Description
Enjoy the iconic In-N-Out Animal Style Fries at home with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy fries topped with melted cheese, sweet and tangy special sauce, and perfectly caramelized onions create a delicious fast food experience you can make anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
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 slices
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat and add neutral oil. Add diced onions and salt, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. Cook slowly until onions are deeply caramelized, which will take at least 30 minutes. Adjust heat if onions begin to burn.
- Prepare the Special Sauce: While the onions cook, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and optional chili flakes in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Fries: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy and golden.
- Top with Cheese: Once fries are cooked, place grated cheddar or slices of American cheese over the fries. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Assemble the Animal Style Fries: Remove fries from the oven, layer the caramelized onions on top, and drizzle generously with the prepared special sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The original In-N-Out sauce doesn’t include chili flakes; they are optional for added heat based on your preference.
- Keep a close eye on the onions to avoid burning; reduce heat if necessary.
- Constant stirring during the caramelization process is key for the best flavor and texture.
- Traditional In-N-Out uses American cheese slices, but shredded cheddar works well too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: animal style fries, cheese fries, fast food copycat, fries, in n out copycat
