Oh boy, do I have a recipe that’ll take your family nights to the next level, just like it did for mine! Now let me tell you, I’ve always been one to gravitate towards simple yet flavor-packed meals, the kind that bring everyone around the table with a grin. One of our absolute favorites is the In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries. If you’re a fan of comfort food that delivers big on taste without keeping you in the kitchen all day, this one’s for you.
I remember the first time we whipped these up; it was for a cozy weekend movie night. You know those times when you want to do something special without going overboard? Right, that’s when these fries stole the show, and ever since, they’ve become a staple for those Friday nights or when the kids need a little cheering up after a long day at school. They bring a delightful blend of texture and flavor, making them a hit almost effortlessly.
What makes this recipe a go-to is its simplicity. The ingredients list isn’t intimidating, and the steps are straightforward, which is perfect for someone who often finds themselves juggling multiple things at once—like I do. You’ll love how the onions slowly caramelize, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, while the crispy fries provide that satisfying crunch. And let’s not even get started on that sauce—it brings everything together with a perfect tangy-sweet note.
These fries aren’t just a hit with the kids; they’re husband-approved too! I mean, what’s not to love about smoky, cheesy goodness, especially when it comes with such a quick prep time? Plus, it brings a bit of the diner experience straight to your home, which for my family, is always a win. So whether you’re munching on them as a savory side dish or making them the star of the meal, they’re sure to delight.
How to Make In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 bag frozen fries
- 1/2 tablespoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- Begin by melting the butter in a pan over medium-low heat and adding the neutral oil.
- Add the chopped onions along with the salt, and stir occasionally as the onions gently caramelize. This process might take around 30 minutes.
- While the onions are cooking, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Prepare the frozen fries according to the package directions, aiming for a crispy finish.
- Once the fries are done, sprinkle on some grated cheddar or lay slices of American cheese on top. Broil for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted.
- Top your cheesy fries with the caramelized onions and drizzle the homemade sauce over the top. Serve and savor each bite!
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar will do just fine. You can swap cheddar for any melting cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack or Swiss. Don’t like chili flakes? Skip them or add a pinch of cayenne for a different heat.
Serving Suggestions:
These fries go wonderfully with a side salad for balance or with a cold glass of iced tea to keep things refreshing. They’re terrific on their own, but you can step it up by serving them with grilled chicken or a juicy burger.
Seasonal Variations:
During summer, add a fresh tomato salsa on top for a vibrant twist. In winter, try adding some crispy bacon bits for extra warmth. In the fall, you might want to sprinkle some nutmeg into the sauce for that cozy, seasonal spice.
Cooking Tips:
For perfectly caramelized onions, slow and steady wins the race! Let them cook gently without rushing. Want extra crisp fries? Toss them in a bit of cornstarch before cooking for added crunch.
Storing Suggestion:
If you have leftovers—which is rare—store the fries and sauce separately. Keep fries in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! Fresh potatoes can be sliced into fries and baked or fried. Just make sure they are cut evenly for even cooking. They’ll take a bit longer to prepare, but they often taste fresher and can be seasoned to your liking.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Sure thing! Bake the fries instead of frying them to cut down on oil. Use low-fat mayonnaise in the sauce, and choose a lower-calorie cheese. These little tweaks can help reduce the overall fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you enjoy spice, you can add more chili flakes or include a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture. Alternatively, including finely chopped jalapeños can up the heat while adding a new flavor dimension.
What if I don’t like sweet relish?
You can leave it out or replace it with chopped dill pickles for a tangy kick. This alterative still gives the sauce depth but alters the flavor profile slightly to be less sweet.
Are there any vegan alternatives for this recipe?
Definitely! Use vegan mayonnaise and cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly. Additionally, make sure the frozen fries are cooked in a way that suits your dietary preferences, avoiding any non-vegan preparation methods.
How can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken or a plant-based protein like fried tofu can be great additions to these fries, turning them into a more complete meal. This addition makes them heartier and can be particularly appealing for those seeking a more filling dish.
In-N-Out Copycat Animal Style Fries
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 bag frozen fries
- 1/2 tablespoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- to taste cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and add the neutral oil.
- Toss in the chopped onions along with the salt.
- Stir occasionally as the onions caramelize—don't rush! This lovely process can take 30 minutes or more.
- While the onions are working their magic, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl to create the sauce. Set it aside.
- Bake or fry the frozen fries according to the package instructions—get them crispy!
- When the fries are ready, sprinkle grated cheddar or lay sliced American cheese on top. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is delightfully melted.
- Finally, top your cheesy fries with the caramelized onions and drizzle on that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
