Animal Style Fries are more than just delicious food to fill my stomach, they also fill my soul. There are certain foods that hold a special place in our hearts, not just because they taste delicious, but because of the memories they evoke. For me and my husband, one such dish is the iconic Animal Style Fries from In-N-Out. It was on our first date together and our first meal after tying the knot that we shared In-N-Out fries, and ever since, it's been a favorite go-to for satisfying cravings and reminiscing about that special day.
While nothing quite compares to the original, I was determined to recreate the magic of Animal Style Fries at home. After much trial and error, I've come up with a recipe that may not be identical but is undeniably delicious and perfect for those moments when an In-N-Out fix is needed but a trip to the drive-thru isn't an option. So, join me in the kitchen as we whip up our own version of this beloved fast-food classic.
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Mixing bowl with a lid
Ingredients for Animal Style Fries
For the Fries:
- 4 yellow potatoes, sliced into shoestring French fries
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped into small pieces
- Sharp cheddar cheese for topping (½ cup to 1 cup)
For the Spread:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- A scoop of caramelized onions
Instructions for Animal Style Fries
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 420 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Fries: In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and extra virgin olive oil. Secure the bowl with a lid and shake vigorously until the fries are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned fries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the fries are baking, sauté the finely chopped onion in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the onions turn golden brown, translucent, and caramelized.
- Make the Spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, distilled white vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Add a scoop of the caramelized onions to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and drizzle generously with the prepared spread sauce. Top with the remaining caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the taste of nostalgia!
Best at-home Animal Style Fries
While nothing can quite replicate the experience of sinking your teeth into a tray of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, this homemade version comes pretty close. With crispy shoestring fries, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy, savory spread sauce, each bite is a delicious reminder of cherished memories shared with loved ones. So, the next time you find yourself craving that classic fast-food flavor, why not whip up a batch of these homemade Animal-Style Fries and savor the taste of pure goodness in the comfort of your own kitchen?
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Animal Style Fries
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 4 yellow potatoes sliced into shoestring french fries
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped into small pieces
- Sharp cheddar cheese for on top ½ cup to 1 cup
For the Spread:
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- Scoop of caramelized onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 420 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl (with a lid) combine potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and extra virgin olive oil.
- Put the lid on the bowl and shake until the fries are coated. Spread the fries evenly on the prepared dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes (flipping halfway).
- While fries are baking in the oven, saute the onion on the stovetop with a little bit of olive oil. Saute until golden brown, translucent, and caramelized.
- Once onions are cooked, make the spread sauce by combining all the ingredients in the “spread” section until smooth.
- Once the 30 minutes is up, remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top and place back in the oven for 3 - 5 more minutes until melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with your spread sauce and remaining caramelized onions. Enjoy!
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