Dinner

In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries Recipe

ByLily Cross November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

Animal Style Fries are a beloved secret menu item at In-N-Out, famous for their cheesy, savory, and tangy flavors. This copycat recipe brings that iconic dish to your kitchen with crispy fries topped with melty cheese, caramelized onions, and a special sauce that ties it all together perfectly.

A dish of crispy golden fries spread in a white bowl lined with newspaper-style paper, topped generously with a creamy, light brown cheese sauce speckled with green herbs and small red chili flakes scattered evenly on the surface. The fries underneath have a slightly darker crisp texture, with some edges poking out around the sauce. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface, and in the top left corner, a gold fork rests on the table. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 or American cheese (amount as desired)
2 onions, diced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter with neutral oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add diced onions and salt to the pan, stirring every few minutes to caramelize. If onions seem to be burning, lower the heat. This process will take at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: While the onions cook, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using) in a bowl to prepare the special sauce. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the frozen fries according to package instructions, either by baking or frying.
Step 5: Once fries are cooked, spread grated cheddar or arrange slices of American cheese over them, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Top the cheesy fries with caramelized onions, drizzle the special sauce over everything, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

If onions start to brown too fast, reduce the heat to prevent burning and keep stirring often for even caramelization.
You can use shredded cheddar for a sharper flavor or classic American cheese slices for the authentic In-N-Out taste.
Adding chili flakes to the sauce is optional and adds a subtle heat if you prefer spice.
For extra crispiness, double-fry the fries before adding cheese and toppings.

Storage

Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to help maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make fries soggy. Add fresh special sauce and onions after reheating for the best flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl lined with newspaper holds a generous layer of golden brown French fries at the base, topped with a thick, creamy beige cheese sauce that evenly covers the fries. The sauce has a smooth texture with small bits of herbs and spices scattered throughout, including red chili flakes and green herbs. The fries peek through in various spots, adding a crispy texture contrast beneath the flowing sauce. A gold fork rests beside the bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes, you can slice and soak fresh potatoes to make your own fries. Just make sure to dry them well and cook them until crispy before adding cheese and toppings.

What can I substitute for sweet relish in the sauce?

If you don’t have sweet relish, you can use finely chopped pickles or a mix of chopped cucumbers and a bit of sugar for sweetness to maintain the tangy flavor.