Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings all the signature elements of In-N-Out’s famous Animal Style Fries into your kitchen. It’s indulgent, comforting, and highly customizable. You’ll love how the sweet onions balance the salty cheese and tangy sauce, creating that perfect bite every time. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
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Homemade In-N-Out Animal Style Fries: A Fast-Food Classic You Can Master at Home
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade In-N-Out Animal Style Fries recreate the iconic West Coast fast food favorite, featuring crispy fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce. Perfect for satisfying your cravings without leaving the house.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup shredded American cheese (or sliced American cheese)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut potatoes into fries and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.
- Toss fries with vegetable oil and salt, then bake for 25–30 minutes (or fry until golden and crispy). Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped onions. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, sugar, paprika, and black pepper to create the secret sauce.
- Place hot fries on a baking sheet, top with cheese, and broil briefly until melted.
- Top with caramelized onions and drizzle generously with the secret sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the potatoes.
- You can use frozen fries for convenience, but homemade fries taste best.
- Try using Thousand Island dressing as a shortcut for the sauce.
- Best enjoyed fresh—reheating may cause fries to lose crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes
Start with fresh russet potatoes for the perfect crispy fries. Their high starch content ensures a fluffy interior and crunchy exterior. You can also opt for frozen fries if you’re short on time—just make sure they’re thick-cut for that authentic texture.
Yellow Onions
Caramelized onions are key to achieving the signature “Animal Style” flavor. Slow-cooked until golden brown, they add sweetness and depth that perfectly complement the savory sauce.
American Cheese
Classic American cheese slices melt evenly over hot fries, giving that gooey, velvety texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with cheddar for a slightly sharper taste.
Mayonnaise
This forms the creamy base of the secret sauce. It adds richness and balances the tang of the other ingredients.
Ketchup
A staple in the In-N-Out sauce, ketchup brings sweetness and acidity. It also helps achieve that signature pink-orange color.
Yellow Mustard
Adding mustard gives the sauce a zesty, tangy punch that ties all the flavors together.
Dill Pickle Relish
Chopped pickle relish introduces crunch and a hint of tang that mirrors the flavors of a great burger topping.
White Vinegar
Just a dash cuts through the richness, ensuring the sauce doesn’t feel heavy.
Salt and Pepper
A final seasoning touch to balance and enhance all the components.
Directions
- Prepare the Fries:
Peel and cut your russet potatoes into thick fries. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry. Fry or bake them until golden and crisp. - Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet over low heat, cook diced yellow onions in butter or oil. Stir occasionally for 20–25 minutes until soft, browned, and sweet. - Make the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust to taste. - Assemble the Fries:
Layer your hot fries on a baking sheet or serving plate. Add slices of American cheese on top while still hot so they melt beautifully. - Top and Serve:
Spoon the caramelized onions and generous dollops of the sauce over the cheese-covered fries. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people as a hearty snack or side dish. Total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes—20 minutes for prepping and 25 minutes for cooking and assembly.
Storage/reheating
Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Loaded Animal Fries Supreme
Add crispy bacon bits or grilled jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
Vegan Animal Fries
Use plant-based cheese, vegan mayo, and air-fried potato wedges for a dairy-free alternative.
Sweet Potato Twist
Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to bring a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition.
Spicy Style
Mix a few drops of hot sauce or sriracha into the secret sauce for a bold, spicy version.
Garlic Lovers’ Version
Toss the fries in garlic powder or roasted garlic oil before assembling for a fragrant twist.
FAQs
What makes Animal Style Fries unique?
They’re topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and In-N-Out’s signature sauce, creating a savory-sweet flavor combination.
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, frozen thick-cut fries work perfectly if you bake or air-fry them until crisp.
How long do the caramelized onions take?
They usually take 20–25 minutes on low heat to reach a rich golden-brown color.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
American cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly, but cheddar or Colby Jack also work.
Can I bake the fries instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air-frying gives a slightly healthier version without sacrificing much texture.
How do I make them crispier?
Soak the potatoes before cooking and ensure they’re completely dry before frying or baking.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Yes, if all your ingredients—especially the sauces—are certified gluten-free.
Can I use red onions?
You can, but yellow onions are preferred for their mild sweetness after caramelization.
What can I serve with Animal Style Fries?
They pair wonderfully with grilled burgers, sandwiches, or even on their own as a main snack.
Conclusion
Homemade In-N-Out Animal Style Fries bring the beloved West Coast favorite straight to your table. With crispy fries, melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, every bite is a deliciously indulgent treat. Whether you bake or fry your potatoes, these loaded fries are simple to make and guaranteed to impress. Once you’ve tried them fresh from your kitchen, you might never crave the drive-thru version again.
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