If you’ve ever been to In-N-Out, chances are you’ve tried their legendary Animal Style Fries. Crispy fries topped with gooey cheese, golden caramelized onions, and that signature tangy-sweet special sauce—it’s pure comfort food bliss.
Now you can bring that West Coast fast-food magic into your own kitchen with this easy In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries recipe. Using frozen fries for convenience, melty cheddar or American cheese, slow-cooked caramelized onions, and a quick homemade sauce that tastes just like the original, you’ll have a crave-worthy plate of loaded fries in just about 35 minutes.
Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight indulgence, these fries are sure to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast-Food Favorite at Home – Save the drive-thru trip and make it yourself.
- Rich & Flavorful – Creamy sauce, sweet onions, and cheesy fries in every bite.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with frozen fries as the base.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, snacks, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
In-N-Out Inspired Special Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp chili flakes (optional)
Main Ingredients
- ½ bag frozen fries
- Cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- ½ tsp salt
Directions
Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add neutral oil, diced onions, and salt. Stir every few minutes until onions are soft and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Lower heat if they start to burn.
Make the Special Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
Prepare the Fries
Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy and golden.
Melt the Cheese
Place cooked fries on a baking sheet. Top with grated cheddar or slices of American cheese. Broil for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Assemble the Fries
Top with caramelized onions and a generous drizzle of special sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Best Fresh: These fries are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: Fries lose their texture when frozen after cooking.
Tips for Success
- Caramelize onions low and slow—don’t rush them! They need time to get sweet and golden.
- Use a broiler for perfectly melty cheese that stretches with every bite.
- For extra crispiness, cook fries in an air fryer instead of baking.
- Double the sauce—it’s addictive and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce or jalapeños on top.
- Loaded Animal Fries – Top with crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
- Lighter Version – Use oven-baked sweet potato fries.
- Vegan Twist – Swap mayo for vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese.
FAQ About Animal Style Fries
1. What kind of fries should I use?
Frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries work best for this recipe.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, hand-cut fries are delicious but will add prep time.
3. What cheese is closest to In-N-Out’s?
American cheese slices melt the closest to the real deal, but cheddar adds a sharper flavor.
4. How long do the onions take to caramelize?
At least 30 minutes on low heat—you want them golden, not burned.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Wrapping It Up
These In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries are cheesy, saucy, and loaded with flavor—just like the real deal. With crispy fries, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and that famous special sauce, this recipe is the ultimate fast-food-inspired comfort dish.
Make them for game day, a fun movie night, or whenever you’re craving that California classic at home. Trust me, they’ll disappear in minutes!
The Goods
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
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Recipes
In-N-Out Inspired Special Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp chili flakes optional
Main Ingredients
- ½ bag frozen fries
- Cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 onions diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add neutral oil, diced onions, and salt. Stir every few minutes until onions are soft and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Lower heat if they start to burn.
Make the Special Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
Prepare the Fries
- Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy and golden.
Melt the Cheese
- Place cooked fries on a baking sheet. Top with grated cheddar or slices of American cheese. Broil for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Assemble the Fries
- Top with caramelized onions and a generous drizzle of special sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
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