The Complete Guide to Mastering IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in an oven to regain their crispiness rather than a microwave.

Serving with Style:

For an authentic experience, serve your fries in a metal tray or on parchment paper. This adds to the fast-food feel and makes for a fun presentation.

Broiling for Extra Flavor:

Broiling the fries with cheese adds an irresistible gooeyness. Just a minute or two under the broiler will give you that bubbling, delicious top layer that's hard to resist.

Layering the Toppings:

After frying, ensure you layer the melted cheese on hot fries so it melts perfectly. Top with the caramelized onions and drizzle the secret sauce generously.

Caramelizing Onions:

Sautéing the onions slowly over medium heat allows them to develop their natural sweetness. This process can take around 5 minutes but enhances the overall flavor of the fries.

Making the Secret Sauce:

Mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish creates a creamy, tangy sauce reminiscent of the original. Adjust the ingredients according to your preference for sweetness or tanginess.

Frying Techniques:

Heat the oil to a consistent temperature of around 350°F. This is crucial; too low will lead to greasy fries, while too high will burn them. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, which is critical for achieving crispy fries.

Preparing the Potatoes:

Start with high-quality russet potatoes for the best results. Wash and cut them into uniform fry shapes to ensure even cooking. Soaking the fries in cold water for 30 minutes helps release excess starch, which is key to achieving that perfect crunch.

Master Your Recipe

For a complete meal, serve alongside homemade burgers or grilled sandwiches for a classic fast food experience.

While best enjoyed fresh, leftover fries can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven for a crispy texture.

Serve the fries in a metal tray or on parchment paper for an authentic diner-style presentation.

Add fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor if desired.

Ultimate IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries with Savory Toppings

Name: Ultimate IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries with Savory Toppings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Fries:; 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into fries (creates the perfect crispy base); Vegetable oil for frying (essential for achieving the right crunch and golden color); Salt to taste (elevates flavor profile and enhances overall seasoning); For the Animal Style Topping:; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds a creamy, tangy richness); 1/2 cup diced sweet onions (for sweetness and texture); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (base for the secret sauce, provides creaminess); 2 tablespoons ketchup (adds a touch of sweetness and tang); 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (gives a zesty kick); 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (for added sweetness and crunch); 1 tablespoon white vinegar (balances flavors and enhances sauce tanginess); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth of flavor); 1 teaspoon onion powder (complements the sweet onions)

If you're craving a taste of fast food heaven but want a homemade twist, these IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries are the answer! Crispy French fries, smothered in melted cheddar cheese, and topped with a tangy, secret sauce create a mouthwatering flavor explosion. The combination of sweet grilled onions and rich sauce adds a delightful contrast, while the buttery cheese brings a creamy texture to every bite. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or a comforting movie night, these fries are bound to become your new guilty pleasure. With their irresistible taste and satisfying crunch, they’ll turn any occasion into a special feast. Make them for friends, family, or just to indulge your cravings—there's something about the deliciousness that brings joy and comfort. Get ready to dive into a plate of these savory, cheesy, and undeniably delightful fries that’ll transport you straight to the heart of California’s classic burger joint!

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Fries:

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into fries (creates the perfect crispy base)

Vegetable oil for frying (essential for achieving the right crunch and golden color)

Salt to taste (elevates flavor profile and enhances overall seasoning)

For the Animal Style Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds a creamy, tangy richness)

1/2 cup diced sweet onions (for sweetness and texture)

1/2 cup mayonnaise (base for the secret sauce, provides creaminess)

2 tablespoons ketchup (adds a touch of sweetness and tang)

1 tablespoon yellow mustard (gives a zesty kick)

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (for added sweetness and crunch)

1 tablespoon white vinegar (balances flavors and enhances sauce tanginess)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth of flavor)

1 teaspoon onion powder (complements the sweet onions)

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by filling a large pot with vegetable oil and heating it to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. This temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy fries.

Step 2: While the oil heats, prepare the fries. Cut the russet potatoes into thin strips, making sure they are uniform for even cooking. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

Step 3: Drain and pat dry the potatoes with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible, which will help them become extra crispy when fried.

Step 4: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fries in batches, frying them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain the oil's temperature.

Step 5: Remove the fries using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle salt over them while they’re hot.

Step 6: For the animal style topping, start by sautéing the diced onions in a small pan over medium heat with a touch of oil until they are caramelized and soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the secret sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Once the fries are cooked and crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Remove the fries from the oven and top them with the caramelized onions, followed by a generous drizzle of the secret sauce.

Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade IN-N-OUT copycat animal style fries while they’re hot and fresh!

Ultimate IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries with Savory Toppings

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Complete Guide to Mastering IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries

Ultimate IN-N-OUT Copycat Animal Style Fries with Savory Toppings

Ingredients

Instructions