In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries are a delightful twist on classic fries, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. This recipe showcases crispy fries topped with gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade sauce that captures the essence of fast food favorites. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a comfort snack, these fries will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of cheese, onions, and special sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or even a late-night snack.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings or movie nights with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Make sure you have these essentials on hand to create the perfect In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan: Essential for caramelizing onions evenly without burning them.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for baking fries to achieve that crispiness we all love.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients for the special sauce seamlessly.

Ingredients
An easy In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries recipe of french fries topped with American cheese slices, caramelized onions and homemade special sauce.
For the 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)
For the Fries
- 1/2 bag frozen fries
- Cheddar cheese/American cheese
For the Onions
- 2 onions (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium low heat and pour in neutral oil.
- Add the diced onions and sprinkle salt over them.
- Stir every few minutes until the onions caramelize. If they start to burn, reduce the heat. This process takes at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Special Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using).
- Mix well until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Fries
- Bake or fry the frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Animal Style Fries
- Once cooked, remove fries from heat and place them on a baking sheet.
- Add grated cheddar cheese or slices of American cheese on top of the fries.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
- Add caramelized onions over the cheesy fries.
- Drizzle your homemade sauce generously on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries!
How to Serve In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Serving In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries can elevate your meal experience. These cheesy, savory fries pair well with various dishes and drinks, making them a versatile addition to any table.
With a Side of Fresh Salad
- A crisp garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the fries.
As a Main Dish
- Enjoy these fries as a hearty main dish by adding grilled chicken or beef on top for extra protein.
Paired with Dipping Sauces
- Serve with extra dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for added flavor and variety.
With a Creamy Coleslaw
- A tangy coleslaw complements the flavors of the fries while adding crunch and texture.
Topped with Jalapeños
- Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick of heat.
How to Perfect In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Creating the perfect In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure delicious results.
- Use fresh onions: Fresh, high-quality onions caramelize better and enhance the overall flavor.
- Control the heat: Keep your cooking temperature low while caramelizing onions for sweet, evenly browned results.
- Broil carefully: When melting cheese, keep an eye on it under the broiler to avoid burning.
- Customize your sauce: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess in your sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Choose the right fries: Opt for thick-cut frozen fries that can hold up well under toppings without getting soggy.
- Serve immediately: To enjoy the best texture, serve these fries right after preparing them.
Best Side Dishes for In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries make an excellent side dish or snack. Here are some great options to pair with them:
- Grilled Chicken Strips: Juicy strips seasoned simply and grilled to perfection provide a satisfying protein boost.
- Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of grilled veggies add both nutrition and vibrant colors to your plate.
- Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad with lime dressing adds creaminess that complements the crunchy fries.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, or quinoa, these peppers offer a hearty side that’s full of flavor.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from shredded zucchini are light and flavorful, perfect alongside cheesy fries.
- Chili Con Carne: A warm bowl of chili provides warmth and spice that pairs nicely with creamy fries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries truly delicious. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes patience. If you cook them on high heat, they may burn instead of caramelizing. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally for best results.
- Skipping the Sauce: The special sauce is essential for that authentic taste. Don’t skip it! Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly and let it sit while you prepare the fries.
- Neglecting Fry Instructions: Each brand of frozen fries has specific cooking instructions. Failing to follow these can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked fries. Always check the package for the best results.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe. Using low-quality cheese can lead to a bland flavor. Opt for good quality American or cheddar cheese for a rich taste.
- Not Preheating the Oven: If you plan to broil the cheese, make sure your oven is preheated. This helps the cheese melt evenly and gives it that perfect gooey texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
- Place cooled fries in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake fries on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place fries on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté fries until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries:
How can I make my In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries healthier?
You can use air-fried or baked fries instead of deep-frying them. Additionally, opt for reduced-fat cheese or homemade sauce with less mayonnaise.
Can I customize the toppings on my In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even guacamole for extra flavor and variety.
What type of fries work best for this recipe?
Crinkle-cut or regular frozen fries work best as they hold toppings well. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite fry type!
How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cooking onions slowly over low heat allows their natural sugars to develop without burning. Stir frequently and be patient!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based mayonnaise and cheese alternatives, along with vegetable broth instead of butter when cooking the onions.
Final Thoughts
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries are not only simple but also incredibly versatile! You can easily customize them with extra toppings or enjoy them just as they are. This recipe makes a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack that everyone will love. Give it a try and indulge in this delightful twist on a fast-food favorite!
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries, a delicious twist on a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe features crispy fries generously topped with gooey cheddar cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade sauce that perfectly mimics the fast-food experience. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply satisfying your late-night cravings, these cheesy fries are sure to impress friends and family alike. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they offer a delightful addition to any gathering or cozy meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries
- Cheddar cheese or American cheese
- Onions
- Butter
- Neutral oil
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- Sweet relish
- Sugar
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt butter with neutral oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and salt, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes until onions are golden brown.
- Prepare the special sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the fries: Bake or fry frozen fries according to package instructions until crispy.
- Assemble the fries: Place cooked fries on a baking sheet, top with grated cheese, and broil for 3-5 minutes until melted.
- Finish with toppings: Add caramelized onions and drizzle with the special sauce before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg