In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to elevate your usual fries, this In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries recipe will be your new go-to! It’s a fantastic blend of crispy fries topped with melty cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a zesty homemade special sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try these fries, you’ll never look at regular fries the same way again!

This recipe is not only comforting but also surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a plateful of flavor-packed goodness ready in no time. So grab your friends or family, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or side dish.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves fries, and adding cheese and caramelized onions makes them irresistible!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings or add extras based on what you have at home.
• Comfort Food Delight: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet onions creates a comforting experience that will warm your heart.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy movie night at home, these fries are always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet wholesome, ensuring that every bite of your In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries is packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fries

• 1/2 bag frozen fries
• cheddar cheese or American cheese

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 onions (diced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the 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)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can easily be customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Extra Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños for an added kick.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the chili flakes in the sauce for those who love heat.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor.
• Go Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese options.

How to Make In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat and pour in neutral oil. Add the minced onions along with the salt. Stir every few minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized—this process may take at least 30 minutes or longer but is worth the wait! The slow cooking really brings out the sweetness of the onions.

Step 2: Make the Special Sauce

While your onions are caramelizing, mix all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes if using. Set this zesty sauce aside; it’s going to add so much flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Fries

Bake or fry your frozen fries according to package instructions until they are nice and crispy. This step ensures that your base is perfectly crunchy before piling on all those delicious toppings.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Once your fries are cooked, add either grated cheddar cheese or slices of American cheese on top. Broil them for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly. This step transforms ordinary fries into something extraordinary!

Step 5: Top with Onions and Sauce

Finally, sprinkle those delicious caramelized onions over the cheesy fries and drizzle with your homemade special sauce. Dive in while they’re hot—you won’t regret it!

Enjoy your In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

Making these delicious fries is a breeze with a few simple tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right fries: Frozen crinkle-cut or steak fries work best, as their shape holds onto the toppings better, giving you an incredible bite every time.
• Caramelize slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; low and slow allows their natural sugars to develop a deep flavor that enhances every bite of your fries.
• Broil for perfection: Keep a close eye on your cheese while broiling. It can go from melted to burnt quickly, so watch for that bubbly goodness and remove it promptly!
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more relish or vinegar. Making it just right for your taste makes all the difference!
• Serve immediately: Enjoy these fries fresh out of the oven. They’re best served hot and crispy, ensuring every bite is delightful.

How to Serve In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries

Presentation is everything! Serving these fries can be as fun and creative as making them.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds color but also a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors.
• Fresh parsley: A touch of finely chopped parsley brings brightness and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Classic Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the fries while adding freshness.
• Sweet Potato Fries: These are a great alternative for those who want something sweet. Their natural sweetness pairs well with savory toppings.
• Grilled Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a smoky flavor that complements the cheesy fries beautifully.
• Veggie Sliders: Mini plant-based sliders are perfect for serving alongside animal-style fries. They make for a fun, shareable meal that everyone will love!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a delightful dining experience that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make the sauce and caramelized onions ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a delicious snack or side dish whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the caramelized onions and sauce in separate containers to maintain their freshness.
• It’s best to reheat only what you plan to eat to preserve texture.

Freezing

• While it’s not ideal to freeze fries once they’re cooked, you can freeze uncooked fries. Follow package instructions for cooking them later.
• You can also freeze the caramelized onions in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them before using.

Reheating

• For fries, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
• Warm the caramelized onions on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
• Drizzle your homemade sauce over your reheated fries and enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose gluten-free frozen fries and ensure that your sauces do not contain gluten-based ingredients.

What cheese is best for In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries?

While American cheese is traditionally used, cheddar cheese works wonderfully too! Choose whichever melts best for your taste.

How can I customize my In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries?

Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for a fresh twist on this classic recipe!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! Just slice them into fry shapes, soak them in water to reduce starch, then bake or fry as desired before adding toppings.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries! They are a delightful twist on a fast-food favorite that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a cozy night in. Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so gather your loved ones and dig into this cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!