In N Out Animal Style Fries (Printable)
Crispy fries loaded with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy signature sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fries
01 - 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch strips
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - Salt, to taste
→ Toppings
04 - 1 cup shredded American cheese or cheddar cheese
05 - 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Animal Style Sauce
07 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
09 - 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
10 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
12 - 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
13 - Pinch of paprika
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F if baking. Toss the potato strips with vegetable oil and a generous pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, deep-fry in oil heated to 350°F in batches for 4–6 minutes until golden, then drain on paper towels and salt while hot.
02 - Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until deeply golden brown and fully caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of water if the onions begin to stick to the pan.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
04 - Arrange the hot fries on a serving platter. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top and place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until melted, if desired. Top with the caramelized onions and drizzle generously with the Animal Style sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce is so good you will want to put it on everything from burgers to sandwiches to plain crackers.
- They come together fast enough to satisfy a sudden craving without leaving your house.
02 -
- Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking makes a dramatic difference in how crispy they get, so do not skip this step if you have the time.
- The cheese will not melt properly if the fries have cooled down too much, so work quickly once they come out of the oven or fryer.
03 -
- Frozen fries are a completely acceptable shortcut on busy nights and nobody will judge you for using them.
- The sauce tastes even better if you make it a few hours ahead and let it rest in the fridge so the flavors fully develop.