Get ready to have your mind blown with this In-N-Out animal fries copycat recipe. It’s a delicious version of the tasty animal style fries that you can make right at home!
In n Out Burger Secret Menu
Did you know that In-N-Out Burger has a secret menu? In all honesty, the secret menu isn’t so secret any more. They offer other special styles like the Flying Dutchman, Protein style, their acclaimed grilled cheese and specialty milkshakes like root beer or neopolitan.
One of the highlights are the Animal Style Fries.
Nearly all of the cheeseburgers come animal style already, adding gooey American cheese, fried onions and Fry Sauce, but you can also get your fries smothered with the addictive combination.
A cult following of In-N-Out Burger will tell you the animal fries might actually be better than the award winning fast food burgers.
What Are Animal Style Fries?
It starts with super crispy French Fries piled high with deliciousness. My suggestion, mix them up good and eat them with a fork.
Then you can really mop up the awesome sauce. These aren’t the best finger food.
What is Animal Sauce?
The key is really in the sauce. A fry sauce that combines ketchup, mustard, dill pickles and mayonnaise with one special ingredient that really gives it a tang.
While Fry Sauce tastes great as a dipping sauce for nearly, well, everything, it can also top a burger, hot dog or deli sandwich. Yes, it is similar to thousand island dressing, but a little different.
Animal Fry Toppings
The animal fries really come into play with the addition of deeply fried onions and American cheese.
Want to them up a notch further? Try using my Bacon Jalapeno Fry Sauce for spicy Animal Style Fries! You can also make Onion Strings or Beer Battered Onions Rings Animal Style!
The onions must be deeply caramelized so they achieve a sweet heat to complement the savory sauce and cheese. Make sure you check out the science behind caramelized onions before you get started.
My version is pretty bougie- these also have freshly cracked pepper, flaky salt and scallions. You won’t find those items in an actual In-N-Out burger.
What Should I Serve Them With?
Well, the obvious choice is a burger. But if that doesn’t float your boat, here are a few more options:
What You’ll Need
A Rimmed Baking Sheet, a hungry appetite and a few other ingredients.
- Cooked French Fries– Think fast food fries, thin and crispy. But honestly, you are at home and can use whatever size or shape of fry floats your boat. I do suggest actually frying them or using an air fryer to get a nice, crunchy crust. All the cheese and sauce has the tendency to sog them up a bit. Crinkle cut is great for holding onto the sauce and onions well.
- Caramelized onions– Make your own or just saute them for a more onion-y vibe. Or leave them off, not everyone eats onions raw like I do.
- Fry Sauce- Yes, fry sauce is more than just ketchup and mayo. It has a few seasons.
- American cheese– Use orange American or white American and honestly, I prefer sharp cheddar. Freshly shredded will melt best, but if you are short on time, use slices or pre-shredded cheese.
Make Them!
Making these are easy, but I do recommend not making them ahead of time. They are best fresh and HOT!
- Preheat the broiler to high, move a cooking rack to 5-6 inches away from the heating element and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Arrange the cooked fries in a single to double layer. Top with the cheese. Place in oven until cheese melts.
- Remove and add the caramelized onions and fry sauce. Return to the oven for just a minute or two to heat.
- Remove and eat immediately. I suggest a fork- they are hot!
Leftovers & Freezing
How Do You Reheat Animal Fries?
You can certianly reheat leftovers in the microwave, but the oven is the way to go to preserve a little crunch in the fries. The microwave often makes then rubbery. Heat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze Animal Fries?
I do not suggest freezing animal style fries.
More Copycat Recipes
- Cinnamon Honey Texas Roadhouse Butter
- Copycat Carrabba’s Bread Dip Spices
- KFC Popcorn Chicken
- Arby’s Curly Fries
Copycat In-N-Out Burger Animal Style Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups French Fries cooked
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 1/2 cup Fry Sauce
- 4 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese
- scallions, pepper and salt , for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high, move a cooking rack to 5-6 inches away from the heating element and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Arrange the cooked fries in a single to double layer. Top with the cheese. Place in oven until cheese melts.
- Remove and add the caramelized onions and fry sauce. Return to the oven for just a minute or two to heat.
- Remove and eat immediately and garnish (if desired). I suggest a fork- they are hot!
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Holy YUM!!! I haven’t been to an In-N-Out since oh probably 1990ish,I remember the food being so delish! Definitely need to try these fries they look amazing!
I need to try going to In-N-Out Burger at some point, there stuff sounds so tasty! But until then, at least I can try making these fries at home!
Oh my goodness! Drooling over here! I NEED to make these!!!
I’ve never even seen an in n out burger. But that cheese sauce has me like wow!
What?!!!! I love In-n-out and miss it so much now that I live in the Midwest. These look delicious!
I’ve never had these before, but they look delicious! I may have to try them once I am off my diet.
Mmmm…I just love In-n-Out! I don’t usually get the animal style fries because they are so messy in the car. 🙂 I love the idea of making them at home!
I must say – I haven’t been to In-N-Out…I always plan to go when I’m in the states but life happens! Now I can have these oooey gooey fries at home. They look scrumptious
Wow! This looks incredible!!