Animal Style Fries Copycat: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Animal Style Fries Copycat: Craving that iconic, cheesy, saucy goodness but can’t make it to the West Coast? Well, you’re in luck! I’m about to share my closely guarded secret to creating the ultimate Animal Style Fries Copycat recipe right in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to In-N-Out Burger heaven!

While the exact origins of Animal Style Fries are shrouded in a bit of mystery, their popularity is undeniable. Born from In-N-Out Burger’s “secret menu,” this loaded fry creation has become a cultural phenomenon, a must-try for anyone visiting California and a constant craving for those who have already experienced its magic. It’s more than just fries; it’s an experience!

So, what makes Animal Style Fries so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors: crispy golden fries, melted cheese, tangy grilled onions, and that signature spread. The creamy, slightly sweet, and undeniably addictive sauce is the key to this dish’s success. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies on every level, perfect for a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or a fun addition to any gathering. Plus, with this copycat recipe, you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes, no plane ticket required!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the French Fries:
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)
• Salt, to taste
• For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for deglazing)
• For the Animal Style Sauce (Copycat):
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• For the Cheese:
• 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar cheese slices, if preferred)

Preparing the French Fries:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: After peeling and cutting your russet potatoes into fries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, which will help your fries get extra crispy. Place the rinsed fries in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours. The longer they soak, the crispier they’ll be!
2. First Fry (Blanching): Drain the soaked fries and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is another important step to prevent splattering when you add them to the hot oil. Heat about 6-8 cups of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Carefully add the fries in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fries are soft and slightly pale. They shouldn’t be browned at this point. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. Let them cool completely. This cooling period is essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
3. Second Fry (Crisping): Once the fries are completely cooled (you can even refrigerate them for a few hours at this point), increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Again, working in batches, carefully add the fries back to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly at this stage. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon or spider and place them back on the wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
4. Seasoning: While the fries are still hot, season them generously with salt. I like to use sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor. Toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Making the Caramelized Onions:

1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice your yellow onions. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will caramelize.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Caramelize Slowly: The key to perfectly caramelized onions is patience. Cook the onions over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown color and very soft. The onions will gradually release their natural sugars and caramelize, creating a sweet and savory flavor. Be careful not to burn them; if they start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. This will also help to keep the onions moist and prevent them from burning.
4. Achieve Deep Color: Continue cooking until the onions are a rich, deep brown color. This process takes time, but it’s worth it for the incredible flavor. Once they are caramelized to your liking, remove them from the heat and set aside.

Preparing the Animal Style Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix Well: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
3. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more relish for a sweeter flavor, more mustard for a tangier flavor, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
4. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can use it immediately if you’re short on time.

Assembling the Animal Style Fries:

1. Prepare the Base: Place a generous portion of the crispy French fries on a plate or in a serving bowl.
2. Add the Cheese: Top the fries with the American cheese slices (or cheddar cheese slices). Make sure the cheese covers most of the fries so it melts properly.
3. Melt the Cheese: There are a few ways to melt the cheese. You can place the fries with the cheese under a broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can microwave the fries with the cheese for about 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. Another option is to place the fries and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
4. Top with Onions: Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onions over the melted cheese. Distribute them evenly for the best flavor in every bite.
5. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the Animal Style sauce generously over the caramelized onions and melted cheese. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for even distribution.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Animal Style Fries immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Perfect Animal Style Fries:

• Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are the best choice for making crispy fries due to their high starch content.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy fries. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust as needed.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the fries in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
• Caramelizing Onions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. Low and slow is the key to achieving that deep golden brown color and sweet, savory flavor.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little milk or water if it’s too thick.
• Cheese Melting: Watch the cheese carefully when melting it under the broiler to prevent burning.
• Serving: Animal Style Fries are best served immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.

Variations:

• Spicy Animal Style Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Animal Style sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Animal Style Fries: Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for a more complex flavor.
• Loaded Animal Style Fries: Add other toppings, such as bacon bits, chopped tomatoes, or green onions, for a more loaded version.
• Vegetarian Animal Style Fries: Use vegetarian cheese slices and ensure that the vegetable oil used for frying is vegetarian-friendly.

This recipe is a delicious and easy way to recreate the famous Animal Style Fries at home. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Animal Style Fries Copycat recipe is more than just a snack; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of California sunshine, a nostalgic trip to your favorite burger joint, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious, cheesy, saucy package. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone who loves a good indulgence and enjoys recreating restaurant favorites at home.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers that iconic Animal Style flavor that’s so addictive. Forget waiting in long lines or paying premium prices; now you can whip up a batch of these loaded fries whenever the craving strikes. Plus, the homemade sauce is seriously next-level – tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced. Trust me, you’ll be putting it on everything!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve these fries as a side dish to your favorite burgers (naturally!), grilled chicken, or even as a fun appetizer at your next party. They’re also fantastic on their own as a satisfying late-night snack.

And speaking of variations, feel free to get creative! Want to add some heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or a sprinkle of jalapeños on top will do the trick. Prefer a different cheese? Monterey Jack or pepper jack would be delicious substitutes for the cheddar. You could even try using sweet potato fries for a slightly healthier (and equally tasty) twist. For a vegetarian option, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly and consider adding some grilled onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about finding what you love and creating something that brings you joy.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this Animal Style Fries Copycat recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary creativity, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or fire up your fryer!), and get ready to experience the magic of Animal Style Fries in the comfort of your own kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’re making this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Animal Style Fries! I can’t wait to hear all about it! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Now go forth and fry!