In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Indulge in golden, crispy fries layered with creamy American cheese and a sweet-and-savory blend of caramelized onions. This beloved west coast snack is finished with a tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and a splash of vinegar. Each bite features melty cheese, hearty fries, and pops of flavor from the special sauce and soft onions. Perfect for sharing or as a satisfying treat on its own, these topped fries deliver irresistible nostalgia and comfort with every forkful.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 17:04:53 GMT
A tray of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. Save
A tray of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. | lilicooks.com

For anyone who has ever craved the comfort of iconic drive-thru fries without leaving the house these In-N-Out animal style fries bring the ultimate West Coast favorite straight to your kitchen They capture the irresistible combo of melted American cheese golden fries savory caramelized onions and that legendary sauce all made with easy grocery finds

Ingredients

  • Frozen French fries: classic for getting the right crispy texture look for thicker cut for a heartier bite
  • Mayonnaise: creamy base for the animal style sauce use a high quality or even make your own for richer flavor
  • Ketchup: gives a tangy sweet kick opt for a no corn syrup version for cleaner taste
  • Yellow mustard: brightens the sauce and echoes the original recipe brands like Frenchs work well
  • Sweet relish: adds tiny pops of sweetness and crunch check jar to make sure the relish is fresh and not dull in color
  • White vinegar: sharpens all the flavors pure white vinegar is best
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning adjust to taste especially if you go heavier on the fries
  • Butter: for rich flavor and essential for caramelizing onions
  • Yellow onion: diced small for even caramelizing pick one that feels heavy and is free from soft spots
  • American cheese: the classic melts perfectly look for deli slices if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fries:
Spread frozen fries onto a baking sheet making sure they are in an even layer Bake according to package instructions usually around twenty five minutes until crisp and golden
Mix Animal Style Sauce:
In a medium bowl thoroughly whisk mayonnaise ketchup mustard sweet relish white vinegar a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper Keep whisking until smooth and well blended Place the sauce in the refrigerator so the flavors meld while you cook
Caramelize the Onions:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat Add the diced onions sprinkle with a little salt and pepper Cook slowly for about ten minutes stirring often until onions turn deep golden and sweet This step is the secret to a true animal style flavor do not rush it
Melt the Cheese:
Once fries are fully cooked turn off the oven Arrange cheese slices over the hot fries so they cover as much as possible Slide the fries back into the warm oven for about five minutes just until the cheese is melted smooth and gooey
Assemble the Fries:
Scatter the hot caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese fries
Finish with Sauce:
Spoon the chilled animal style sauce generously over the fries Top with extra pepper if you like Serve at once for the ultimate experience
A plate of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. Save
A plate of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is always the onions They fill the whole kitchen with a sweet and savory aroma and every time my family smells them cooking everyone gathers in the kitchen just waiting for that first bite There is something so satisfying about recreating restaurant classics at home together

Storage Tips

They are best eaten right out of the oven but if you have leftovers spread them out in a single layer and reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until the fries crisp up again Avoid the microwave which makes everything soggy You can also keep extra sauce in the fridge for up to a week tightly covered

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in regular cheddar if you do not have American cheese Try a vegan mayo and dairy free cheese for a plant-based spin Diced pickles work instead of relish if needed Use fresh hand cut potatoes if you prefer to skip prepackaged frozen fries just slice thick and soak in water to remove starch

Serving Suggestions

Make them a full meal by topping with crumbled cooked bacon or chopped burger patties Serve with homemade burgers on the side and a big pitcher of homemade lemonade For parties serve in paper trays and let everyone drizzle their own sauce

A plate of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. Save
A plate of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries. | lilicooks.com

Animal Style Fries in Food Culture

These fries are a beloved secret menu item at In-N-Out known for indulgence and that signature messy goodness Their popularity has inspired home cooks and food trucks everywhere For me sharing these at home always brings up stories of late night burger runs and road trip memories

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these fries 'animal style'?

Animal style refers to fries topped with layers of melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy sauce that combines classic sandwich condiments.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! Slice, soak, and fry fresh potatoes for an even crispier base before adding the toppings.

→ How do I caramelize onions perfectly?

Cook diced onions in butter over medium heat, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.

→ Is there a way to make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, whisk together the sauce ingredients and refrigerate for up to three days to allow the flavors to develop.

→ What cheese is best for these fries?

Classic American cheese melts smoothly and gives the signature creamy layer, but cheddar also works well.

→ Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?

Baked fries work great—just follow the package instructions or bake fresh potato wedges for a lighter version.

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

Crispy fries covered in cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy savory sauce, inspired by a west coast favorite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 1 large plate of fries

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Fries

01 32 oz frozen fries

→ Animal Style Sauce

02 1/2 cup mayonnaise
03 3 tbsp ketchup
04 1 tbsp yellow mustard
05 3 tbsp sweet relish
06 1 tsp white vinegar
07 Salt
08 Pepper

→ Toppings

09 2 tbsp butter
10 1 yellow onion, diced
11 6 slices American cheese

Steps

Step 01

Place the fries onto a baking sheet and cook them according to the package instructions.

Step 02

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 03

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 04

Once the fries are cooked, turn off the oven and place slices of American cheese side by side to cover the fries. Place back in the warm oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Step 05

Sprinkle the caramelized onions over the melted cheese fries.

Step 06

Remove the animal style sauce from the refrigerator, drizzle it over the fries, and enjoy.

Tips

  1. Refrigerating the sauce for a few minutes helps the flavors meld together.
  2. Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium-high heat enhances their natural sweetness.

Required Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Whisk
  • Medium-sized skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and butter.
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 8 g