauce.
Serve:
Serve the Animal Style Fries hot and enjoy this indulgent treat!
Serving Tips:
Serving Hot: For the best taste and texture, serve Animal Style Fries immediately after assembling. The fries are at their crispiest, and the cheese is perfectly melted when hot.
Garnishes: Enhance your fries with additional garnishes such as chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and presentation.
Dipping Sauces: Offer extra dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce alongside the fries to complement the flavors.
Portioning: Serve the fries in individual bowls or on platters to make sharing easier and to keep the portions manageable.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. Note that the fries may lose some of their crispiness over time.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the leftover fries. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fries are best used within 1-2 months.
Reheating:
Oven Method: Reheat fries in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
Air Fryer Method: Reheat fries in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture.
Microwave Method: If you need a quicker option, reheat fries in the microwave, but be aware they may become soggy. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
Storing Toppings: Store caramelized onions and special sauce separately from the fries to prevent sogginess. Keep the onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The special sauce can be stored in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen fries instead of cutting and frying fresh potatoes. Follow the package instructions for baking or frying the frozen fries, then proceed with the assembly and topping steps as directed in the recipe.
Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat before using, or add them cold directly to your fries.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the toppings?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese based on your preference. While American cheese is traditional, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your choice. Just ensure it melts well for the best results.
How can I adjust the recipe to make it healthier?
To make a healthier version: Opt for baking the fries instead of frying them to reduce the oil content. You can also use reduced-fat cheese or a lower-calorie mayonnaise in the special sauce. For a lower-sodium option, adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to your taste.
Conclusion:
These homemade In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries bring the irresistible taste of a fast-food favorite right to your kitchen. Crispy, cheesy, and topped with sweet caramelized onions and a tangy special sauce, they’re perfect for serving at parties, casual get-togethers, or as a special treat for yourself. Try this recipe today and indulge in the ultimate comfort food.
📖 Recipe:
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In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Craving the iconic Animal Style Fries from In-N-Out? Now you can recreate this beloved fast-food treat right in your kitchen! Our copycat recipe delivers crispy fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce, making for a mouthwatering indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Special Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Toppings:
2 cups shredded American cheese or cheese slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Peel and cut potatoes into fries. Soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar until well blended.
- Assemble the Animal Style Fries: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread fries on a baking sheet, top with cheese, and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and top with caramelized onions and special sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, double fry the potatoes.
Store caramelized onions and special sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to use different types of cheese based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
