In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

A hand lifts cheesy loaded fries topped with melted cheese and a creamy sauce from a tray lined with parchment paper.

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

These In-N-Out Animal Style Fries are a copycat version of the fast-food favorite, loaded with crispy fries, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s the kind of fan-favorite snack that disappears fast on game days, movie nights, or late-night hangs with friends, and it still comes together quickly with frozen fries and pantry staples.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: copycat In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

Servings: servings

Calories: 797kcal

Ingredients

Fries

24 ounces frozen French fries thin cut or shoe string
4 slices American cheese

Onions

2 Tablespoons salted butter
1 small yellow onion finely diced
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Sauce

½ cup mayo
3 Tablespoons ketchup
2 Tablespoons sweet relish
1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar

Instructions

Bake Fries: Bake 24 ounces frozen French fries on a baking sheet according to the package directions. (For easy cleanup, bake them on a lightly sprayed piece of foil or parchment paper.)
Caramelize Onions: While fries bake, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt 2 Tablespoons salted butter. Add diced onion and cook for about 10-15 minutes until soft. Stir in 1 teaspoon brown sugar and cook another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Make Sauce: Whisk ½ cup mayo, 3 Tablespoons ketchup, 2 Tablespoons sweet relish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar, and 1 teaspoon white sugar together in a small bowl.
Melt Cheese: Once fries are crisp, remove baking sheet from the oven. Turn the oven to a low broil. Push fries into a pile in the center of baking sheet and lay 4 slices American cheese on top in a single layer. Broil 2-3 minutes until melted, watching closely.
Assemble: Top cheese-covered fries with caramelized onions and drizzle with sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

Refrigerator Storage: Store caramelized onions and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the fries separate, as they soften quickly once assembled.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat onions in the microwave in short bursts until warmed. Bake a fresh batch of fries when ready to serve, then assemble as directed.

Nutrition