Animal Style Fries (In N Out Copycat)

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This Animal Style Fries recipe is a In-N-Out Burger copycat of the popular crispy fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions and creamy “secret sauce”!

In N Out Animal Style Fries Copycat Recipe

Unless you’re familiar with the American fast food chain In-N-Out Burger you’re probably wondering, what are animal style fries? They are French fries topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions and “secret sauce”. In other words, they’re like burger-style nachos. And they’re deelish! Especially when you make them at home from scratch which, as I always say, is sooo much better!

Ingredients

To make In-N-Out Animal Fries you’ll need essentially four things: French fries, cheese, onions and secret sauce. Let’s break those down further:

• French Fries: Check out my recipe for Oven Baked French Fries or, alternatively, Baked Potato Wedges. If you’d like to ramp up the flavor for a Cajun twist on these animal fries, check out my Cajun Fries. Yes, you can shave some time off by using store-bought fries but my website’s all about from-scratch recipes, so naturally I recommend homemade.
• Cheese: The In-N-Out Burger version uses sliced American cheese. It’s cheap, melts well and quickly. But you have some other options. If you’re like me and prefer to avoid processed cheese, you can either used shredded Cheddar cheese or, for a creamier option, make this easy Cheddar cheese sauce.
• Onions: Yellow onions are caramelized in butter. Yummmm.
• In N Out Sauce: Also called their “secret sauce”. Though not so secret, it’s similar to McDonald’s “secret sauce”, aka Big Mac Sauce, and Thousand Island Dressing. To make it you’ll need mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup (check out my homemade ketchup), yellow mustard, sweet onion, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Animal Style Fries Recipe

Let’s get started!

First we’re going to make the In-N-Out Sauce recipe.

This can be made well in advance, up to several days. Place all of the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate. For the best flavor, wait at least 4 hours before.

Next let’s make the fries.

Follow my recipe for making these crispy Oven Baked French Fries. You can increase or decrease the quantity as needed. If you prefer to deep fry the fries, check out my tutorial for making them in my recipe for Fish and Chips.

Now it’s time for the caramelized onions.

While the fries are baking, heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the onions with a pinch of salt and sugar until they’re nicely browned.

Time to assemble!

To serve place the French fries on a plate, top with sliced American cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese (will need to microwave briefly until melted) or drizzle with Cheddar cheese sauce, top with caramelized onions, and spoon over some sauce. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!